DescriptionGeorge Mason University Master's Thesis, 2004Thesis Director: Dr. Steven H. WeinbergerThis thesis analyzes phonological disorders with derivational theory and Optimality Theory (OT). Because of its typological nature, OT is shown to be a better theory in which to analyze phonological disorders. Phonological disorders are classified into three sub-types here: common, uncommon, and rare. Within the framework of OT, distinct constraint rankings are proposed for each sub-type. These rankings are also compared with normal acquisition and adult grammar.