PhD Study : To co-create and test the face validity of a polysyllabic intervention for 4-year-olds with indicators of persistent phonological disorder

Summary

Persistent speech sound disorder (PSSD) is a neurodevelopmental condition with a prevalence of 3.6% by 8-years-of-age (Wren et al. 2016). PSSD impacts on intelligibility, literacy, friendships, mental health and future life opportunities (Bercow: ten years on 2018). Early intervention for such difficulties is a recognised need (i.e., Dodd and Morgan 2017) and Eadie et al. (2015) show it is possible to diagnose speech sound disorder (SSD) by 4-years-of-age. Furthermore,  key predictors can identify the risk of PSSD at that early stage (McIntosh and Dodd 2008, Wren et al. 2016). Polysyllables (words of more than two syllables in length) are more demanding for the brain to process, and require proficiency in muscle co-ordination and speech sound organisation for intelligible production. This makes them more sensitive to SSD than monosyllabic words (Masso et al. 2017, Masso et al. 2016). From a theoretical perspective, polysyllables drive increased specificity of the child’s speech sound system because of their complexity (Vihman 2017, Watson and Terrell 2012). Indeed, polysyllable words are used in the effective ReST intervention for children with severe SSD underpinned by motor difficulties (Murray et al. 2015). However, most children with SSD present with a difficulty predominantly underpinned by issues processing and organising speech sounds to convey meaning (i.e., phonology) (see Bowen 2015). The potential value of intervention using polysyllables to change the child’s phonology has not been investigated to-date.

AIM:

To co-create and test the face validity of a polysyllabic intervention for 4-year-olds with indicators of persistent phonological disorder.

Objectives:

(1) To conduct a systematic review into the nature and effectiveness of interventions targeting whole words in children with severe SSD (year 1). This will be registered with PROSPERO and follow PRISMA-P guidelines.

(2) To investigate barriers and facilitators to the use of polysyllabic whole words in an intervention for 4-year-olds with indicators of persistent phonological disorder (years 1/2).

Design:  Focus groups (n=5) constituted of 2 speech and language therapists (SLTs), 2 early years educators, and 2 parents of children receiving SLT for potential PSSD (n=6).

Data analysis: Thematic analysis (3) To co-create an early intervention programme using polysyllabic words for 4-year-olds with indicators of persistent phonological disorder (years 2/3).

Design: co-production workshops (adults (n=6)) and play sessions (children (n=2)).

Procedure: Findings and evidence gathered in previous objectives will be shared and the group will: delineate content, delivery method and support materials for the programme; identify training needs for those delivering the programme; consider outcome measures to be used; and contribute to a logic model to support successful integration of the programme in context. Children and their parents will try out the activities in play sessions as the programme is developed.

Data analysis: Thematic (workshops) and behavioural (play) analyses (4) To assess the face validity of the co-created polysyllabic intervention programme (year 3).

Design: Focus group (n=1) (adults (n=6)), play session (children (n=2)). Procedure: The focus group will review the programme and children will experience core activities from it.

Data analysis: Thematic (focus group), and behavioural (play sessions) analyses.

AccessNI clearance required

Please note, the successful candidate will be required to obtain AccessNI clearance prior to registration due to the nature of the project.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• Clearly defined research proposal detailing background, research questions, aims and methodology
• A demonstrable interest in the research area associated with the studentship

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Masters at 65%
• Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• Relevant professional qualification and/or a Degree in a Health or Health related area

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living