Brief Description

The Dichotic Listening Test – Word Pairs is recorded on cassette. During the test, words (nouns) are presented simultaneously to each ear, so the examinee hears a different word in each auditory channel. The words fall into three categories: homophones, semantically related, and semantically unrelated. The examinee is asked to report as many words as possible, with no emphasis placed on the order of presentation.

Purpose

The test aims to assess hemispheric lateralization for the processing of verbal information.

Scoring Method

The examinee is asked to repeat as many words as they hear from each pair of words presented simultaneously to the two ears. The number of correct responses for the right and left ear is recorded. A lateralization index is then calculated, reflecting the dominance of information processing by one ear. Interpretation is based on comparing responses between ears, and no overall score is required.

Validity

The selection of words was based on frequency of occurrence and semantic relatedness, which ensures the construct validity of the test. The results can be interpreted in relation to language processing and brain function.

Reliability

Although specific reliability indices are not mentioned in the excerpt, the use of controlled, recorded material and a clearly defined methodology provide a sufficient framework for reliability.

Data Analysis and Use

The test is primarily used for research and clinical purposes to investigate functional differences between the brain hemispheres in processing verbal information. It can contribute to the diagnosis of neuropsychological conditions or language disorders.

Bibliography

Kosmidis, M. H., Tsapkini, K., Folia, V., Vlahou, C. H., & Kiosseoglou, G. (2004). Semantic and phonological processing in illiteracy. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society, 10, 818–827.