Cognitive Control of Speech Perception across the Lifespan: A Large-Scale Cross-Sectional Dichotic Listening Study

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Cognitive Control of Speech Perception across the Lifespan: A Large-Scale Cross-Sectional Dichotic Listening Study
Language: English
Authors: Westerhausen, René, Bless, Josef J., Passow, Susanne, Kompus, Kristiina, Hugdahl, Kenneth
Source: Developmental Psychology. Jun 2015 51(6):806-815.
Availability: American Psychological Association. Journals Department, 750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002. Tel: 800-374-2721; Tel: 202-336-5510; Fax: 202-336-5502; e-mail: order@apa.org; Web site: http://www.apa.org
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 10
Publication Date: 2015
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Auditory Perception, Speech Communication, Case Studies, Language Processing, Interpersonal Communication, Cognitive Ability, Developmental Stages, Predictor Variables, Vowels, Listening Comprehension, Correlation, Age Differences, Statistical Analysis, Databases, Foreign Countries, Auditory Discrimination, Pronunciation, Norwegian
Geographic Terms: Norway
DOI: 10.1037/dev0000014
ISSN: 0012-1649
Abstract: The ability to use cognitive-control functions to regulate speech perception is thought to be crucial in mastering developmental challenges, such as language acquisition during childhood or compensation for sensory decline in older age, enabling interpersonal communication and meaningful social interactions throughout the entire life span. Although previous studies indicate that cognitive control of speech perception is subject to developmental changes, its exact developmental trajectory has not been described. Thus, examining a sample of 2,988 participants (1,119 women) with an age range from 5 to 89 years, the aim of the present cross-sectional study was to examine the development of cognitive control of speech perception across the life span using age as continuous predictor. Based on data collected with the forced-attention consonant--vowel dichotic listening paradigm, the data analysis revealed an inverted U-shaped association of age and performance level: A steep increase in performance level was seen throughout childhood and adolescence, reaching highest performance in the early 20s, and was followed by a monotonous, continuous decline into late adulthood. Thus, cognitive control of speech perceptions shows similar life span developmental trajectories as observed regarding cognitive-control functions in other domains, for example, as assessed in the visual domain.
Abstractor: As Provided
Number of References: 55
Entry Date: 2018
Accession Number: EJ1167882
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:The ability to use cognitive-control functions to regulate speech perception is thought to be crucial in mastering developmental challenges, such as language acquisition during childhood or compensation for sensory decline in older age, enabling interpersonal communication and meaningful social interactions throughout the entire life span. Although previous studies indicate that cognitive control of speech perception is subject to developmental changes, its exact developmental trajectory has not been described. Thus, examining a sample of 2,988 participants (1,119 women) with an age range from 5 to 89 years, the aim of the present cross-sectional study was to examine the development of cognitive control of speech perception across the life span using age as continuous predictor. Based on data collected with the forced-attention consonant--vowel dichotic listening paradigm, the data analysis revealed an inverted U-shaped association of age and performance level: A steep increase in performance level was seen throughout childhood and adolescence, reaching highest performance in the early 20s, and was followed by a monotonous, continuous decline into late adulthood. Thus, cognitive control of speech perceptions shows similar life span developmental trajectories as observed regarding cognitive-control functions in other domains, for example, as assessed in the visual domain.
ISSN:0012-1649
DOI:10.1037/dev0000014