Convergent Validity of Automated Language Sample Analysis with Systematic Analysis of Language Transcripts (SALT)

The purpose of the study was to assess the convergent validity of Coh-Metrix, an automated text analysis tool, with Systematic Analysis of Language Transcripts (SALT; Miller & Iglesias, 2017), a computer-assisted language analysis software, on measures of syntactic complexity and language productivity. An additional goal of this study was to determine whether indices of syntactic complexity and language productivity calculated in Coh-Metrix were sensitive to developmental changes in oral narratives. SALT and Coh-Metrix variables were calculated on 220 oral narratives obtained from children ages 5-9. Coh-Metrix indices were correlated with comparative SALT measures of syntactic complexity (MLUm, MLUw, and VPU) and language productivity (TNU, TNW). Correlations suggested that Coh-Metrix and SALT demonstrated adequate convergent validity on a number of these measures. Additionally, moderate correlations were observed between Coh-Metrix indices and the age of participant. Coh-Metrix may be a valid tool to assist in making language sample analysis more efficient for practicing speech-language pathologists