Improving Search for Emotion Symbols: Structural Characteristics of the Display
Open Access
Author:
Snell, Julie Taylor
Area of Honors:
Communication Sciences and Disorders
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Krista M Wilkinson, Thesis Supervisor Dr. Krista M Wilkinson, Thesis Supervisor Dr. Carol Anne Miller, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
AAC grid-layout emotion
Abstract:
An understudied area in aided augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is the representation of emotions, particularly those with similar facial characteristics (surprised, scared). We examined whether identification of line-drawing symbols for emotions could be facilitated through structural changes to the display, specifically through colored backgrounds and judicious arrangement of the symbols. Color-coding the background detracted from both speed and accuracy of finding the target by nondisabled preschoolers. Clustering symbols by their valence (positive, negative) improved both accuracy and speed.
