An Evaluation of Veridicality in Verbal Protocols of English Language Learners

• In Event: Roundtable Session 39
  In Roundtable Session: Second Language Teaching and Learning

Abstract

In this paper, I examine veridicality within verbal reports as a methodology employed to understand the cognitive processes of English Language Learners (ELLs). I assert the model upon which verbal protocol elicitation has been constructed precludes this methodology from being entirely effective with ELLs because protocols obtained from such learners lend themselves to errors of omission, errors of commission and errors associated with language as an inherent variable, therefore compromising the accuracy of reports obtained. Among the implications for research is the need to reduce reliance upon this model for reports of ELLs' cognitive processing until such time as future research sufficiently refines the currently existing model to allow it to provide a more accurate reflection of ELLs’ cognitive processes.

Author

• Patriann Smith, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign