Where neat labels and brief descriptions of different theories can go seriously wrong.

What is it about?

Simple one-line descriptions of particular theoretical approaches, especially those intended to differentiate one approach from other ones, can work well as long as the reader/audience is able to avoid drawing incorrect conclusions that seriously misrepresent the differences. With this concern in mind, the authors consider a number of examples from the field of second language research.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

Apart from a general need to avoid misleading labels and comparisons, In an increasingly interdisplinarian world, many people rely on short descriptions or short articles to acquaint themselves with what is going on in neighboring research areas that might be of use to them. It is therefore important that descriptions of theoretical approaches are phrased in such a manner that does not require readers to familiarise themselves with all the details required to work out for themselves how exactly one approach differs from another and what they actually might have in common.