ELICITED IMITATION TASKS AS A MEASURE OF L2 PROFICIENCY A META-ANALYSIS

• Published in: Studies in second language acquisition Vol. 44; no. 3; pp. 886 - 911
• Main Authors: Kostromitina, Maria, Plonsky, Luke
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Cambridge University Press 01.07.2022
• Subjects: Achievement Tests; Applied Linguistics; Cloze Procedure; Correlation; Definitions; Effect Size; Evidence; Grammar; Imitation; Individual Differences; Language; Language Aptitude; Language assessment; Language Proficiency; Language Research; Linguistics; Listening Comprehension Tests; Measurement Techniques; Memory; Meta Analysis; Oral Language; Phonology; Research Reports; Researchers; Second Language Instruction; Second Language Learning; Sentences; Short Term Memory; Standardized Tests; Stimuli; Task Analysis; Teaching Methods; Validity
• ISSN: 0272-2631; 1470-1545
• DOI: 10.1017/S0272263121000395

Elicited imitation tasks (EITs) have been proposed and examined as a practical measure of second language (L2) proficiency. This study aimed to provide an updated and comprehensive view of the relationship between EITs and other proficiency measures. Toward that end, 46 reports were retrieved contributing 60 independent effect sizes (Pearson’s r ) that were weighted and averaged. Several EIT features were also examined as potential moderators. The results portray EIT as a generally consistent measure of L2 proficiency ( r = .66). Among other moderators, EIT stimuli length was positively associated with stronger correlations. Overall, the findings provide support for the use of EITs as a means to greater consistency and practicality in measuring L2 proficiency. In our Discussion section, we highlight the need for more transparent reporting and provide empirically grounded recommendations for EIT design and for further research into EIT development.