Abstract
Abstract
This article addresses the pitfalls of performance analysis in investigating cognitive processing during second
language (L2) learning. The problems that we discuss in this paper are twofold: (1) Assuming psychological variables to be
ontological entities without meeting the criteria for ontological reality and (2) Inappropriateness of assessing abilities based
on learner’s speaking or writing performance to investigate cognitive processes. By addressing these problems, we argue that some
latent variables postulated by observing L2 performance do not exist in reality and emphasize the difficulty of interpreting
cognitive mechanisms through performance analysis. We also enumerate some problems that arise from the epistemological
perspectives of previous research practice (e.g., the bifurcation of contradictory hypotheses and their indeterminacy). Finally,
two alternative approaches treating L2 performance are proposed. The implications of this line of discussion for future research
are also discussed.
Publisher
John Benjamins Publishing Company
Subject
Linguistics and Language,Education,Language and Linguistics
Cited by
2 articles.
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