Disembedding 'Disembedded Figures in the Landscape..': An Appraisal of Griffiths and Sheen's 'Reappraisal ofL2 Research on Field Dependence/Independence'

Abstract

Griffiths and Sheen's reappraisal (Applied Linguistics, Volume 13, Number 2)of the SLA research infield independence/dependence (FI/D) touched on some relevant points. However, it confused fundamental theoretical and research issues. As a consequence, it concluded only that FI/D could not be relevant to second language learning and that researchers should practice the principles of good scholarship. This paper attempts to disembed and evaluate the major points in Griffiths and Sheen's paper while providing corrections and additions that may help readers to weigh their arguments. It also suggests insights that SLA researchers might gain from a genuine reappraisal of FI/D in SLA research.