Task-Based Learner Production: A Substantive and Methodological Review

2016 ◽  
Vol 36 ◽  
pp. 73-97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luke Plonsky ◽  
YouJin Kim
Keyword(s):  
Language Production ◽  
Statistical Power ◽  
Theoretical Models ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Reporting Practices ◽  
Computer Mediated ◽  
Complex Modes ◽  
Task Conditions ◽  
Study Designs ◽  
Learner Language

ABSTRACTTasks are frequently used to elicit learner language in second language (L2) research. The purposes for doing so, however, vary widely, covering a range of theoretical models, designs, and analyses. For example, task-based researchers have examined a range of linguistic and interactional features (e.g., accuracy, language-related episodes) that are found in learner production and that vary as a function of task conditions (e.g., +/− complex), modes (oral, written, computer-mediated), and settings (second vs. foreign language). This article presents a synthesis of substantive interests and methodological practices in this area. We first collected a sample of 85 primary studies of task-based language production published from 2006 to 2015. Each study was then coded for the target features it analyzed as well as other contextual and demographic variables. We also coded for methodological features related to study designs, sampling, analyses, and reporting practices. The results indicate a strong preference toward analyses of grammar, vocabulary, accuracy, and different features of L2 interaction, and very little interest in task-induced pronunciation, pragmatics, and the quality of task performance. More fundamentally, this domain may be hindered by a lack of theoretical and operational consistency. The data also point to a number of concerns related to research and reporting practices (e.g., low statistical power; missing data). Based on our findings, we outline a number of pointed recommendations for future research in this domain.

Power of Modified Brown-Forsythe and Mixed-Model Approaches in Split-Plot Designs

Methodology ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pablo Livacic-Rojas ◽  
Guillermo Vallejo ◽  
Paula Fernández ◽  
Ellián Tuero-Herrero
Keyword(s):  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Statistical Power ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Covariance Structure ◽  
Simulation Method ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Repeated Measures Design ◽  
Fixed And Random Effects ◽  
Split Plot ◽  
High Level

Abstract. Low precision of the inferences of data analyzed with univariate or multivariate models of the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) in repeated-measures design is associated to the absence of normality distribution of data, nonspherical covariance structures and free variation of the variance and covariance, the lack of knowledge of the error structure underlying the data, and the wrong choice of covariance structure from different selectors. In this study, levels of statistical power presented the Modified Brown Forsythe (MBF) and two procedures with the Mixed-Model Approaches (the Akaike’s Criterion, the Correctly Identified Model [CIM]) are compared. The data were analyzed using Monte Carlo simulation method with the statistical package SAS 9.2, a split-plot design, and considering six manipulated variables. The results show that the procedures exhibit high statistical power levels for within and interactional effects, and moderate and low levels for the between-groups effects under the different conditions analyzed. For the latter, only the Modified Brown Forsythe shows high level of power mainly for groups with 30 cases and Unstructured (UN) and Autoregressive Heterogeneity (ARH) matrices. For this reason, we recommend using this procedure since it exhibits higher levels of power for all effects and does not require a matrix type that underlies the structure of the data. Future research needs to be done in order to compare the power with corrected selectors using single-level and multilevel designs for fixed and random effects.

The Limits of Ego Depletion

2019 ◽  
Vol 50 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 292-304 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mario Wenzel ◽  
Marina Lind ◽  
Zarah Rowland ◽  
Daniela Zahn ◽  
Thomas Kubiak
Keyword(s):  
Research Agenda ◽  
Statistical Power ◽  
Interindividual Variability ◽  
Ego Depletion ◽  
Crossover Design ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Future Research Agenda ◽  
Depletion Effect ◽  
Within Subjects

Abstract. Evidence on the existence of the ego depletion phenomena as well as the size of the effects and potential moderators and mediators are ambiguous. Building on a crossover design that enables superior statistical power within a single study, we investigated the robustness of the ego depletion effect between and within subjects and moderating and mediating influences of the ego depletion manipulation checks. Our results, based on a sample of 187 participants, demonstrated that (a) the between- and within-subject ego depletion effects only had negligible effect sizes and that there was (b) large interindividual variability that (c) could not be explained by differences in ego depletion manipulation checks. We discuss the implications of these results and outline a future research agenda.

The Social Neuroscience of Cooperation

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jay Joseph Van Bavel
Keyword(s):  
Theoretical Models ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Review Literature ◽  
Social Neuroscience ◽  
Future Research ◽  
A Value ◽  
Group Cooperation ◽  
Neural Processes ◽  
The Social ◽  
Cooperative Decision Making

We review literature from several fields to describe common experimental tasks used to measure human cooperation as well as the theoretical models that have been used to characterize cooperative decision-making, as well as brain regions implicated in cooperation. Building on work in neuroeconomics, we suggest a value-based account may provide the most powerful understanding the psychology and neuroscience of group cooperation. We also review the role of individual differences and social context in shaping the mental processes that underlie cooperation and consider gaps in the literature and potential directions for future research on the social neuroscience of cooperation. We suggest that this multi-level approach provides a more comprehensive understanding of the mental and neural processes that underlie the decision to cooperate with others.

Depressive Traits and Theory of Mind in Healthy Individuals: A Mediation Study

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas James Rowark
Keyword(s):  
Theory Of Mind ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Executive Control ◽  
Statistical Power ◽  
Social Cognitive ◽  
Clinical Sample ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Healthy Individuals ◽  
Prepotent Response

Depression has been associated with poor social cognitive functioning, including impaired performance on measures of theory of mind. However, the association between depression and theory of mind performance has been removed when controlling for differences in executive functioning, which is also impacted by depression. Among these executive functions, inhibition of prepotent response has been demonstrated as enabling success on theory of mind tests. In the context of these findings, the current investigation tested whether a relationship could be found between depressive traits and theory of mind in a non-clinical sample, and whether this relationship was mediated by differences in executive control of inhibition. Theory of mind was assessed in 31 healthy individuals using an audio-presented false-belief reasoning task, which also tested baseline performance in non-mental-state reasoning. Inhibition of prepotent response was assessed with interference measures on a Stroop colour-word task, and depressive traits were self-reported through the second version of the Beck Depression Inventory. Mediation analysis revealed that executive control of inhibition did not significantly mediate an indirect effect of depressive traits on theory of mind. It was interpreted that relationships previously found between major depression, executive and social-cognitive functions do not generalise beyond clinical boundaries. However, these findings are discussed in terms of the small sample size, limiting statistical power, and several methodological limitations. Future research should assess the relationship between depressive traits and theory of mind using alternative measures of mental representation, or include a neurocognitive battery assessing executive functions other than inhibition.

Cancer and Cancer Treatment-Related Cognitive Impairment

2019 ◽  
pp. 60-83
Author(s):  
James C.  Root ◽  
Elizabeth Ryan ◽  
Tim A. Ahles
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Cancer Treatment ◽  
Clinical Presentation ◽  
Functional Neuroimaging ◽  
Theoretical Models ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cognitive Changes ◽  
Central Nervous System Cancer ◽  
Pharmacologic Treatments

As the population of cancer survivors has grown into the millions, there is increasing emphasis on understanding how late effects of treatment impact survivors’ ability return to work/school, ability to function and live independently, and overall quality of life. Cognitive changes are one of the most feared problems among cancer survivors. This chapter describes the growing literature examining cognitive changes associated with non-central nervous system cancer and cancer treatment. Typical elements of cancer treatment are discussed, followed by a description of clinical presentation, self-reported and objectively assessed cognitive findings, and results of structural and functional neuroimaging research. Genetic and other risk factors for cognitive decline following treatment are identified and discussed, together with biomarkers and animal models of treatment-related effects. This is followed by a discussion of behavioral and pharmacologic treatments. Finally, challenges and recommendations for future research are provided to help guide subsequent research and theoretical models.

Emerging Syndromes

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly C. Allison ◽  
Jennifer D. Lundgren
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Theoretical Models ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Night Eating Syndrome ◽  
Statistical Manual ◽  
Night Eating ◽  
Diagnostic And Statistical Manual ◽  
Impairment In Functioning ◽  
Atypical Anorexia Nervosa ◽  
Comorbid Psychopathology

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, fifth edition, of the American Psychiatric Association (2013) has designated several disorders under the diagnosis of otherwise specified feeding and eating disorder (OSFED). This chapter evaluates three of these, night eating syndrome (NES), purging disorder (PD), and atypical anorexia nervosa (atypical AN). It also reviews orthorexia nervosa, which has been discussed in the clinical realm as well as the popular press. The history and definition for each is reviewed, relevant theoretical models are presented and compared, and evidence for the usefulness of the models is described. Empirical studies examining the disorders’ independence from other disorders, comorbid psychopathology, and, when available, medical comorbidities, are discussed. Distress and impairment in functioning seem comparable between at least three of these emerging disorders and threshold eating disorders. Finally, remaining questions for future research are summarized.

Computer-Mediated Communication and Mental Health

2020 ◽  
pp. 78-110
Author(s):  
Adrian Meier ◽  
Emese Domahidi ◽  
Elisabeth Günther
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Computer Mediated Communication ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Mediated Communication ◽  
Disciplinary Boundaries ◽  
Emerging Trends ◽  
Computer Mediated ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Systematic Database

The relationship between computer-mediated communication (e.g., Internet or social media use) and mental health has been a long-standing issue of debate. Various disciplines (e.g., communication, psychology, sociology, medicine) investigate computer-mediated communication in relation to a great variety of negative (i.e., psychopathology) and positive (i.e., well-being) markers of mental health. We aim at charting this vast, highly fragmented, and fast growing literature by means of a scoping review. Using methods of computational content analysis in conjunction with qualitative analyses, we map 20 years of research based on 1,780 study abstracts retrieved through a systematic database search. Results reveal the most common topics investigated in the field, as well as its disciplinary boundaries. Our review further highlights emerging trends in the literature and points to unique implications for how future research should address the various relationships between computer-mediated communication and mental health.

scholarly journals Does the model of additive effect in placebo research still hold true? A narrative review

JRSM Open ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 205427041668143 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katja Boehm ◽  
Bettina Berger ◽  
Ulrich Weger ◽  
Peter Heusser
Keyword(s):  
Context Effects ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Additive Model ◽  
Drug Effects ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Integrative Study ◽  
Additive Relation ◽  
Specific Factors ◽  
Study Designs

Personalised and contextualised care has been turned into a major demand by people involved in healthcare suggesting to move toward person-centred medicine. The assessment of person-centred medicine can be most effectively achieved if treatments are investigated using ‘with versus without’ person-centredness or integrative study designs. However, this assumes that the components of an integrative or person-centred intervention have an additive relationship to produce the total effect. Beecher’s model of additivity assumes an additive relation between placebo and drug effects and is thus presenting an arithmetic summation. So far, no review has been carried out assessing the validity of the additive model, which is to be questioned and more closely investigated in this review. Initial searches for primary studies were undertaken in July 2016 using Pubmed and Google Scholar. In order to find matching publications of similar magnitude for the comparison part of this review, corresponding matches for all included reviews were sought. A total of 22 reviews and 3 clinical and experimental studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The results pointed to the following factors actively questioning the additive model: interactions of various effects, trial design, conditioning, context effects and factors, neurobiological factors, mechanism of action, statistical factors, intervention-specific factors (alcohol, caffeine), side-effects and type of intervention. All but one of the closely assessed publications was questioning the additive model. A closer examination of study design is necessary. An attempt in a more systematic approach geared towards solutions could be a suggestion for future research in this field.

THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL TIES AND SELF-EFFICACY IN FORMING ENTREPRENEURIAL INTENTIONS AND MOTIVATING NASCENT BEHAVIOR

2007 ◽  
Vol 12 (03) ◽  
pp. 275-293 ◽  
Author(s):  
JENNIFER SEQUEIRA ◽  
STEPHEN L. MUELLER ◽  
JEFFREY E. MCGEE
Keyword(s):  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Strong Predictor ◽  
Theoretical Models ◽  
Entrepreneurial Intentions ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Personal Network ◽  
Network Ties ◽  
Strong Ties ◽  
Business Knowledge ◽  
Entrepreneurial Action

Theoretical models of entrepreneurship suggest that an individual's intention to start an enterprise is a strong predictor of eventual entrepreneurial action. Less understood are factors that influence the likelihood of entrepreneurial intentions and nascent behavior. In this study, we develop and test several hypotheses about how social network ties and self-efficacy affect entrepreneurial intentions and nascent behavior. We found that a personal network of supportive strong ties coupled with high entrepreneurial self-efficacy increases the likelihood of entrepreneurial intentions and nascent behavior. A personal network of weak ties with practical business knowledge and experience also increases the likelihood of entrepreneurial nascent behavior but not entrepreneurial intentions. In contrast, a personal network of strong ties with practical business knowledge and experience has little effect on either intentions or nascent behavior and may, in fact, suppress both. The contribution of this study to nascent entrepreneurship research and implications for future research are discussed.

Predictors of Psychiatric Morbidity in Cancer Patients

1994 ◽  
Vol 165 (5) ◽  
pp. 593-598 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judy Harrison ◽  
Peter Maguire
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Psychiatric Morbidity ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Appropriate Treatment ◽  
Study Designs ◽  
Patients Experience

BackgroundA significant proportion of cancer patients experience psychiatric morbidity in association with diagnosis and treatment. If this morbidity is to be reduced, a better understanding is needed of the factors which influence adjustment to cancer.MethodA review of the literature was carried out to explore those factors associated with poor psychological adjustment to cancer. These are described under four headings: characteristics of the patient; disease and treatment variables; the interaction between patient and illness; and environmental factors.ResultsA number of risk factors for psychiatric morbidity can be identified from each of the four areas. Methodological limitations are highlighted, in particular the preponderance of cross-sectional study designs.ConclusionsIncreased awareness of the risk factors for psychiatric morbidity should lead to earlier detection and more appropriate treatment. Future research should focus on those risk factors which are potentially modifiable.

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