Retrieval-Based Word Learning for Language Development

Overseen By Laurence B Leonard, PhD

Age: < 18

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Purdue University

Disqualifiers: Hearing loss, Neurological disease, Autism, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

32 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores a new method to help young children with developmental language disorder (DLD) enhance their word learning skills through retrieval-based word learning. The focus is on whether frequent recall of new words benefits children more than mere exposure in stories. The trial includes two groups: children with DLD and children with typical language development, to compare the effects. Ideal participants are four- and five-year-olds with normal hearing and without conditions such as autism or neurological issues. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity for participants to contribute to groundbreaking research in language development.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether participants need to stop taking their current medications.

What prior data suggests that retrieval-based word learning is safe for children with developmental language disorder?

Research shows that recalling new words is generally safe for children. Studies have found that this method can greatly help children with developmental language disorder (DLD) learn words more effectively. No reports of harmful side effects or negative events are associated with this learning technique. This approach has been used successfully with young children, including those who develop language typically, without any safety concerns. The focus on improving language skills, rather than physical treatment, further supports its safety. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about retrieval-based word learning for language development because it offers a novel approach to helping children with developmental language disorder. Unlike traditional language therapies, which often involve repetitive practice and passive listening, this method encourages active recall of words, which can enhance memory retention and understanding. This technique is designed to be more engaging and interactive, potentially leading to faster and more robust improvements in language skills. By focusing on retrieval practice, this approach could provide a more effective and enjoyable way for children to develop their language abilities.

What evidence suggests that retrieval-based word learning is effective for language development in children with developmental language disorder?

Research has shown that retrieval-based word learning, tested in this trial, can help children with developmental language disorder (DLD) remember words better. This method involves children frequently recalling words during learning sessions. Studies have found this technique more effective than merely hearing words in a story. Additionally, research indicates that retrieval practice helps children with DLD remember new words better than traditional methods. Similar benefits have appeared in children with typical language development, suggesting this approach improves word learning for all children. This trial will include both children with DLD and those with typical language development to evaluate the method's effectiveness across different groups. ^{1 2 3 5 6}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Laurence B. Leonard, PhD

Principal Investigator

Purdue University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for four- and five-year-old children with developmental language disorder (DLD), also known as specific language impairment. It aims to help those who struggle significantly with word learning, impacting their academic and social skills.

Inclusion Criteria

Significant deficit in language ability (language test score below cutoff for best sensitivity/specificity) or documented age-appropriate language ability

Scores on tests of nonverbal intelligence above the intellectual disability range

Not within Autistic range on Autism screening test

Exclusion Criteria

Failed hearing screening

Scores on tests of nonverbal intelligence below the intellectual disability range (standard score less than 75)

Autism spectrum disorder

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Learning Phase

Children learn novel words and meanings through storybook reading with repeated spaced retrieval and repeated study conditions.

2 days

2 visits (in-person)

Immediate Recall Testing

Children are tested on word form and meaning recall immediately after storybook reading on both days.

5 minutes after each learning session

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for recall accuracy and recognition one week after the learning period.

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Retrieval-based word learning

Trial Overview The study tests two methods of helping these children learn new words: one method involves making them frequently recall the words (Repeated Spaced Retrieval), while the other involves simply exposing them to the words repeatedly (Repeated Study) during storybook reading sessions.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Children with typical language development Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Children whose language development is as expected for their age.

Group II: Children with Developmental Language Disorder Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

These children have a significant delay in language development in the absence of hearing impairment, cognitive delay, autism, or neurological injury/disease.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Purdue University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

239

Recruited

72,200+

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)

Collaborator

Trials

377

Recruited

190,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6802884/

Retrieval-Based Word Learning in Young Typically ... The current study examined the effect of 2 different retrieval schedules on word learning at both the behavioral and neural levels.

2. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06995014

Retrieval-based Word Learning in Developmental ... In recent work, the investigators have been examining the benefit of retrieval practice to enhance word learning and retention in preschoolers ...

3. pubs.asha.org pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/2025_JSLHR-24-00809

The Use of Retrieval Practice During Shared Book Reading Children with developmental language disorder (DLD) benefit from the inclusion of retrieval practice during word learning. However, most studies reporting ...

4. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07048392

Retrieval-Based Word Learning in Developmental ... This project focuses on the word learning abilities of four- and five-year-old children with DLD. The goal of the project is to build on the investigators' ...

5. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0749596X25000713

Word learning in children with developmental language ... The results indicated that the initial encoding of novel words was less effective in children with DLD, although both groups demonstrated similar abilities to ...

6. centerwatch.com centerwatch.com/clinical-trials/listings/NCT05325333/retrieval-based-word-learning-in-developmental-language-disorder

Retrieval-Based Word Learning in Developmental ... We tested the hypothesis that the act of retrieving new words significantly assists the learning of these words by children with DLD by markedly ...