Response time and word recognition using a Modified-Rhyme monitoring task: list equivalency and time-order effects.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to assess list equivalency and time-order effects of word recognition scores and response time measures obtained using a digital recording of the Modified Rhyme Test (MRT) with a response time monitoring task (Mackersie, Neuman, & Levitt, 1999).


METHODS
Response times and percent correct measures were obtained from listeners with normal hearing using the MRT materials presented at a signal to noise ratio of +3 dB. Listeners were tested using a word-monitoring task in which six alternatives were presented in series and listeners pushed a button when they heard the target word (as displayed on the computer monitor). Listeners were tested in two sessions. During each session each of the six MRT lists was administered once. Time-order effects were examined both between and within test sessions.


RESULTS
All lists were equivalent for both speech recognition accuracy and response time except List 1, which showed slightly higher percent correct scores than the other lists. Varied patterns of systematic change over time were observed in 75% of the listeners for the response time measures and for 33% of the listeners for the percent correct measures.


CONCLUSIONS
Lists 2 through 6 of this version of the MRT are equivalent, with List 1 producing slightly higher word recognition scores. Systematic changes over time in response time data for the majority of listeners suggest the need for careful implementation of the test to avoid time-order effects.
Mackersie
C
C
Center for Research in Speech and Hearing Sciences, Graduate School, City University of New York, New York, USA.
Neuman
A C
AC
Levitt
H
H
D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D011930:Reaction Time; D013067:Speech Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D013997:Time Factors