Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Document Type
Thesis
Date of this Version
1971
Citation
Thesis (M.A.)—University of Nebraska—Lincoln, 1971. Department of Speech and Dramatic Arts.
Abstract
In a situation of classical conditioning it was hypothesized that if a tone were paired with fluent speech for a training period of sufficient duration, the subject would respond with fluent speech to the tone alone. Although operant conditioning has found some success in the modification of stuttering behavior, there are certain shortcomings inherent in its use, and no researchers or clinicians have attempted to use classical conditioning wherein a neutral stimulus such as a tone is paired with the natural fluency of the stutterer to achieve continued fluency. With regard to the hypothesis under investigation, although no subject was able to respond consistently to the tone alone, all three subjects decreased the number and severity of their stuttered words.
Advisor: William F. Shrum
Comments
Copyright 1971, the author. Used by permission.