What is the nonword repetition task, and what does it measure?

What is the nonword repetition task, and what does it measure?

• A. Recalling real words from long-term memory to measure vocabulary
• B. Repeating invented words to assess phonological working memory and language impairment risk
• C. Reproducing familiar phrases to assess syntax development
• D. Repeating nonverbal sounds to assess motor control

Answer: (B)

Nonword repetition tasks test how well someone can hear and reproduce unfamiliar sound sequences. In this task you repeat invented, pronounceable syllables or pseudowords, which means you can’t rely on stored vocabulary to help you. Repeating these novel strings relies on phonological working memory—the ability to temporarily hold and rehearse sounds in the mind—and on the ability to map those sounds onto articulation. Because the items aren’t real words, performance reflects phonological processing and memory rather than knowing vocabulary, making it a useful indicator of risk for language impairment and related phonological processing difficulties. Other options describe different language or motor skills: recalling real words taps vocabulary, reproducing familiar phrases taps syntax development, and repeating nonverbal sounds taps motor control rather than phonological memory.

Nonword repetition tasks test how well someone can hear and reproduce unfamiliar sound sequences. In this task you repeat invented, pronounceable syllables or pseudowords, which means you can’t rely on stored vocabulary to help you. Repeating these novel strings relies on phonological working memory—the ability to temporarily hold and rehearse sounds in the mind—and on the ability to map those sounds onto articulation. Because the items aren’t real words, performance reflects phonological processing and memory rather than knowing vocabulary, making it a useful indicator of risk for language impairment and related phonological processing difficulties.

Other options describe different language or motor skills: recalling real words taps vocabulary, reproducing familiar phrases taps syntax development, and repeating nonverbal sounds taps motor control rather than phonological memory.