The relationship between modified output and working memory capacity

Abstract

Prior work by Mackey et al (2001) and Trofimovich et al (2007) implicates the role of working memory (WM) in learning from interactional feedback. This study sought to determine whether there is a relationship between WM and phonological short-term memory (PSTM) on the one hand and modified output on the other. 44 L1 Persian EFL learners participated in a 15-minute task-based interaction, where they received interactional feedback in the form of elicitations (e.g., Lyster, 2004; Nassaji, 2007), and were given opportunities to modify their problematic utterances following the feedback. They also completed WM and PSTM tests. Regression analysis was applied to determine whether any significant relationships existed between, WM, PSTM, and the production of modified output following feedback in the form of elicitations. Results suggested that there is a positive significant correlation between PSTM and modified output following elliptical elicitations.

Publication Title

Asian EFL Journal

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