Semantic Feature Analysis (SFA)

Semantic Feature Analysis (SFA) can be used to treat adults with word finding difficulties such as anomia (Sutton, 2020). A study on the effectiveness of semantic feature analysis by Maddy, Capilouto, and McComas evidenced that the use of semantic feature analysis can improve confrontational naming for clients with aphasia (Maddy et al., 2014). Semantic Feature Analysis is used to improve a client with aphasia’s ability to retrieve words by having the client focus on the meaning-based properties of words (Sutton, 2020). During therapy, a clinician will have the client answer a set of questions that allows the client to describe each feature of an object (Sutton, 2020). Eventually, the client should be able to name the target object based on the features they’ve described (Sutton, 2020).

Potential Goal: By December 2023, the client will produce a minimum of 4 different features, when presented with a word using semantic feature analysis (SFA), given verbal prompts, with 80% accuracy as measured by SLP data collection. 

Materials Needed: The most common material used is a graphic organizer that has a picture of a targeted object in the center along with boxes for the group the object belongs to, how the object is used, what the object does, the properties of the object, the location it is found in, and an association to it (Sutton, 2020). 

How To: 

Step 1: Create the graphic organizer with the picture of the target object in the center of it. 

Step 2: Allow the client to attempt to name the object. Then, move on to step 3 regardless of their answer. 

Step 3: Ask the client questions for each box around the object and write the correct answers in the boxes. Continue asking the questions and filling in the boxes even if the client names the item. 

• Category

  • What type of this is it?

• Function

  • What is it used for?

• Action 

  • What does it do?

• Location 

  • Where do you find it?

• Association 

  • What does it make you think of?

• Properties

  • What does it look like?

Step 4: Allow the client another opportunity to name the object and if they’re unable to then the clinician will name it and have them repeat it. 

(Sutton, 2020)

Data Tracking: Data can be collected directly on the graphic organizer diagram. 

Resources: 

Maddy, K., Capilouto, G., & McComas, K. (2014, April 1). The effectiveness of semantic feature analysis: An evidence-based systematic review. Annals of physical and rehabilitation medicine. Retrieved December 18, 2022, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24797214/ 

Sutton, M. (2020, January 30). Semantic feature analysis (SFA) for Anomia in aphasia: How-to guide. Tactus Therapy. Retrieved
December 18, 2022, from https://tactustherapy.com/semantic-feature-analysis-sfa-anomia/