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Research Methods in the Study of L2 Writing Processes
Edited by Rosa M. Manchón and Julio Roca de Larios
[Research Methods in Applied Linguistics 5] 2023
► pp. 34–59

Chapter 2
Writing process studies. Struggling with complexities

Looking back, moving forward

| University of Amsterdam * | Norwegian University of Science and Technology **
| KU Leuven ***
| University of Amsterdam *

This chapter discusses validity parameters for studies on writing processes in a second or foreign language (L2). To that end, Cook and Campbell’s validity framework, which discerns four types of validity, i.e., statistical, internal, construct and external validity, has been used. The chapter especially hones in on construct validity by combining a case-based approach, based on a selection of frequently cited L2-writing process studies, with a comprehensive causal model often used for analyzing writing process studies (in terms of four components, Process – Task – Learner – Output). We suggest seven functional and directional parameters to discuss the construct of the writing process as intended against the construct as studied, and propose a selective and non-exhaustive list of guidelines for statistical and internal validity. Both parameters and guidelines are provided to inform (the design of) future L2 writing process studies.

Article outline
  • Introduction
  • Research in L2 writing processes: Selection of exemplar studies and overall framework
  • L2 writing processes: The construct as intended
    • Basic parameter 1. Structure: Activity and time
    • Basic parameter 2. Goal: Understanding and being understood
  • Conclusion: The construct of writing Process-as-Intended in seven parameters
  • Writing processes: The construct as studied
    • Unit of observation
    • Direction and domain
    • Understanding and being understood
  • L2 writing studies: Continuity and change
    • Observation 1: Formulation is key
    • Observation 2: ‘Stable profiles’
    • The ideal study
  • Acknowledgements
  • Notes
  • References
  • Appendix
Published online: 23 October 2023
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/rmal.5.02rij
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