THE STUTTERING PROBLEM CONSIDERED FROM AN AUTOMATIC CONTROL POINT OF VIEW.
Abstract
This study investigates the stuttering problem from an automatic control point of view. In order to accomplish this, it was first necessary to build a mathematical model of the speech system. This model was based on a Fairbanks model. As a first approximation, extreme simplifications were made which ignored the tactile and proprioceptive feedback loops and assumed linearity of the vocal tract and ear in the normal range of operation. This essentially reduced the model to a non-linear system composed of numerous time delays and variable gains. Various instabilities in the system were then considered and their validity in the stuttering problem tested. This was accomplished by applying clinically tested techniques, which decrease or stop stuttering in people, to the mathematical model. The assumption was that if the techniques which decrease or stop stuttering in people also returned the model to a stable state, or normal speech, then this model instability was possible cause of stuttering. The various theories of stuttering, the Sociogenic, Psychogenic, Physiogenic and Learning theories, were used when possible to guide the analysis. This led to the conclusion that a malfunction of the middle ear, a variable gain device, was possible cause of stuttering. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0622685
Entities
People
- Blaine R. Butler Jr.
Organizations
- Purdue University