Maternal question use predicts later language development in specific-language-disordered children

Abstract

The present study used a longitudinal correlational design to test whether variation in mothers' use of information-seeking and confirmation questions predicts variation in auxiliary and copula development in a sample of specific-language-disordered children. The study's confirmatory approach provides a sound empirical basis to conclude that the results of the present study did not occur by chance. Post hoc analyses were carried out to clarify the explanation of the predictive relationships. The main finding of the study was that mothers of specific-language-disordered children who used proportionally more information-seeking questions had children who showed greater mastery of auxiliary use 12 months later.