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Part of
Writing and Language Learning: Advancing research agendas
Edited by Rosa M. Manchón
[Language Learning & Language Teaching 56] 2020
► pp. 207–230

Chapter 9
A mixed-methods approach to exploring the L2 learning potential of writing versus speaking

| Temple University

The study reported in this chapter investigated the extent to which task modality can impact L2 learners’ (a) noticing of the target form, (b) target form incorporation, and (c) perceptions of task-induced demands in a grammar-focused task. Using a mixed-methods approach, three sources of information were examined: (a) stimulated recall protocols, (b) learners’ task performance, and (c) subjective post-task questionnaires. Although both task modality conditions led to substantial noticing and form incorporation, along with similar ratings of task demands, participants in the writing condition were more accurate in incorporating the target form into their own output. Findings are discussed in terms of their implications for the L2 learning potential of writing versus speaking and the contributions of mixed-methods approaches to the study of task modality in SLA.

Article outline
  • Introduction
    • Task modality and L2 learning potential
    • Prior empirical research on task modality and SLA
    • Indicators of L2 learning potential: Noticing, incorporation, and task perception
  • The study
    • Research question
  • Method
    • Participants
    • Target structure
    • Procedure
    • Materials
      • Focused task
      • Stimulated recall protocols
      • Posttask questionnaire
    • Coding and scoring
    • Analyses
  • Results
    • Stimulated recall protocols: Noticing
    • Focused task: Form incorporation
    • Post-task questionnaire: Perceptions of task demands
  • Discussion
  • Conclusions and limitations
  • Note
  • References
Published online: 20 November 2020
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/lllt.56.09zal
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Leow, Ronald P., Rosa M. Manchón & Charlene Polio
2022. Chapter 13. Writing. In Instructed Second Language Acquisition Research Methods [Research Methods in Applied Linguistics, 3], ► pp. 305 ff. DOI logo
Manchón, Rosa M. & Julio Roca de Larios
2023. Chapter 1. The study of L2 writing processes. In Research Methods in the Study of L2 Writing Processes [Research Methods in Applied Linguistics, 5], ► pp. 6 ff. DOI logo

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