Task complexity: synthesis of studies on the variable "± Few Elements" of the cognition hypothesis

Vol.42,No.2(2021)

Abstract
This paper presents a synthesis of primary studies in the field of Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT), within Robinson's (2001, 2003, 2005, 2010, 2011, 2015) Cognition Hypothesis, more specifically on the impact of the "± few elements" resource-directing variable on the oral performance in foreign language. The Cognition Hypothesis claims that increasing the number of elements of a task will lead to a more complex and accurate speech but with a negative impact on fluency. Thirteen studies conducted between 2001 and 2018 were included in a quantitative analysis. The results of this review showed that: (i) the operationalisation of task complexity was diverse across studies; (ii) the target language was mainly English, and there was one study on the oral performance in Portuguese as a Foreign Language; (iii) the effects of increasing the number of elements of a task were significant in respect to lexical diversity, but less clear in respect to linguistic complexity and fluency. Some methodological issues are discussed for prospective studies. This work may encourage new research in the TBLT field, namely in respect to Portuguese, and may also inform teachers for pedagogical decisions.

Keywords:
foreign language; learning; cognitive task complexity; Cognition Hypothesis

Pages:
249–280
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