The relationship between scrolling, negotiation, and self-initiated self-repair in an SCMC environment

This study explores the relationship between scrolling, negotiated interaction, and self-initiated self-repair (SISR) in a task-based synchronous computer-mediated communication (SCMC) foreign language learning environment. Pairs of adult learners of German engaged in four jigsaw tasks over the course of one university semester. Video screen capture software was employed to record the written interaction of each participant. Results suggest that in an SCMC environment learners engage in more SISR of grammatical aspects of their own output than lexical aspects. Results also show a negative correlation between the amount of scrolling and negotiation of meaning. No significant correlation was found between scrolling and SISR. Recommendations for a methodological shift in data collection and analysis approaches by CALL researchers are made with the present data illustrating the importance of such a shift.