Lexical Problem-solving Strategies in L2 Composition ——A Case Study of Eight Chinese EFL Learners

论文摘要

本个案研究主要采用有声思维、实时观察和回顾访问的方法,探索和描述八名两组中国非英语专业大学生在45分钟内完成一篇300字左右记叙文的过程中所使用的各种词汇问题解决策略。本研究的主要目的是回答以下两个问题:一是写作者在二语写作中使用了哪些词汇策略;二是高、低两组不同水平的写作者在词汇策略使用上有何差异。研究总结出,受试者在二语写作过程中主要使用四类词汇策略,分别是费力提取策略、提升表达策略、避免策略以及在线修正策略。在对高、低水平受试者词汇策略使用类型进行描述统计和配对样本t检验后,本文又发现,两组水平受试者在费力提取策略、避免策略和在线修正策略使用上具有显著差异,但在提升表达策略使用上并无差异,对于这两种结论本文根据访谈回答内容做出具体的解释。最后,研究者参照词汇策略和转写语料,对两组水平受试者的词汇问题解决路径进行了描述。本文对二语词汇问题解决策略及其解决路径的研究旨在为国内英语词汇学习和英语写作提供一些认识和见解。

论文目录

• ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
• ABSTRACT
• 摘要
• CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION
• 1.1 Purpose of This Study
• 1.2 Organization of This Study
• CHAPTER II LITERATURE REVIEW
• 2.1 Problem-solving Nature in Formulation Processes
• 2.2 Lexical Problems in L2 Writing
• 2.2.1 Lexical Retrieval
• 2.2.2 Lexical Problems
• 2.3 Studies Related to Lexical Problem-solving Strategies
• 2.4 Research Questions of This Study
• CHAPTER III METHODOLOGY
• 3.1 Operational Definition of Key Concepts
• 3.1.1 Definition of “Lexical item”
• 3.1.2 Process of Lexical Production in L2 writing
• 3.2 Safeguards for this Research Design
• 3.2.1 Relative-natural Situation
• 3.2.2 Triangulation for Multiple Data
• 3.2.3 Purposeful Sampling
• 3.2.4 Voluntary Participation and Guarantee of Anonymity
• 3.2.5 Training of the Participants
• 3.2.6 Face-to-face Real-time Observation
• 3.3 The Participants
• 3.4 Sources of Data
• 3.4.1 Think-aloud Protocols
• 3.4.1.1 Illustration of Think-aloud Protocols
• 3.4.1.2 Think-aloud Protocols as the Main Source of This Study
• 3.4.2 Real-time Observations
• 3.4.3 Stimulated Recalls
• 3.4.4 Written Products
• 3.4.5 Semi-structured Interviews
• 3.5 Procedures for Data Collection
• 3.5.1 Group Meeting after the Selection of the Participants
• 3.5.2 Training of the Participants
• 3.5.3 Conducting Pilot Studies
• 3.5.4 Conducting Writing Sessions
• 3.5.5 Following up with Stimulated Recalls
• 3.5.6 Semi-structured Interviews
• 3.5.7 Collecting Written Products
• 3.6 Data Analysis
• 3.6.1 Analyzing Interviews
• 3.6.2 Analyzing Think-aloud Protocols
• 3.6.2.1 Transcribing the Raw Materials
• 3.6.2.2 Developing the Coding System
• CHAPTER IV RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
• 4.1 Lexical Strategies
• 4.1.1 Laborious Retrieval Strategies
• 4.1.2 Upgrading Strategies
• 4.1.3 Avoidance Strategies
• 4.1.4 Online Repair Strategies
• 4.2 Comparisons of Lexical Strategies Use Between Subjects of Two Levels
• 4.2.1 Comparison of Laborious Retrieval Strategies Use
• 4.2.2 Comparison of Upgrading Strategies Use
• 4.2.3 Comparison of Avoidance Strategies Use
• 4.2.4 Comparison of Online Repair Strategies Use
• 4.3 Lexical Problem-solving Paths
• CHAPTER V CONCLUSION
• 5.1 Summary of the Results
• 5.2 Pedagogical Implications
• 5.3 Limitations and Suggestions
• References
• Appendix 1 Personal Particulars
• Appendix 2 The Writing Task
• Appendix 3 Questions Guiding Semi-structured Interviews