Auditory-Visual Integration, Auditory Memory, and Reading in Retarded and Adequate Readers

Abstract

This study investigated the nature of the inferior performance of retarded readers on auditory-visual integration tests. Because retarded readers have difficulty processing temporal stimuli, it was hypothesized that a memory deficit might be related to the auditory-visual integration inferiority. Thirty retarded readers were compared with 30 adequate readers on the visual, auditory, and memory skills underlying auditory-visual integration, and on tests of auditory-visual integration which made varying demands upon memory. The two groups differed significantly on auditory memory tests and on all auditory-visual integration tests. In contrast to the adequate readers, the performance of the retarded readers deteriorated sharply as memory demands increased. A short-term auditory sequential memory deficit appears to be a major factor in the inferior auditory-visual integration performance of retarded readers.