مطالب مرتبط با کلیدواژه

Individual differences


۱.

An Investigation into the Individual Differences Correlates of Iranian Undergraduate EFL Learners’ Writing Competence: A Mixed Methods Approach(مقاله علمی وزارت علوم)

نویسنده:
منبع: زبان شناسی کاربردی دوره نوزدهم بهار و تابستان ۱۳۹۵ شماره ۱

کلیدواژه‌ها: Individual differences Writing competence Composing process Mixed-methods research

حوزه های تخصصی:
تعداد بازدید : ۷۶۲ تعداد دانلود : ۴۷۶
The present study adopted a mixed-methods research design and explored the role of a set of cognitive (i.e., aptitude and working memory) and motivational (i.e., self-regulatory capacity and self-efficacy beliefs) individual difference variables in the writing quality and composing behavior of 78 Iranian undergraduate EFL learners. The necessary data were collected through a series of instruments and both quantitative (e.g., multiple regression and t-tests) and qualitative (e.g., narrative construction and qualitative comparative analysis) techniques were used to analyze the data. The results of these analyses indicated that the construct of foreign language aptitude had the highest level of correlation and contributory potential to account for the writing competence of the learners. The composing process of learners with different individual characteristics was also compared and it was found that learners with high self-regulation capacity orchestrated and managed their composing behavior in more effective ways compared to their less self-regulated counterparts. Moreover, the narratives and qualitative comparative analysis provided some insights about how various individual characteristics might affect the composing behavior of the individual learners. Finally, it was suggested that consideration of individual differences in writing can reveal more subtle information about the causes of strengths and weaknesses of different learners and may enable the teachers to design and implement more effective instructions targeting their learners’ individual needs
۲.

The Relationship between Iranian EFL Learners’ Ambiguity Tolerance and the Accuracy of Their Task-based Oral Speech(مقاله پژوهشی دانشگاه آزاد)

نویسنده:
منبع: The Journal of English Language Pedagogy and Practice, Vol.۱۱, No.۲۳, Fall & Winter ۲۰۱۸ 85 - 102

کلیدواژه‌ها: ambiguity tolerance Accuracy Individual differences task-based speech

حوزه های تخصصی:
تعداد بازدید : ۵۳۶ تعداد دانلود : ۲۸۸
Various individual differences, including ambiguity tolerance (AT), have gained momentum because of the influence they can exert on the process and product of learning, and thereby, on various aspects of the learner’s interlanguage system such as accuracy of oral speech. The present study was undertaken to examine the extent to which Iranian EFL learners’ AT was significantly correlated with the accuracy of their task-based speech. To serve the purpose, a random sample of 60 Iranian EFL learners studying English at New Pegah Institute in Tabriz were selected from a population of 150. The Second Language Tolerance of Ambiguity Scale (Ely, 1995) was employed to quantify the participants’ AT while the accuracy of their speech, based on a picture description task, was measured based on the ratio of the grammatical errors to the total number of t-units produced. Correlational analyses of the research data revealed that the participants were highly inaccurate in their oral performance and that there was a significant moderate relationship between the two research variables. The findings underscore the need to determine and promote Iranian EFL learners’ AT and offer a number of pedagogical implications.  
۳.

The Impact of Cognitive Styles on the Speech Act of Apology among Iranian EFL Learners

نویسنده:
منبع: Research in English Education Volume ۵, Issue ۱ (۲۰۲۰)

کلیدواژه‌ها: cognitive styles field independence field dependence Individual differences speech act of apology

حوزه های تخصصی:
تعداد بازدید : ۳۳۳ تعداد دانلود : ۱۶۵
This study explored the effect of cognitive styles of field dependence (FD) and field-independence (FI) on Iranian EFL learners’ performance in the speech act of apology. Additionally, the investigation also focused on the effect of these cognitive styles on individual differences (IDs) like proficiency, age, and gender of the participants. To this end, 80 EFL learners, studying at two English language institutes in Maybod, were selected through convenient sampling. This study was conducted in three phases by using a variety of instruments, like Oxford Quick Placement Test (OPT), Group Embedded Figures Test (GEFT), and Multiple Choice Discourse Completion Tasks (MCDCTs). With respect to the GEFT, students were divided into two groups, FD/FI. The MCDCTs were administered to measure students’ pragmatic comprehension and restructuring ability of the apology situations. The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS 21 statistical software. The results revealed that FI participants outperformed the FD ones in apology contexts. Individual differences like gender and age had a significant effect on the performance of the participants in both cognitive groups. Although the proficiency level demonstrated some variations, but it did not have any statistically significant impact on the performance of the participants in these two groups. The major pedagogical implication of the present study is that when assessing the interlanguage pragmatics (ILP) of EFL learners, teachers and other teaching administrations should take not only cognitive styles but also individual differences into consideration so that they could adopt and apply teaching methods in line with the learners’ various cognitive styles.
۴.

The Effect of Multiple Intelligence-Oriented Thematic Clustering on Advanced EFL Learners’ Vocabulary Learning(مقاله علمی وزارت علوم)

نویسنده:
منبع: Teaching Language Skills (JTLS), Volume ۳۹, Issue ۲, Summer ۲۰۲۰ 169 - 201

کلیدواژه‌ها: Individual differences Multiple Intelligence-Oriented Tasks Multiple Intelligences Thematic Clustering Vocabulary Learning

حوزه های تخصصی:
تعداد بازدید : ۵۹۱ تعداد دانلود : ۲۷۸
Burgeoning research in applied linguistics has underscored the interplay among individual, cognitive, and social variables that can delineate the ultimate attainment in various areas including vocabulary learning and the need to explore how innovative conflation of these dimensions may promote learning outcomes. The present quasi-experimental study examined the impact of Thematic Vocabulary Instruction (TVI) with and without Multiple Intelligence-oriented tasks on advanced EFL learners’ vocabulary learning and scrutinized probable differences among individual learners with varying intellectual propensities. Thus, a stratified homogeneous sample of 80 advanced EFL learners was selected and randomly assigned to four groups; the first and the second experimental groups (EG1 and EG2) received TVI with tasks compatible and incompatible with their dominant intelligence, respectively. The third experimental group (EG3) received TVI focused on coursebook exercises and the control group (CG) received non-thematic instruction based on textbook exercises. A parallel vocabulary test was administered to measure the participants’ vocabulary learning. The research data were analyzed via the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests and revealed that the EG1 significantly outperformed the other groups and intrapersonally-intelligent learners significantly underperformed their peers in the EG1. The findings underscore the significance of taking individual differences into account and offer a number of pedagogical implications.
۵.

The Influence of Learning Styles and Input Modalities on the Simultaneous Attention to Form and Meaning(مقاله علمی وزارت علوم)

نویسنده:
منبع: Issues in Language Teaching (ILT), Vol. ۹, No. ۱, June ۲۰۲۰ 213 - 243

کلیدواژه‌ها: atomistic learners Attention holistic learners Individual differences Input processing

حوزه های تخصصی:
تعداد بازدید : ۴۰۷ تعداد دانلود : ۲۲۹
Second language acquisition (SLA) research suggests that learners differ in the extent to which they can direct their attention to the meaning and form of the input. Among various factors responsible for this discrepancy, learning style by itself or along with other factors might influence the process, yet its impact has rarely been addressed in empirical studies. The present study aimed to investigate how learners with different learning styles allocate their attention to form and content when exposed to different input modalities. For this purpose, 73 male and female university students from three intact groups, participated in the research. First, the Ehrman & Leaver (E& L) Construct Questionnaire was implemented to determine the participants' learning styles. Then, the reconstructive Elicited Imitation (REI) Tests comprising a reading and a listening section were administered to specify how learning styles might allocate their attention if exposed to different modalities. Moreover, to obtain further evidence regarding how they would attend to the form and content, a structured interview was employed. The analysis of Chi-square showed that the atomistic learners processed the linguistic features more effectively while the holistic learners focused more on the content. The results further indicated that both types of learners had difficulty processing oral input, although the atomistic learners outperformed the holistic learners in attending to the formal features. Finally it was revealed that learning style is a crucial factor, directing the EFL learners how to divide their attention between form and meaning, but input modalities can only influence the process.
۶.

The Relationships between Web-Based Information Credibility Judgment, Critical Thinking, and Learning Styles of Iranian EFL University Students(مقاله علمی وزارت علوم)

نویسنده:
منبع: Applied Research on English Language, V. ۱۰ , N. ۲ , ۲۰۲۱ 133 - 154

کلیدواژه‌ها: Regression Analysis Web-based information validation Individual differences

حوزه های تخصصی:
تعداد بازدید : ۳۶۴ تعداد دانلود : ۱۰۱
The advent of Web 2 tools and their features have allowed Internet users not only to seek information but also to generate and edit on-line information. However, excessive reliance of students, particularly EFL students, on the Internet has raised the issue of information credibility or quality of the information found online. This study sought to investigate the relationship between Iranian EFL university students’ credibility judgment and their learning styles and critical thinking. It also intended to examine the extent to which the learners employ credibility judgment strategies to verify web-based information. To this end, 212 Iranian EFL students, 165 female(s) and 47 male(s) (or add) students, received three questionnaires: Honey’s (2004) Critical Thinking questionnaire, Kolb's (1984) Learning Style inventory, and the adapted version of Credibility Judgment questionnaire originally developed by Metzger, Flanagin, and Zwarun (2003). The results of descriptive as well as bivariate and multivariate correlation analysis revealed that, first, Iranian EFL students employ credibility judgment strategies at a moderate level, and second, critical thinking is a better predictor for credibility judgment behavior of EFL students than learning style. Moreover, three learning styles were significantly related to the currency sub-scale of credibility judgment. The findings can assist curriculum planners, policymakers, and instructors to develop plans for empowering EFL students with the skills they need to evaluate on-line information for accuracy, objectivity, authority, and currency.
۷.

Customized Oral Corrective Feedback: Learners’ Preferences and Personality Traits(مقاله علمی وزارت علوم)

نویسنده:
منبع: English Language Teaching and Learning. No. ۲۹, Spring & summer ۲۰۲۲ 155 - 170

کلیدواژه‌ها: Extroversion Introversion Individual differences error correction

حوزه های تخصصی:
تعداد بازدید : ۱۴۵ تعداد دانلود : ۱۳۳
This study aims at investigating second language learners’ preferences for receiving oral corrective feedback on lexical and grammatical errors in relation to their personality traits. Given the established benefits of providing corrective feedback, the question remains how to customize corrective feedback in order to be effective and appropriate to the individual’s personality. For this purpose, 324 language learners in a language institution were asked to complete Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO PI-R) and feedback preference questionnaires. T-test showed that more extroverted learners prefer explicit and immediate feedback while more introverted ones prefer implicit and non-immediate feedback. Moreover, introverts preferred recasts for lexical and grammatical errors while extroverts preferred explicit correction and metalinguistic feedback the most. A follow-up content analysis of interview data revealed learners’ reasons regarding their preferences for receiving corrective feedback. Interviewed extroverts mentioned that explicit correction eliminated ambiguities of peer correction and metalinguistic feedback helped to feel independent. However, recasts were disliked by extroverts because they could not notice the correction, whereas welcomed by introverts due to their least obtrusive nature.
۸.

The Relationship between Iranian EFL Learners’ Critical Thinking Disposition and their Writing Strategy Use(مقاله علمی وزارت علوم)

نویسنده:
منبع: Iranian Journal of Learning and Memory, Volume ۵, Issue ۱۷, Spring ۲۰۲۲ 51 - 58

کلیدواژه‌ها: Critical thinking disposition Individual differences Iranian EFL Students Language learning strategy Writing Strategies

حوزه های تخصصی:
تعداد بازدید : ۱۹۴ تعداد دانلود : ۱۵۸
As the learning of foreign languages has increasingly become learner-centered, instructors are advised to take learners' characteristics into consideration to which they can tailor their teaching practices. There are several factors that influence language learning including critical thinking dispositions and learning strategies. This study examined the relationship between critical thinking dispositions and writing strategies, as well as the extent to which Iranian English learners utilize certain writing strategies. This study adopted a correlational design. The statistical population included students majoring in English in Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, of whom 150 students were selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using Ricketts' (2003) Critical Thinking Disposition Scale (2003) and Abdollahzadeh’s (2010) Writing Strategy Questionnaire. The questionnaires were completed by 101 students from which eleven students whose responses were distorted excluded and the remaining 90 responses were analyzed using a bivariate correlation analysis. According to the results, learners' critical thinking disposition was positively correlated with their writing strategy. Additionally, the results demonstrated that Iranian EFL learners occasionally used a variety of writing strategies. It is also noteworthy that metacognitive and cognitive strategies were applied at a higher frequency than others. Thus, it can be concluded that critical thinking plays a vital role in employing different writing strategies.
۹.

Investigating Foreign Language Reading Anxiety in Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL): Does Using Electronic Dictionary Help?

نویسنده:
منبع: Iranian Distance Education, Volume ۴, Issue ۱, Winter & Spring ۲۰۲۲ 63 - 71
تعداد بازدید : ۱۲۹ تعداد دانلود : ۹۴
Abstract Recent developments in mobile technologies are exerting considerable influence on the students’ daily lives and their educational practices. In this regard, mobile assisted reading in language education is gaining increased attention. Within these lines on inquiry, the current study investigated foreign language reading anxiety in mobile learning environment. The data were collected from 50 Iranian EFL learners, divided into control and experimental groups. The participants in the control group were given the reading materials on paper and used traditional materials, while the control group used mobile devices to read the assigned texts. Both groups participated in reading comprehension tests before and after the treatment. The findings revealed that mobile assisted reading in English contributed significantly to anxiety reduction among the learners, nevertheless, its impacts on comprehension were insignificant. The findings have some implications for teaching EFL reading, and contributes to growing body of knowledge in mobile assisted reading.
۱۰.

The wisdom and results of individual differences based on verses and traditions(مقاله علمی وزارت علوم)

نویسنده:
منبع: Quran and Religious Enlightenment, Volume ۳, Issue ۲, Autumn and Winter ۲۰۲۲-۲۰۲۳ 77 - 94
تعداد بازدید : ۱۲۴ تعداد دانلود : ۹۵
Individual differences are one of the most fundamental facts of human life. Knowing the differences, wisdom and their results is very important in building the human worldview and his social interactions. On the other hand, answering the questions and resolving the ambiguities surrounding an important issue such as divine justice depends on knowing the wisdom and results of individual differences. By differentiating between wisdom (philosophy of existence) and result (result of presence) of individual differences, this research examines verses and narrations related to the subject. The research method is descriptive-analytical in such a way that after collecting verses and narrations with library search tools, it analyzes their content. The results of the research show that: divine will, knowledge of God, employment of people, consistency of human life, creation of different positions and different duties, mutual recognition, divine test and display of divine justice are among the most important wisdoms of individual differences in the verses and traditions. Also, the most important results and consequences of these differences are: difference in responsibilities, not judging each other, consulting, avoiding fault-finding and blaming others, pardoning and accepting excuses, and respecting capacity for duty.
۱۱.

Prediction of Iranian EFL Learners’ Production of Request Speech Act and Communication Apprehension by the Big Five Personality Traits(مقاله علمی وزارت علوم)

نویسنده:
منبع: Issues in Language Teaching (ILT), Vol. ۱۱, No. ۲, ِDecember ۲۰۲۲ 219 - 254

کلیدواژه‌ها: the Big Five personality traits Individual differences request speech act ability Communication apprehension

حوزه های تخصصی:
تعداد بازدید : ۱۴۱ تعداد دانلود : ۱۱۳
Given that students’ personality traits can have a powerful role in language learning, this study sought to investigate how well L2 leaners’ communication apprehension and request speech act can be predicted through the components of the Big Five Personality traits (extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and openness). The study also examined which of these traits could be the best predictor of L2 learners’ communication apprehension (CA) and request speech act. One hundred and seventy-nine Iranian EFL learners at three universities in Shiraz, Iran were recruited. To single out the participants for the study, Oxford Placement Test was employed. To identify the learners’ personality traits, gauge their pragmatic competence of request speech act, and measure their communication apprehension, The Big-Five Inventory, Discourse Completion Task, and the Personal Report of Communication Apprehension (PRCA-24) were applied, respectively. Standard multiple regression was used and the results showed that the Big Five personality can predict L2 learners’ communication apprehension and request speech act ability. Moreover, the results evidenced that extraversion and neuroticism largely contributed to L2 learners’ request speech act ability and CA, respectively. The findings offer implications for EFL teachers in helping their students increase their speech act productions and managing their communication apprehension based on their personality traits.