Some comments on aspects of the methodology for the measurement of stuttering

Abstract

The measurement of stuttering in a conversational context presents certain problems that are difficult to resolve despite a vast literature on the appraisal of stuttering behaviour. This view stems from problems encountered in a study designed to gauge the effects of conflict generated in a family context, on the stuttering behaviour of the child. Conflict was defined as a social process and was induced for the purpose of this study, by a standardised communication conflict situation. The results of the study were not significant, however, it was not concluded that stuttering and conflict are not related. Rather, there are difficulties in establishing this relationship. One of the difficulties concerns the measurement of stuttering. This paper is concerned with some aspects of the methodology for the measurement of stuttering that seem inadequate for research that has as its data, conversational interaction in a family context. Some alternative strategies are suggested.