Elicited Imitation as a Measure of Second Language Proficiency: A Systematic Review

• In Event: 46.085 - Roundtable Session 15
  In Roundtable Session: 46.085-15 - Oral Language Use and Development in Second Language/Multilingual Settings

Abstract

This study examines the status quo of the use of elicited imitation (EI) and addresses the discriminant validity of EI scores in second language (L2) research. Seventy-two studies were synthesized to investigate the use of EI with respect to task features and assessment context. The results revealed a great variation in the design and administration of EI tasks. However, a meta-analysis of 10 EI group-comparison studies (with 13 independent effect sizes) indicated EI as an effective measure in general to distinguish L2 performance across proficiency levels. The weighted average effect size for EI mean score differences was 1.39, with a great variation in the magnitudes across studies. Moderating effect of three EI task features was also examined and discussed.

Authors

• Xun Yan, Purdue University

• Yukiko Maeda, Purdue University

• Jing Lv, Purdue University