Using the Generalization Matrix for Selection of Target and Probe Speech Sounds in Children with Phonological Disorders

Previous research has been conducted that lends evidence to the effectiveness of using complexity as a way to treat phonologic and language disorders in children, as well as adults, to induce generalization. While there is research supporting this method, there are currently no efficacy studies incorporating the Generalization Matrix in selection of complex phonemic targets and generalization probes for children with phonological disorders. This study investigated the consideration of using the matrix in selection of complex target phonemes and generalization probes in children with phonological disorders to determine the efficacy of the matrix. The study was designed to address the following research question: What is the efficacy of using the Generalization Matrix in selection of complex phonologic target behaviors, as well as generalization probes, in promoting generalization of correct production of untaught phonemes in children with phonological disorders? A single-subject research design utilizing multiple-baselines across participants was used for this study. Participants consisted of 4 children, ages 4:0-6:11, with a diagnosis of a phonological disorder. Research took place over the course of 10-12 weeks, with 2 thirty-minute sessions per week, for each child. The results of the study lend efficacy to the Generalization Matrix.