1. 1
TE53112
APPLIED LINGUISTICS
FOR ENGLISH LANGUAGE
TEACHERS
ASST. PROF. DR. RAPEEPORN
SROINAM

2. Individual Differences in
Second Language Learning
Rod Ellis (pp.525-551)
Learners vary enormously in how
successful they are in learning a
language.
 The main purpose of individual difference
research was to predict which learners
would succeed.


3. Methodology and
Instrumentation
Research into individual difference has
relied predominantly on quantitative
methods.
 The favored method is a survey
questionnaire consisting of Likert scale
that requires learners to self-report on
some aspect of their language learning.


4. Methodology and
Instrumentation

The data obtained from questionnaires or
tests are submitted to correlational
analysis (Pearson Product Moment
correlation, exploratory and confirmatory
factor analysis, or multiple regression).

5. Methodology and
Instrumentation



The purpose of the correlational analysis is
to identify relationship among individual
difference variables and/or the relationship
between a specific factor (such as
motivation) and a measure of L2
achievement or proficiency.
In such research, much depends on the
validity and reliability of the questionnaires
and tests used.
Effort has gone into the development of
questionnaires and well-established
instruments.

6. Methodology and
Instrumentation
Some Problems



There is a problem when learners are asked
to agree/disagree with statements like “I ask
question in English,” which they will find
difficult to respond to because the behavior in
question varies dynamically according to
context.
The statistical analysis of learners’ responses
to questionnaires does not always support the
theoretical constructs that underlie the
designs.
Different instruments for measuring the same

7. Instruments in researching
individual different factors in
SLA




Modern Language Aptitude Test (MLAT)
(Carroll & Sapon, 1959) for language aptitude
Group Embedded Figures Test (Witkin et al.,
1971) and Perceptual Learning Style
Preference Questionnaire (Reid, 1987) for
learning style
Attitude Motivation Index (Gardner, 1985) for
motivation
Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale
(Horwitz, Horwitz & Cope, 1986) and Input

8. Instruments in researching
individual different factors in
SLA
Eysenck Personality Inventory (Eysenck &
Eysenck, 1964) for personality
 Beliefs about Language Learning
Inventory (Horwitz, 1987) for learner
beliefs
 The Strategy Inventory for Language
Learning (Oxford, 1990) for learning
strategies


9. Individual Different Factors
1. Abilities for language learning
- Intelligence
- Language aptitude
- Memory

10. Individual Different Factors
2. Propensities for language learning
- Learning style
- Motivation
- Anxiety
- Personality
- Willingness to communicate

11. Individual Different Factors
3. Learner cognitions about L2 learning
- Learner beliefs
4. Learner actions
- Learning strategies

12. Assignment
1.
2.
3.
4.
Discuss the advantages and
disadvantages of utilizing a survey
questionnaire for correlational analysis of
individual differences in second language
learning.
Explain differences between abilities and
propensities
How do learner’s abilities affect L2
learning?
How do propensities affect L2 learning?