北京外国语大学英语学院学术论坛系列

SEIS Academic Forum Series

Forum on Linguistics & Applied Linguistics               

Meta-Analysis in Applied Linguistics

Speaker: Dr.  Shaofeng Li  (Senior Lecturer of Applied Language Studies at the University of Auckland)

Time: 2:00-6:00 p.m.

Date: 11 May 2015 (Monday)

Venue: Room 410 (2pm to 4pm), Room 101 (4pm to 6pm)  Sir Shaw Run Run Building, BFSU

Abstract
Meta-analysis is a statistical method used to synthesize the cumulative effect of an interventional treatment or a certain relationship that has been subjected to empirical investigation.Notwithstanding the increasing popularity of meta-analysis in applied linguistics, there is considerable methodological inconsistency in the meta-analyses published to date. Also, given the highly technical nature of some aspects of this statistical procedure and the specialized knowledge associated with it, it is a daunting task to conduct a meta-analysis and understand or interpret meta-analytic results. In this talk, I will discuss the methodological options of each stage of a meta-analysis in an accessible manner, make recommendations about how to handle some key issues, and point out the pitfalls that might undermine the robustness and credibility of meta-analytic findings. I will then present two meta-analyses that I have conducted with a view to exemplifying how to synthesize the two major types of empirical studies in applied linguistics—those investigating the effects of instructional treatments and those seeking to ascertain the correlations between variables. At the end of the talk, interested audience will have an opportunity to engage in some hands-on activities to practice how to use software programs to calculate effect sizes and carry out a meta-analysis.     

Bio information
Shaofeng Li is Senior Lecturer of Applied Language Studies at the University of Auckland, where he teaches postgraduate and undergraduate courses in second language acquisition and supervises M.A. and Ph.D. students. His main research interests include the interaction between learning conditions and cognitive variables (especially language aptitude and working memory), task-based language teaching and learning, individual learner differences, and quantitative research methods. His recent and forthcoming publications appear in Language Learning, Modern Language Journal, Applied Linguistics, Language Teaching Research, RELC Journal, and ELT Journal. He also serves on the editorial boards of several international journals.

来源网址：http://seis.bfsu.edu.cn/events/lectures/15042703