Abstract
The purpose of the current study was to examine how observers perceive children with visibly present cochlear implants. Specifically, this study attempted to determine the degree to which a cochlear implant stigma or “Cochlear Implant Effect” exists. Participants in the study were randomly assigned to one of four experimental groups. Each experimental group was assigned to a different stimulus. The four stimuli involved photographs of either a male or female youth in one of the following ways: wearing a highly visible cochlear implant; or without a cochlear implant present. After viewing their assigned photographs, participants completed a questionnaire developed by the researcher that measured the Cochlear Implant Effect based on perceptions of the intelligence, achievements, personality, and physical appearance of the child in the photographs viewed. Results from the current study suggested no presence of a significant Cochlear Implant Effect or stigma. Additional research should be completed to further examine this topic of great import.
Advisor
Goldberg, Don
Department
Communication Studies
Recommended Citation
Nation, Sarah G., "The Cochlear Implant Effect: An Investigation of College Students’ Perceptions of Children with Cochlear Implants" (2014). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 6050.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/6050
Keywords
hearing aid effect, cochlear implant effect, cochlear implants, stigma
Publication Date
2014
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 2014 Sarah G. Nation