Abstract

BERGSLEITHNER, Joara Martin. Working memory capacity and L2 writing performance. Ciênc. cogn. [online]. 2010, vol.15, n.2, pp. 02-20. ISSN 1806-5821.

Abstract This article surveys an experimental research on working memory capacity and second language (L2) writing performance. It attempts to tap on a principled account on whether individual differences in working memory capacity are related to L2 writing performance and whether such performance could be affected by working memory capacity. The experiment consists of a memory test - The operation-word span test (the OSPAN test), and the performance of a written task in the L2 (a sequencing narrative story board), as measured by accuracy and complexity. The results revealed evidence that there is statistically significant relationship between working memory (WM) capacity and L2 writing performance. In the concluding part, these issues are discussed and directions for further research are suggested. © Cien. Cogn. 2010; Vol. 15 (2): 002-020

Keywords : working memory capacity; L2 writing performance; accuracy; complexity.

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