TY - JOUR
T1 - Multiple Regression in L2 Research
T2 - A Methodological Synthesis and Guide to Interpreting R2 Values
AU - Plonsky, Luke
AU - Ghanbar, Hessameddin
N1 - Publisher Copyright: © National Federation of Modern Language Teachers Associations
PY - 2018/12/1
Y1 - 2018/12/1
N2 - Multiple regression is a family of statistics used to investigate the relationship between a set of predictors and a criterion (dependent) variable. This procedure is applicable in a variety of research contexts and data structures. Consequently, and similar to quantitative traditions in sister-disciplines such as education and psychology (see Skidmore & Thompson, 2010), second language researchers have turned increasingly to multiple regression. The present study employs research synthetic techniques to describe and evaluate the use of this procedure in the field. Five hundred and forty-one regression analyses (K = 171) were coded for different models, variables, procedures, reporting practices, and overall variance explained (R2). Summary results reveal a number of inconsistencies (e.g., model types) as well as a lack of transparency (e.g., missing/unreported reliability estimates; see Larson–Hall & Plonsky, 2015). The distribution of R2 values (median =.32) is described to facilitate utilization and interpretation of regressions models. We also provide specific, empirically grounded recommendations for future research.
AB - Multiple regression is a family of statistics used to investigate the relationship between a set of predictors and a criterion (dependent) variable. This procedure is applicable in a variety of research contexts and data structures. Consequently, and similar to quantitative traditions in sister-disciplines such as education and psychology (see Skidmore & Thompson, 2010), second language researchers have turned increasingly to multiple regression. The present study employs research synthetic techniques to describe and evaluate the use of this procedure in the field. Five hundred and forty-one regression analyses (K = 171) were coded for different models, variables, procedures, reporting practices, and overall variance explained (R2). Summary results reveal a number of inconsistencies (e.g., model types) as well as a lack of transparency (e.g., missing/unreported reliability estimates; see Larson–Hall & Plonsky, 2015). The distribution of R2 values (median =.32) is described to facilitate utilization and interpretation of regressions models. We also provide specific, empirically grounded recommendations for future research.
KW - L2 research
KW - multiple regression
KW - quantitative research methods
KW - research synthesis
KW - statistics
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85053937686&partnerID=8YFLogxK
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U2 - 10.1111/modl.12509
DO - 10.1111/modl.12509
M3 - Article
SN - 0026-7902
VL - 102
SP - 713
EP - 731
JO - Modern Language Journal
JF - Modern Language Journal
IS - 4
ER -