Work

Resolving the crisis in L2 motivational self-system research: Constructive dialogue and argument-based validation

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Al-Hoorie, Hiver, and In’nami (2024) offer compelling arguments for why L2 motivational self-system research is currently in a state of validation crisis. Seeking a constructive resolution to the crisis, in this response we argue that two fundamental conditions are needed for the field to emerge stronger: psychological readiness and methodological maturity. For psychological readiness, we call for a reframing of the “crisis” narrative. We highlight the need to value controversy, to normalize failure and (self-)correction, and to resist the allure of novelty. For methodological maturity, we suggest that an argument-based approach to validation can provide a constructive solution to current controversies. We present an integrated framework that can guide systematic validation efforts, and we demonstrate its application using a recent validation study as an example.

Source: Studies in Second Language Acquisition

DOI: 10.1017/s0272263125000166

Authors: Meng Liu, Alastair Henry

Institutions: Beijing Foreign Studies University, University West, Lund University

Language: English

Topic: EFL/ESL Teaching and Learning

Subfield: Language and Linguistics

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,550

Funder: Riksbankens Jubileumsfond