Introduction to the special issue on Introducing bibliometrics in applied linguistics

It is healthy and normal for an academic discipline to reflect on its publication conventions and practices, its incentive structures, and so forth. As social scientists, it is also natural for us to want to do so in a manner that is systematic and that employs well-established empirical methods, that is, by engaging in bibliometrics (see brief history of bibliometrics in Lei et al., this issue)

Instruction helps second language pronunciation but this depends on the measures used (OASIS Summary)

Saito, K. & Plonsky, L. (2019). Instruction helps second language pronunciation but this depends on the measures used. OASIS Summary of Saito, K. & Plonsky, L. (2019) in Language Learning. https://oasis-database.org/concern/summaries/5h73pw11p?locale=e

A Methodological Synthesis of Self-Paced Reading in Second Language Research : Methodological synthesis of SPR tests

Self-paced reading tests (SPRs) are being increasingly adopted by second language (L2) researchers. Using SPR with L2 populations presents specific challenges, and its use is still evolving in L2 research (as well as in first language research, in many respects). Although the topic of several narrative overviews (Keating & Jegerski, 2015; Roberts, 2016), we do not have a comprehensive picture of its usage in L2 research. Building on the growing body of systematic reviews of research practices in applied linguistics (e.g., Liu & Brown, 2015; Plonsky, 2013), we report a methodological synthesis of the rationales, study contexts, and methodological decision making in L2 SPR research. Our comprehensive search yielded 74 SPRs used in L2 research. Each instrument was coded along 121 parameters, including: reported rationales and study characteristics, indicating the scope and nature of L2 SPR research agendas; design and analysis features and reporting practices, determining instrument validity and reliability; and materials transparency, affecting reproducibility and systematicity of agendas. Our findings indicate an urgent need to standardize the use and reporting of this technique, requiring empirical investigation to inform methodological decision making. We also identify several areas (e.g., study design, sample demographics, instrument construction, data analysis, and transparency) where SPR research could be improved to enrich our understanding of L2 processing, reading, and learning

Is it better to learn how to ‘hear’ the sounds of a new language, or practice saying them? (OASIS Summary)

Lee, B., Plonsky, L. & Saito, K. (2019). Is it better to learn how to ‘hear’ the sounds of a new language, or practice saying them?. OASIS Summary of Lee, B., Plonsky, L. & Saito, K. (2020) in System. https://oasis-database.org/concern/summaries/hx11xf416?locale=e

The role of cognitive individual differences in digital versus pen-and-paper writing

It is unknown whether and to what extent cognitive individual differences may play different roles in paper versus computer-based second language (L2) writing. This exploratory study is a first attempt to explore this issue, focusing on the effects of working memory and language aptitude on the quality of paper versus computer-based L2 writing performance. Forty-two Spanish learners of L2 English performed a problem-solving task either digitally or on paper, took a working memory n-back test, and completed LLAMA tests to measure language aptitude. The quality of their L2 written texts was assessed in terms of complexity, accuracy and fluency (CAF) measures. The results indicated that the role of cognitive individual differences may vary depending on the writing environment

R as a Lingua Franca: Advantages of Using R for Quantitative Research in Applied Linguistics

In this article, we suggest that using R, a statistical software environment, is advantageous for quantitative researchers in applied linguistics. We first provide a brief overview of the reasons why R is popular among researchers in other fields and why we recommend its use for analyses in applied linguistics. In order to illustrate these benefits, we report recent works and developments in quantitative data analysis seeking to move the field toward more appropriate practices, many of which take advantage of the flexibility and functionality ofR. Finally, in order to facilitate the use of R, we also introduce an R-based web application developed by the first author

Models as written corrective feedback: Effects on young L2 learners’ fluency in digital writing from product and process perspectives

This study was motivated by Truscott’s (1996, 2004) scarcely empirically tested claims that written corrective feedback (WCF) processing hinders fluency in subsequent rewriting owing to learners’ purposeful avoidance of making mistakes by composing shorter texts at a higher speed. It examined the writing fluency of the texts produced by eighteen 10-11-year-old L2 English children in a digital environment. They were divided into a feedback (N = 10) and a self-correction group (N = 8). Both groups engaged in a three-stage task: writing, comparison of their texts with a model or self-editing as appropriate, and rewriting. Fluency was analyzed via five product/offline and five process/online measures. The texts and writing behaviors were recorded with Inputlog 8.0. The results partially support Truscott’s claims. The feedback group improved their fluency in all the ten measures. However, the self-editing group showed higher fluency than the feedback group in seven of the ten measures, with the corresponding Hedge’s effect sizes between groups ranging from small to large. The study enlightens our knowledge of young learners’ writing fluency and supports adopting a multidimensional approach to understand the complex and multi-faceted nature of fluency as mediated by WCF processing