Authors: Kumar VP, Humphreys GW
Title: The role of semantic knowledge in relearning spellings: evidence from deep dysgraphia
Source: Aphasiology 2008 22(5): 489-504
Year: 2008
Research Design: Single Case Design
Abstract:

Background: Remediation techniques for dysgraphia have focused on targeting different components of the theoretical models for spelling. Studies have revealed that targeting lexically oriented strategies can prove beneficial for patients with deep dysgraphia. Studies on short-term memory have also demonstrated a role of semantic knowledge in short-term retention Aims: Two variants of lexically oriented strategies were applied to remediate a deep dysgraphic patient, PH, and the role of imagery in supporting the learning was examined. Methods and Procedures: Retraining was explored using a visual-kinaesthetic learning technique, contrasting performance with high- and low-imagery words. Outcomes and Results: Positive effects of learning were demonstrated. There was effective initial learning of blocks of both high-imagery and low-imagery target words, but highimagery words had a clear advantage in terms of longer-term maintenance. Conclusions: The data demonstrate that semantic knowledge may play a role in strengthening graphemic representations of words, helping in the maintenance of the orthography of target words over time.

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