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Article Structure

The Communication Attitude Test A (CATA) is a well-structured tool designed to assess an individual’s feelings and perceptions about their communication abilities. Created by Dr. Gene J. Brutten, this form features a series of statements that participants respond to with a simple "True" or "False." Such statements touch upon various aspects of communication, from ease of speaking to confidence in engaging with peers and teachers. For instance, some items question how easily words come to mind in conversation or whether a child feels their classmates perceive their speech skills positively. Others delve into feelings of anxiety associated with speaking in front of groups or interacting with strangers. Ultimately, the CATA not only captures a child's self-assessment of their speech and language abilities but also provides insights into underlying emotional factors, such as apprehension and self-esteem. This combination of self-reflection and emotional evaluation makes the CATA a valuable resource for educators, clinicians, and parents seeking to understand and support a child's communication development.

Communication Attitude Test A Example

 

 

COMMUNICATION ATTITUDE TEST*

 

 

 

 

FORM A

 

 

 

 

GENE J. BRUTTEN, PH.D.

 

 

1.

I don’t talk right

True

False

2.

I don’t mind asking the teacher a question in class

True

False

3.

Sometimes words will stick in my mouth when I talk

True

False

4.

People worry about the way I talk

True

False

5.

It is harder for me to give a report in class than it is for most of

True

False

 

the other kids

 

 

6.

My classmates don’t think I talk funny

True

False

7.

I like the way I talk

True

False

8.

People sometimes finish my words for me

True

False

9.

My parents like the way I talk

True

False

10.

I find it easy to talk to most everyone

True

False

11.

I talk well most of the time

True

False

12.

It is hard for me to talk to people

True

False

13.

I don’t talk like other children

True

False

14.

I don’t worry about the way I talk

True

False

15.

I don’t find it easy to talk

True

False

16.

My words come out easily

True

False

17.

It is hard for me to talk to strangers

True

False

18.

The other kids wish they could talk like me

True

False

19.

Some kids make fun of the way I talk

True

False

20.

Talking is easy for me

True

False

21.

Telling someone my name is hard for me

True

False

22.

Words are hard for me to say

True

False

23.

I talk well with most everyone

True

False

24.

Sometimes I have trouble talking

True

False

25.

I would rather talk than write

True

False

26.

I like to talk

True

False

27.

I am not a good talker

True

False

28.

I wish I could talk like other children

True

False

29.

My words do not come out easily

True

False

30.

My friends don’t talk as well as I do

True

False

31.

I don’t worry about talking on the phone

True

False

32.

I talk better with a friend

True

False

33.

People don’t seem to like the way I talk

True

False

34.

I let others talk for me

True

False

35.

Reading out loud in class is easy for me

True

False

*Copyright, Gene J. Brutten, 1985 – Revised 1997

Form Characteristics

Fact Name Description
Purpose The Communication Attitude Test A form is designed to assess an individual's feelings about their communication skills and tendencies.
Target Group This test is most commonly used with children, particularly in educational settings, to identify potential speech or communication difficulties.
Format The test consists of a series of statements where the respondent indicates their agreement or disagreement by selecting "True" or "False."
Authorship This test was developed by Dr. Gene J. Brutten, with the original copyright in 1985 and a revision in 1997.
Common Uses Professionals use the test for speech and language evaluations, often considering it in conjunction with other assessment tools.
Legal Context In some states, administering this test may involve educational regulations and practices, particularly regarding the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Guidelines on Utilizing Communication Attitude Test A

To ensure accurate input for the Communication Attitude Test A form, follow these detailed steps carefully. Completing the form promptly will contribute to a better understanding of communication attitudes.

  1. Obtain a copy of the Communication Attitude Test A form.
  2. Begin with the first statement: "I don’t talk right" and mark either True or False in the corresponding space.
  3. Continue to the next statement: "I don’t mind asking the teacher a question in class" and again choose True or False.
  4. Repeat this process for all the remaining statements, which are as follows:
    • Sometimes words will stick in my mouth when I talk
    • People worry about the way I talk
    • It is harder for me to give a report in class than it is for most of the other kids
    • My classmates don’t think I talk funny
    • I like the way I talk
    • People sometimes finish my words for me
    • My parents like the way I talk
    • I find it easy to talk to most everyone
    • I talk well most of the time
    • It is hard for me to talk to people
    • I don’t talk like other children
    • I don’t worry about the way I talk
    • I don’t find it easy to talk
    • My words come out easily
    • It is hard for me to talk to strangers
    • The other kids wish they could talk like me
    • Some kids make fun of the way I talk
    • Talking is easy for me
    • Telling someone my name is hard for me
    • Words are hard for me to say
    • I talk well with most everyone
    • Sometimes I have trouble talking
    • I would rather talk than write
    • I like to talk
    • I am not a good talker
    • I wish I could talk like other children
    • My words do not come out easily
    • My friends don’t talk as well as I do
    • I don’t worry about talking on the phone
    • I talk better with a friend
    • People don’t seem to like the way I talk
    • I let others talk for me
    • Reading out loud in class is easy for me
  5. Once all statements have been answered, review your responses for accuracy.
  6. Sign and date the form as required.
  7. Submit the completed form to the designated recipient.

What You Should Know About This Form

What is the Communication Attitude Test A Form?

The Communication Attitude Test A Form is a self-assessment tool developed by Dr. Gene J. Brutten. It helps individuals, particularly children, evaluate their feelings and attitudes towards speaking and communication. The test consists of a series of statements that respondents answer with "True" or "False," reflecting their personal experiences and perceptions about their communication abilities.

Who can take the Communication Attitude Test A Form?

This test is designed primarily for children and adolescents. It can be used by teachers, speech-language pathologists, and parents to understand a child's comfort level and confidence in speaking. However, it may also be applicable to adults who wish to assess their own communication attitudes.

How is the test administered?

The test can be given individually or in a group setting. Participants read the statements and indicate whether each one is true or false in relation to their personal feelings about talking and communication. It is often beneficial to have an adult present to explain the purpose of the test and to provide support during the administration.

What do the results indicate?

The responses can provide insights into a person's communication attitudes. A higher number of "True" responses may indicate feelings of discomfort, anxiety, or negative self-perception regarding speaking skills. Conversely, more "False" responses may suggest a positive attitude towards talking and communication. These results can guide further conversations about communication needs or potential interventions.

Can the test help identify speech issues?

While the Communication Attitude Test A Form itself does not diagnose speech disorders, it can highlight areas where a child may be struggling with their communication. If the results indicate significant concerns, further evaluation by a qualified professional, such as a speech-language pathologist, may be recommended to assess any underlying speech or language issues and provide appropriate support.

Is there a cost associated with the Communication Attitude Test A Form?

The Communication Attitude Test A Form is copyrighted material, which may mean that a fee is associated with obtaining and using the test. It’s advisable to check with authorized distributors or professional organizations for availability and pricing. Understanding any associated costs before proceeding is essential to ensure access to the necessary resources.

Common mistakes

Completing the Communication Attitude Test A form accurately is essential for the outcomes to be meaningful. One common mistake is misunderstanding the intent behind the statements. Participants may assume that all items require self-assessment, leading to responses that do not reflect their true feelings. It is critical to read each statement carefully and consider the personal experience related to communication.

Another frequent error occurs when respondents fail to acknowledge their own biases. Many people underestimate their communication difficulties and may select responses indicating confidence rather than truthfully assess their challenges. Honesty is key. If a participant struggles with certain aspects of communication, it is vital to reflect that accurately.

People also sometimes skip questions or fail to provide consistent answers throughout the form. Incomplete responses can skew the results, and inconsistency can lead to interpretative challenges. It’s important for respondents to take their time and ensure they answer all 35 items without hurrying.

Furthermore, some participants might overlook the importance of context. For instance, a child may feel comfortable speaking in familiar settings but struggle in a classroom environment. This difference can lead to contradictions in responses. Recognizing the varied contexts of communication is crucial for accurate self-evaluation.

Additionally, many individuals may take the form lightly, treating it as a mere formality rather than a valuable tool for assessing communication attitudes. Underestimating its significance could result in inaccurate self-reports, which may hinder the potential for receiving appropriate support or intervention.

Moreover, respondents often experience social desirability bias, where they respond based on what they believe is expected rather than their true feelings. For example, individuals may select answers that they think depict confidence or typical behavior, rather than reflecting their actual struggles with communication.

Lastly, some parents or guardians may influence children’s answers, introducing another layer of distortion. A child's perception can be affected by parental input, leading to results that do not genuinely express the child's own views. It is vital for young respondents to answer independently, ensuring that their responses truly represent their own communication attitudes.

Awareness of these common mistakes can enhance the reliability of the Communication Attitude Test A results. Individuals should approach the form thoughtfully, ensuring that each response is a reflection of their own unique experiences and feelings regarding communication.

Documents used along the form

The Communication Attitude Test (CAT) A form is a tool used to assess a person's feelings and attitudes towards communication. Alongside this form, several other documents can be utilized to complement the evaluation process. Below is a list of related documents commonly employed in conjunction with the CAT A form.

  • Communication Attitude Test B: This is a follow-up assessment that includes similar questions but is designed to measure changes in communication attitudes over time. It can be particularly useful for tracking progress after interventions.
  • Speech Evaluation Form: This document is used by practitioners to provide a detailed assessment of an individual's speech performance. It covers various aspects, such as fluency, articulation, and overall communication effectiveness.
  • Parent Questionnaire: This form collects information from parents regarding their child's communication behaviors in different settings. It helps to gather insights about the child's communication outside of school, adding valuable context to the evaluation.
  • Teacher Observation Form: Teachers use this form to document their observations of a student's communication skills in the classroom. This input can shed light on how the child interacts with peers and participates in class discussions.
  • Social Skills Checklist: This checklist evaluates a child's social communication abilities. It examines skills like initiating conversations, responding to others, and maintaining eye contact, which are crucial for effective communication.
  • Individualized Education Plan (IEP): For students with identified speech or language issues, the IEP outlines specific goals and services required to support their communication development. It is tailored to meet each student’s unique needs.

These documents serve to provide a comprehensive overview of a person's communication abilities and challenges. Together, they form a holistic approach to understanding and addressing communication issues.

Similar forms

The Communication Attitude Test A form (CAT-A) has similarities with a variety of other assessment tools aimed at understanding communication attitudes and fears. Here are seven documents that share common themes with the CAT-A:

  • The Stuttering Severity Instrument (SSI): Both tools assess an individual's perception of their speech and stuttering severity, exploring self-image and public speaking anxiety.
  • The Communication Apprehension Scale (CAS): This scale measures an individual's fear or anxiety regarding communication in various contexts, similar to how the CAT-A evaluates attitudes about speech abilities.
  • The Social Skills Inventory (SSI): Like the CAT-A, this inventory evaluates self-perceptions related to social interactions, helping to identify areas of communication difficulty.
  • The Speech Anxiety Scale (SAS): This tool examines specific fears associated with public speaking, paralleling the CAT-A’s inquiry into worries about reporting or speaking in front of peers.
  • The Modified Evasion Scale: This document looks at behavior patterns in communication avoidance, akin to the CAT-A’s focus on talking difficulty and avoidance of speaking situations.
  • The Personal Report of Communication Apprehension (PRCA): This report identifies communication apprehension across different scenarios, resonating with the profound concerns reflected in the CAT-A.
  • The Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL): Although broader in scope, this checklist includes behavioral and emotional issues in children, including those related to communication challenges, paralleling some of the sentiments seen in the CAT-A.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Communication Attitude Test A form, it’s important to approach it thoughtfully. Doing this can lead to a more accurate reflection of your communication experiences. Here are some guidelines:

  • Do take your time. Carefully read each statement before responding to ensure you understand what is being asked.
  • Don’t rush through the form. Giving quick, unconsidered answers may not provide the most honest representation of your feelings.
  • Do answer each question honestly. Your responses should reflect your true thoughts regarding your communication experiences.
  • Don’t leave any questions unanswered. Each statement is designed to gather comprehensive information about your attitude towards communication.
  • Do review your answers. After completing the form, check to make sure each response aligns with your feelings and experiences.

Following these guidelines can help ensure that the results of the test will be beneficial for self-reflection and any subsequent assistance or training you may need.

Misconceptions

The Communication Attitude Test A (CAT-A), developed by Dr. Gene J. Brutten, is designed to assess an individual's feelings about their communication abilities. However, various misconceptions often surround this test, leading to misunderstandings about its purpose and effectiveness. Here are eight common misconceptions:

  • Misconception 1: The test measures actual speaking ability.
  • The CAT-A focuses on an individual's perception of their communication skills rather than their actual performance. It gauges confidence and comfort levels rather than fluency or articulation.

  • Misconception 2: Only children who stutter need to take this test.
  • While the CAT-A is particularly useful for assessing children with communication challenges, it can be beneficial for any child who has concerns about their speech and wants to explore their feelings regarding communication.

  • Misconception 3: The results are only relevant for speech therapists.
  • The CAT-A can provide valuable insights for parents, educators, and counselors as well. Understanding a child's attitudes toward their communication can inform support strategies in different environments.

  • Misconception 4: A high score indicates excellent communication skills.
  • A high score on the CAT-A suggests a positive attitude towards communication, but it does not necessarily reflect proficiency. It is vital to consider other assessments for a comprehensive evaluation of an individual’s abilities.

  • Misconception 5: The CAT-A is a diagnostic tool for speech disorders.
  • While the CAT-A offers insights into a person's feelings, it is not a diagnostic tool. It should be used in conjunction with other assessments for a complete understanding of any speech disorder.

  • Misconception 6: Completing the test is simple and straightforward.
  • Misconception 7: The CAT-A addresses all aspects of communication.
  • While it highlights attitudes towards communication, it does not cover non-verbal communication skills, pragmatics, or social interactions. A holistic approach to communication assessment is necessary.

  • Misconception 8: Parents should discourage children from taking the test if they have negative feelings about their speech.
  • Encouraging children to express their feelings is essential. The CAT-A can foster open discussions about communication challenges, leading to increased awareness and support systems for children.

Addressing these misconceptions can help individuals better utilize the CAT-A and understand its role in supporting communication skills among children.

Key takeaways

Filling out the Communication Attitude Test A form can provide valuable insights into how individuals perceive their own communication abilities. Here are some key takeaways to consider when using this form:

  • Self-Reflection: The questions encourage individuals to reflect on their communication experiences and anxieties, which can lead to greater self-awareness.
  • True/False Format: Each statement is straightforwardly presented as a true or false question, making it easy to understand and answer.
  • Honesty is Key: Answering honestly is crucial. Acknowledging feelings of uncertainty or anxiety about speaking can help identify areas that might need improvement.
  • Identify Patterns: After completing the test, reviewing the responses can help reveal patterns in communication attitudes, providing a clearer picture of perceived strengths and weaknesses.
  • Encouragement to Seek Help: If the results indicate difficulties with communication, it can serve as a helpful prompt to seek guidance or support from educators or speech therapists.
  • Use in Educational Settings: Teachers can use the insights from this test to create supportive environments for students who may struggle with communication.
  • Build Self-Esteem: Understanding one’s own communication attitudes can boost confidence, especially when recognizing that many people share similar feelings.

By engaging thoughtfully with this form, individuals can take positive steps toward improving their communication skills and fostering a more confident speaking style.