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ERIC Number: EJ1213168
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2019-Mar
Pages: 18
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1092-4388
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
How Mixed-Effects Modeling Can Advance Our Understanding of Learning and Memory and Improve Clinical and Educational Practice
Gordon, Katherine R.
Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, v62 n3 p507-524 Mar 2019
Purpose: A key goal of researchers, clinicians, and educators within the fields of speech, language, and hearing sciences is to support the learning and memory of others. To do so, they consider factors relevant to the individual, the material to be learned, and the training strategy that can maximize learning and retention. Statistical methods typically used within these fields are inadequate for identifying the complex relationships between these factors and are ill equipped to account for variability across individuals when identifying these relationships. Specifically, traditional statistical methods are often inadequate for answering questions about special populations because samples drawn from these populations are usually small, highly variable, and skewed in distribution. Mixed-effects modeling provides advantages over traditional statistical techniques to answer complex questions while taking into account these common characteristics of special populations. Method and Results: Through two examples, I illustrate advantages of mixed-effects modeling in answering questions about learning and memory and in supporting better translation of research to practice. I also demonstrate key similarities and differences between analysis of variance, regression analyses, and mixed-effects modeling. Finally, I explain three additional advantages of using mixed-effects modeling to understand the processes of learning and memory: the means to account for missing data, assess the contribution of variations in delay intervals, and model nonlinear relationships between factors. Conclusions: Through mixed-effects modeling, researchers can disseminate accurate information about learning and memory to clinicians and educators. In turn, through enhanced statistical literacy, clinicians and educators can apply research findings to practice with confidence. Overall, mixed-effects modeling is a powerful tool to improve the outcomes of the individuals that researchers and practitioners serve within the fields of speech, language, and hearing sciences.
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. 2200 Research Blvd #250, Rockville, MD 20850. Tel: 301-296-5700; Fax: 301-296-8580; e-mail: slhr@asha.org; Web site: http://jslhr.pubs.asha.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD); National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIH//DHHS)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: F32DC01370403; P20GM109023
Author Affiliations: N/A