Dual coding theory (Paivio) as an account of visual facilitation of L2 lexical knowledge¶

Theory · All theories
Evidence · 4 claims (3 for, 1 against) · 4 studies (2 causal, 1 quant-synthesis, 1 review), q2–q4 · 2 of 4 report an effect size · 3 claims rest on one study

Description¶

Dual coding theory holds that cognition comprises verbal and nonverbal (imagery) systems that are "functionally independent yet interconnected"; when both systems process information, the combination produces qualitatively different mnemonic representations, and verbal and visual codes "function additively" to enhance memory. The article applies DCT to L2 vocabulary, predicting that words presented with corresponding images are better recalled than single-code presentation, and extends it to more advanced lexical knowledge—awareness of errors and correct usage—beyond initial form-meaning links, and to adolescent learners previously overlooked in DCT research.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Learning materials must present verbal information alongside corresponding visual code so the two systems can jointly process the content

Constraints¶

• The article's evidence covers awareness of correct usage of confusing lexical pairs in adolescent EFL learners, not all dimensions of vocabulary knowledge

Target Learners¶

• adolescent EFL learners (ninth-grade middle school students)

Target Learning Objectives¶

• accurate use of confusing L2 lexical items
• awareness of lexical errors

Claims¶

• Dual Coding Elucidation Improves Lexical Error Awareness [+M]
• Dual Coding Lexical Effects Persist Four Weeks [+M]
• Learning style (visual-verbal) shows no significant correlation with the effectiveness of pictorial elucidation for adolescent EFL learners [-W]
• Adding relevant pictures or graphics to text improves learning from it, with a small pooled effect on reading comprehension, though whether dual coding explains the benefit is disputed [+W]

Related Theories¶

• Dual coding theory: parallel verbal and nonverbal representation systems as an alternative to schema theory
• Dual Coding Theory
• Dual coding theory as the explanatory account of video-supported L2 text comprehension

Examples¶

• Dual coding elucidation booklets for confusing lexical item pairs
• Add humorous cartoon visuals to verbal vocabulary instruction targeting confusing lexical items
• Dual Coding
• Visual Imagery

Key Sources¶

• Lee, Sunjung. (2017). Raising EFL learners' awareness of L2 lexical errors and correct usage: A dual coding approach. English Teaching, 72(2), 29-50. https://doi.org/10.15858/engtea.72.2.201706.29