Transparency and Recall of Symbols among Intellectually Handicapped Adults

¹ University of Minnesota, Duluth
² University of Minnesota, Minneapolis

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the transparency and recall of symbols representing three parts of speech (nouns, verbs, descriptors) from three different graphic symbol systems (Blissymbols, Picture Communication System, and Picsyms) among adults with intellectual handicaps. Results suggested that the Picture Communication System (PCS) and Picsyms were more transparent and easier to learn than Blissymbols. Subjects correctly identified significantly fewer Blissymbols representing nouns than either PCS or Picsyms representing nouns. In early stages of recall for nouns, PCS and Picsyms were significantly easier to recall than Blissymbols. Implications of the data for symbol system selection use for persons with severe speech impairments are discussed.

Key Words: Blissymbols • nonspeech communication • Picture Communucation System • Picsyms • transparency

Submitted on April 15, 1988
Accepted on February 22, 1989

This article has been cited by other articles:

				B. T. Wagner and H. M. Jackson Developmental memory capacity resources of typical children retrieving picture communication symbols using direct selection and visual linear scanning with fixed communication displays. J Speech Lang Hear Res, February 1, 2006; 49(1): 113 - 126. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				R. K. Koul, R. W. Schlosser, and S. Sancibrian Effects of Symbol, Referent, and Instructional Variables on the Acquisition of Aided and Unaided Symbols by Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, January 1, 2001; 16(3): 162 - 169. [Abstract] [PDF]