Assessing computer -mediated communication discourse of a traumatic brain injury survivor

Abstract

Speech-language pathologists and audiologists have begun using computer technology for information storage and retrieval and as one means of providing clinical services to communication-disordered patients. The purpose of this study is to develop a protocol to assess the written communication of brain-injured clients whose communication therapy milieu includes interactions with the world outside the treatment room through computer-mediated communication (CMC). A panel of experts reviewed a series of discourse analysis procedures and rated their perceptions of validity, reliability, and ease-of use for the procedures as means of evaluating CMC discourse. The Computer-Mediated Communication Evaluation Protocol (CMC-EP) was developed based on the results of the analysis of the panel ratings and a post-rating consensus inquiry. A series of e-mail messages and on-line text chats generated over a period of three years were evaluated using the CMC-EP. The results of the CMC-EP were examined to determine if patterns of change were revealed in the CMC discourse of a traumatic brain injury. The CMC-EP consists of four procedures: T-unit analysis, cohesion analysis, Correct Information Unit analysis, and three scales of the Rating of Communication Behaviors. Using the CMC-EP enables speech-language pathologists to complete surface / sentential analysis, cohesion analysis, informational analysis, and conversation analysis of CMC discourse. My family has made tremendous sacrifices in their lives to allow me the time to spend in this study. Without the unstinting support and encouragement of my husband, Al Prichard, I could not have devoted the time and mental effort I needed to complete my task. My children, Zachary and Angeline, have always been understanding and supportive of the time I spent away from them working. You always made me feel our family was okay even when my hours of work away from home meant doing things in our family just a little differently. I love you all. The unwavering conviction of my parents, William and Mildred Fickey, and my sister, Kate, that I would actually finish what I had begun helped to spur me on though long hours of work. Thank you for your love and for your faith in me. My colleagues in the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology have supported me throughout my study with humor and good will. Thank you for your encouragement and your support. I owe special thanks to my colleague and friend, Kenneth O. St. Louis, for the many hours he spent in discussion and data dissection. The Chairperson of my committee, Dr. George R. Maughan, has been my fervent cheerleader and kind critic. Often I needed both and he was always there.