title: Evaluating the predictive validity of the computerized comprehension task: comprehension predicts production.
abstract: Until recently, the challenges inherent in measuring comprehension have impeded our ability to predict the course of language acquisition. The present research reports on a longitudinal assessment of the convergent and predictive validity of the MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventories: Words and Gestures (CDI: WG; Fenson et al., 1994, 1993, 2007) and the Computerized Comprehension Task (CCT; Friend & Keplinger, 2003, 2008). The CDI: WG and the CCT evinced good convergent validity; however, the CCT better predicted subsequent parent reports of language production. Language sample data in the 3rd year confirm this finding: The CCT accounted for 24% of the variance in unique word use. These studies provide evidence for the utility of a behavior-based approach to predicting the course of language acquisition into production.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, College of Sciences, San Diego StateUniversity, San Diego, CA 92120-4913, USA. mfriend@sciences.sdsu.edu
authors.forename: Margaret
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Friend
authors.forename: Sara A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Schmitt
authors.forename: Adrianne M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Simpson
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D002657:Child Development / Q000502:physiology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D032882:Comprehension / Q000502:physiology*; D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007804:Language Development; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012044:Regression Analysis; D015203:Reproducibility of Results