Author: Zunaira Zulqarnain
Supervisor: Hina Javed Rana, Sharmin Aslam Tarar, Farah Malik PhD
Degree: MS
Year: 2015-2017
University: Centre for Clinical Psychology, Punjab University, Lahore, Pakistan
Abstract
The current study assessed lexical diversity in typically
developing children between the age ranges of 3-6 years. The
present study also examined the relationship among total number
of words, number of different words, type token ratio (lexical
diversity), age, storytelling and play. Study also investigated age
and storytelling as a predictor of lexical diversity. It also
investigated the gender and age difference in lexical diversity. It
was hypothesized; that there is likely to be positive relationship
among age and lexical diversity (number total words, number of
different words, type token ratio), play and storytelling in 3 to 6
years old. Factors such as age and storytelling are likely to predict
lexical diversity (number total words, number of different words,
type token ratio) in typically developing children in 3 to 6 years
old. It was also hypothesized that girls has higher lexical diversity
than boys in 3 to 6 years old age, difference among all age group
in lexical diversity (number total words, number of different
words, type token ratio) was also assessed. The sample size
comprised of 60 children that included 30 boys and 30 girls.
Participant was divided into 6 age bands on the basis of 6 months
interval (i.e., 3.1-3.6, 3.7-4.0, 4.1-4.6, 4.7-5.0, 5.1-5.6, 5.7-6.0).
Data was collected through Convenient Sampling by using Cross sectional Research Design. Semi structured elicitation techniques
using co-player task through imitative role play was used for data
collection. Semi- structured parental report was also devised by
the research in order to gather important study related
information. The result showed that there was positive
relationship between age, number of total words, number of
different words and storytelling. The result also showed that age
is strong predictor of number of total and different words while
storytelling is only the predictor of total number of words. The
result of ANOVA showed that there are differences among all age
groups in total and different number of words but not on type
token ratio. The study have clinical and educational implications,
in clinical setting it can be used for diagnosing different type of
speech and language disorders and in educational setting it can be
used in enhancing students’ vocabulary.
Keywords: Lexical Diversity, Typically Developing Children of 3-6 years.
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