Rhyme tests pinpoint exactly which consonant distinctions a speech system fails.

Evidence

Subjective measures of intelligibility are often based on the use of lists of words that rhyme, differing only in their initial consonant. In a diagnos­ tic rhyme test (DRT), listeners fill in the leading consonants on listening to the speech, and often the possible consonants will be indicated. In a modified rhyme test (MRT) each test consists of a pair-wise comparison of acoustically close initial consonants such as feel–veal, bowl–dole, fought–thought, pot–tot. The DRT identifies quite clearly in what area a speech system is failing, giving the designers guidance on where they might make modifications. DRT tests are widely accepted for testing intelligibility, mainly because they are rigorous, accurate and repeatable. — David Howard, Jamie Angus, coustics and Psychoacoustics, 2385

Categorization

• CANDY: Feel–veal, bowl–dole, fought–thought, pot–tot: fun minimal pairs for any conversation.
• DEFINE: Explains what a diagnostic rhyme test is and why it’s preferred.