Validation test for intensity eliciting stimuli in Brazilian Sign Language (Libras)

Abstract

Xavier (2014) carried out an experimental study on the expression of intensity in Libras, using pairs of visual stimuli to elicit 32 signs in their baseline and intensified forms. This research sought to perceptively validate the stimuli used by Xavier (2014) from a test carried out with the deaf in the city of Curitiba. In this validation test, 26 pairs of related images were presented in random order. Deaf judges from Curitiba evaluated whether the first image is more / as much / less intense than the second. After evaluating the first stimulus as more intense than the second, they then graded its intensity on a Likert scale (0-5). The results of this validation test showed that 17 of the 26 stimuli presented a significant difference in degree and therefore are considered appropriate for the elicitation of intensified forms in Libras. Our results also showed that the judges considered 9 stimuli with little evident difference in degree. Consequently, when replicating a study of this nature, these visual stimuli must be replaced.