Oudiopsigofonologiese opleiding en die erg geestesvertraagde kind : 'n empiriese ondersoek

Abstract

This study deals with retardation and a method that is concerned with the improvement of subjacent processes of observation. Retardation is seen as a form of perceptual deprivation. Remedial programmes with retarded people thus must correct perceptual deprivation. Audiopsychophonological auditor training (APF) is such a method. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of APF with a group of profoundly retarded children at the Witrand Care and Rehabilitation Centre. A secondary objective was to inquire into intervention as a contaminous factor. Three groups of experimental subjects were used in the research Ten subjects were allocated to each group. The groups respectively received - i) auditory training plus a sensory motor stimulation programme; ii) only music stimulation plus a sensory motor stimulation programme; and iii) no aimed stimulation. Ten experimental subjects listened to filtered Mozart music through head phones, whilst a second group of ten subjects listened to the same music, but unfiltered also through head phones. Both these groups received a sensory motor stimulation programme to keep intervention uniform between the two groups. No aimed stimulation whatsoever were directed at the third group. An increase in mental age (MA) was seen as the first criterium to ~valuate the influence of auditory training. The deferment in responses from self obsessed to object concerned behaviour was applied as a second criterium.

Results indicated that the effect of intervention was minimal. It was also found that e significant greater increase of MA was detected in the group that received auditory training then in the group that had to listen to unfiltered music. No in; crease in mental age was detected with the group that received no stimulation at all. The group that received auditory training showed a deferment from self obsessed behaviour to object concerned behaviour. This change is associated with auditory training, of which the aim is to lead a person to active participation in the process of perception.