In a Word Recognition Test, what is the usual score metric?

• A. The highest level at which words are understood
• B. Percent PB monosyllabic words correct
• C. SRT
• D. Presence of speech signal

Answer: (B)

Word Recognition Tests measure how well a listener understands speech when the words are played at a fixed, comfortable level. The usual score is the percent of PB monosyllabic words that are correctly identified, because PB word lists provide a standardized, phonemically balanced set of targets for consistent scoring. This percent-correct score directly reflects recognition performance at that level. Other concepts, like the speech reception threshold, describe the level needed to understand 50% of words (a threshold measure), not the percentage correct at a given level, and simply noting whether a speech signal is present doesn’t produce a performance score.