HOW KNOWLEDGEABLE ARE APPLIED LINGUISTICS AND SLA RESEARCHERS ABOUT BASIC STATISTICS?

2019 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
pp. 871-890 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shawn Loewen ◽  
Talip Gönülal ◽  
Daniel R. Isbell ◽  
Laura Ballard ◽  
Dustin Crowther ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Applied Linguistics ◽  
Statistical Information ◽  
Descriptive Statistics ◽  
Knowledge Test ◽  
Quality Research ◽  
Research Orientation ◽  
Statistical Knowledge ◽  
Frequent Use

AbstractDespite the prevalence of quantitative approaches in applied linguistics (AL) and second language acquisition (SLA) research (Gass, 2009), evidence indicates a need for improvement in analyzing and reporting SLA data (e.g., Larson-Hall & Plonsky, 2015). However, to improve quantitative research, researchers must possess the statistical knowledge necessary to conduct quality research. This study assesses AL and SLA researchers’ knowledge of key statistical concepts on a statistical knowledge test. One hundred and ninety-eight AL and SLA researchers from North America and Europe responded to 26 discipline-specific questions designed to measure participants’ ability to (a) understand basic statistical concepts and procedures, (b) interpret statistical analyses, and (c) critically evaluate statistical information. Results indicate that participants generally understood basic descriptive statistics, but performance on items requiring more advanced statistical knowledge was lower. Quantitative research orientation, number of statistics courses taken, and frequent use of statistics textbooks had positive influences on researchers’ statistical knowledge.

Statistical knowledge and training in second language acquisition

2019 ◽  
Vol 171 (1) ◽  
pp. 62-89 ◽  
Author(s):  
Talip Gonulal
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Acquisition ◽  
Doctoral Students ◽  
Descriptive Statistics ◽  
Inferential Statistics ◽  
Statistical Literacy ◽  
Statistical Knowledge ◽  
And Training

Abstract The present study investigated second language acquisition (SLA) doctoral students’ statistical training and knowledge of statistics. One hundred and twenty SLA doctoral students in North America took a comprehensive statistics survey, and 16 of them participated in follow-up interviews. The results showed that doctoral students were well trained in basic descriptive statistics, while their training in inferential statistics, particularly advanced statistics, was limited. When looking at their statistical knowledge, the results indicated that SLA doctoral students were good at understanding descriptive and inferential statistics, but they found it hard to interpret statistical analyses related to inferential statistics that are commonly encountered in SLA research. Several suggestions directed toward improving statistical literacy in SLA were provided.

Empowering the Culture of Quality Research within Ethical Standards in Distance Education

2010 ◽  
pp. 164-182
Author(s):  
J.O. Osiki
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Distance Education ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
Ethical Standards ◽  
Quality Research ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Research Orientation ◽  
A Value ◽  
Culture Of Quality

Fundamental in today’s Distance Higher education (DHE) in the African sub-regions, is how to continue to harness the dividends inherent in the multi-dimensionality of empowerment, for inducing a virile tradition of research, through the shared-benefits of academic/intellectual symbiotism. In such atmosphere, the mentor is less egoistic and willing to provide leadership as a motivator for a value-driven research orientation of the committed protégés. Using the cyclical model, while the novelty of early academic irritants are to be acknowledged, learners’ emotionality is identified as raw material for boosting both qualitative and quantitative research skills, within clearly defined workplaces’ standards. The acquisition of relevant skills and its benefits is therefore sinequanon for nurturing and sustaining research culture especially in DHE.

The development of statistical literacy in applied linguistics graduate students

2017 ◽  
Vol 168 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Talip Gonulal ◽  
Shawn Loewen ◽  
Luke Plonsky
Keyword(s):  
Graduate Students ◽  
Doctoral Students ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Graduate Training ◽  
Applied Linguistics ◽  
Descriptive Statistics ◽  
Methods Courses ◽  
Statistical Literacy ◽  
Quantitative Research Methods ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Statistics play an important role in analyzing data in applied linguistics research. Given the increase over time in the field’s reliance on quantitative analysis (Brown, 2004; Gass, 2009), statistical literacy is critical for both producers and consumers of L2 research. Although there has been some investigation into statistical literacy among applied linguists, no research to date has examined how such literacy is obtained by masters and doctoral students in the field. The present study investigated the development of statistical literacy in a sample of such students taking semester-long discipline-specific quantitative research methods courses. Participants completed a pre-course and post-course survey. The results indicate that participants increased their knowledge of basic descriptive statistics and common inferential statistics to a great extent. Furthermore, participants reported that they felt more confident interpreting and using statistics. Based on these findings, recommendations for improving methodological practices and graduate training in our field are provided.

Acquiring variable commands at home and abroad: Examining optatives and imperatives in L1 and L2 Spanish

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-113
Author(s):  
Farrah Neumann ◽  
Matthew Kanwit
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Study Abroad ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Applied Linguistics ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Individual ◽  
At Home

AbstractSince many linguistic structures are variable (i. e. conveyed by multiple forms), building a second-language grammar critically involves developing sociolinguistic competence (Canale and Swain. 1980. Theoretical bases of communicative approaches to second language teaching and testing. Applied Linguistics 1(1). 1–47), including knowledge of contexts in which to use one form over another (Bayley and Langman. 2004. Variation in the group and the individual: Evidence from second language acquisition. International Review of Applied Linguistics in Language Teaching 42(4). 303–318). Consequently, researchers interested in such competence have increasingly analyzed the study-abroad context to gauge learners’ ability to approximate local norms following a stay abroad, due to the quality and quantity of input to which learners may gain access (Lafford. 2006. The effects of study abroad vs. classroom contexts on Spanish SLA: Old assumptions, new insights and future research directions. In Carol Klee & Timothy Face (eds.), Selected proceedings of the 7th conference on the acquisition of Spanish and Portuguese as first and second languages, 1–25. Somerville, MA: Cascadilla Proceedings Project). Nevertheless, the present study is the first to examine native or learner variation between imperative (e. g. ven ‘come’) and optative Spanish commands (e. g. que vengas ‘come’). We first performed a corpus analysis to determine the linguistic factors to manipulate in a contextualized task, which elicited commands from learners before and after four weeks abroad in Alcalá de Henares, Spain. Their overall rates of selection and predictive factors were compared to local native speakers (NSs) and a control group of at-home learners.Results revealed that the abroad learners more closely approached NS rates of selection following the stay abroad. Nonetheless, for both learner groups conditioning by independent variables only partially approximated the NS system, which was more complex than previously suggested.

Engagement in language learning: A systematic review of 20 years of research methods and definitions

2021 ◽  
pp. 136216882110012
Author(s):  
Phil Hiver ◽  
Ali H. Al-Hoorie ◽  
Joseph P. Vitta ◽  
Janice Wu
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Applied Linguistics ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Learner Engagement ◽  
Quantitative And Qualitative Research ◽  
Active Learner

At the turn of the new millennium, in an article published in Language Teaching Research in 2000, Dörnyei and Kormos proposed that ‘active learner engagement is a key concern’ for all instructed language learning. Since then, language engagement research has increased exponentially. In this article, we present a systematic review of 20 years of language engagement research. To ensure robust coverage, we searched 21 major journals on second language acquisition (SLA) and applied linguistics and identified 112 reports satisfying our inclusion criteria. The results of our analysis of these reports highlighted the adoption of heterogeneous methods and conceptual frameworks in the language engagement literature, as well as indicating a need to refine the definitions and operationalizations of engagement in both quantitative and qualitative research. Based on these findings, we attempted to clarify some lingering ambiguity around fundamental definitions, and to more clearly delineate the scope and target of language engagement research. We also discuss future avenues to further advance understanding of the nature, mechanisms, and outcomes resulting from engagement in language learning.

scholarly journals DESTINATION SUCCESSES FACTORS FOR MILLENNIAL TRAVELERS CASE STUDY OF TANAH LOT TEMPLE, TABANAN, BALI

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 136-146
Author(s):  
Jaya Pramono ◽  
I Made Sumartaha ◽  
Bambang Purwantoro
Keyword(s):  
Generation Y ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Descriptive Statistics ◽  
Success Factor ◽  
Research Model ◽  
Business Travel ◽  
Gen Y ◽  
Main Factors

Millennials are a popular term to replace the term Generation Y (Gen Y). There are 2.5 billion millennials worldwide. They have contributed to business travel, and tend to spend most of their expenses on travel and vacation, driven by future travel trends. This research conducted to shape the success factor of the destination for millennial tourists, where the destination of Tanah Lot Temple is used as a case study, which is quantitative research, using survey design and purposive sampling. There are 160 millennial tourists as respondents (who are visited Tanah Lot Temple). The instrument used was a questionnaire with a Likert scale, and the data were analysed using descriptive statistics and factor analysis. This research has indicated that there are nine (9) main factors that shape the success factor of the destination for millennial tourists. The nine main factors are: Millennials interested in traditional costume guides and officers, believe in social media reviews, Millennial will add several/more days to enjoying the destination, The layout of the souvenir shop, buildings, temples, parks, and the others building should support sustainable practices. A millennial will invite parents and closest friends for visiting destination. The experience in destination worth it with or even more than spending, and meet the expectations. The facility of destination affected millennials during visiting. Millennials are interested in the culture at the destination. Traveling is a necessity for Millennial. This research model has an accuracy of 71% on the error rate of 5%.

scholarly journals The influence of the involvement with products on consumer practices of empty nest couples

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 127-147
Author(s):  
Iara Silva Da Silva ◽  
Liliane Antunes Rohde
Keyword(s):  
Data Analysis ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Descriptive Statistics ◽  
Self Concept ◽  
Empty Nest ◽  
Consumption Practices ◽  
Situational Involvement ◽  
Quantitative Descriptive ◽  
Interviewing Techniques

Goal: to analyze the influence of involvement with products focused on leisure and gastronomy - books, trips and wines - on the consumption practices of empty nest couples.Method: a triangulation of methods through exploratory (qualitative) and descriptive (quantitative) research, through in-depth interviewing techniques and questionnaires. For data analysis of the qualitative (content analysis) and the quantitative (descriptive statistics) research. At the time of analysis, the data is triangulated to arrive at the results.Originality / Relevance: is present in the application of the New Involvement Profile (NIP) scale, tested and adapted to the Brazilian reality by Fonseca (1999).Results: it is important to highlight that couples presented situational involvement with the investigated products; therefore, products have no relevant meaning and/or define couples’ lifestyle and self-concept. In addition, the consumer practices of empty nest couples reinforced their concern with keeping close bonds with their children.Theoretical and Methodological Implications: the application of the New Involvement Profile (NIP) scale is a contribution in this field, being adapted to the Brazilian context and to a specific segment - the empty nest couples.

language teaching

2007 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. i-i
Keyword(s):  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Applied Linguistics ◽  
Annual Conference ◽  
University Of Wisconsin ◽  
Listening Skill ◽  
Product And Process ◽  
L2 Listening ◽  
Teaching Learning ◽  
The University

In this issue's state-of-the-art article, Larry Vandergrift suggests that L2 listening remains the least understood and the least researched of all four skills. His paper focuses on a number of areas central to the topic, including the implicit nature of the listening product and process, the cognitive dimensions of the listening skill, listening tasks and the assessment of the skill.The present issue of Language Teaching sees the start of a new series, surveying recent research in some of the most widely-taught L2s. It can be argued that nowadays too much L2 research is focussed on English, and there is very often an implied assumption that ‘one size fits all’ in methodological terms for all languages, which is clearly not the case. We also feel that this journal needs to serve its readers more comprehensively by providing an accessible and regular means of obtaining information about research into languages other than English. Michael Evans opens the series with a review of research on L2 French; reviews of research into L2 German, Spanish, Japanese, Italian and Chinese are currently being prepared.This issue also sees the start of another regular section, wherein we will be publishing plenary and invited speeches from recent language teaching and second language acquisition conferences around the world. Many of these speeches are of fundamental interest to a community wider than those present at such events. To begin the series, Fred Davidson with Glenn Fulcher discuss the flexible language of the Common European Framework of References for Languages and explore the pragmatic utility of such language to guide language test development, and William Littlewood discusses the problems encountered in incorporating new methodologies developed in Europe into East Asian educational institutions. In future issues, we will be presenting speeches from events as diverse as the annual conference of the American Association for Applied Linguistics and the conference of the Applied Linguistics Association of New Zealand, and papers based on the invited speakers' lecture series at the University of Berkeley and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.Richard Johnstone's article in which he reviews research on language teaching, learning and policy published in 2004 and 2005 is available online in Language Teaching 39.4 (2006), at http://journals.cambridge.org/jid_LTA.

scholarly journals Forging new pathways for research on language learning motivation

2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Françoise Raby
Keyword(s):  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Applied Linguistics ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Learning Motivation ◽  
Learning Activities ◽  
Cognitive Ergonomics ◽  
Language Learning Motivation ◽  
Methodological Difficulties

Abstract Research on motivation in the field of applied linguistics seeks to better understand how and why learners become involved in learning activities and maintain their efforts in this regard. Dörnyei provided a seminal model drawing essentially from cognitive and social psychology (Dörnyei, 2001). In the wake of his reflection, and after investigating motivation in a range of academic contexts, we are now able to present our own model, which is dynamic, weighted, and polytomic (Raby, 2007). After presenting cognitive ergonomics as a new pathway for research in second language acquisition, we shall present the results of our investigations in foreign language learning motivation in technologically enhanced contexts, outlining major methodological difficulties pertaining to this sort of this grounded research.

Assessment of the Purpose of the Use of GAS

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 65-82
Author(s):  
Louis Smidt ◽  
Leandi Steenkamp ◽  
Aidi Ahmi ◽  
D. P. van der Nest ◽  
David Schalk Lubbe
Keyword(s):  
Data Analytics ◽  
Research Method ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Internal Audit ◽  
Descriptive Statistics ◽  
Research Population ◽  
Tools And Techniques ◽  
Quantitative Research Method

This article explores the purpose for which GAS, as a data analytics tool, is utilised by internal audit functions in Australia. A quantitative research method was applied, and the data was analysed using descriptive statistics. The total number of online questionnaires returned was 50 (i.e., a response rate of 15.53%) from the total research population of 322 chief audit executives of internal audit functions of organisations that are registered members with the IIA-Australia. The purpose of descriptive statistics is to describe what the data looks like and to compare variables numerically; therefore, no inferences or extrapolation of the data results were made. The results of the study can be used as a benchmark that may enable CAEs to identify whether they are staying abreast of current best practice in the area of technology-based tools and techniques for tests of controls.

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