Effects of Recasts in SLA: A Review for Research Synthesis

Abstract

L2 researchers have been investigating the role and effect

of recasts as a type of negative feedback in SLA. The

present study reviews sixteen empirical studies on recasts

from a synthetic perspective. Since there are many

moderator factors which may reduce or enhance the effect

of recasts, this study examined and compared the studies

in terms of 1) definition of recasts, 2) learner factors (age,

proficiency, and developmental readiness), 3) language

factors (morphemes or type of L2 structures), and 4)

measures. Findings indicate that overall. recasts play a

facilitative role in SLA and that the degree of effectiveness

is dependent on the operationalization of recasts and the

moderator variables. Suggestions are made for future

research on recasts and their synthesis.