Final answer:
A distributional analysis must be done before a MLU can be interpreted because it provides important information about the distribution of word lengths in a sample of language. This helps in the accurate assessment of language development.
Step-by-step explanation:
A distributional analysis must be done before a MLU (Mean Length of Utterance) can be interpreted because it provides important information about the distribution of word lengths in a sample of language. MLU is a measure of syntactic complexity and is often used to assess language development in children.
The distributional analysis helps determine the different word lengths in the sample and allows for a more accurate interpretation of the MLU.
For example, if a distributional analysis shows that the majority of utterances contain very short words, it may indicate that the language being analyzed is at an early developmental stage. On the other hand, if the analysis reveals a wide range of word lengths, it may suggest a more advanced stage of language development.
In summary, a distributional analysis is essential before interpreting MLU as it provides insights into the variability of word lengths in a language sample, aiding in the accurate assessment of language development.