This study addresses the role of domain-general mechanisms in second-language learning and knowledge using an individual differences approach. We examine the predictive validity of implicit-statistical learning aptitude for implicit second-language knowledge. Participants (n = 131) completed a battery of four aptitude measures and nine grammar…

Cognitive component research on aptitudes has shown that performance on test items depends on a series of processing events. Each processing component potentially defines a separate construct that contributes to item and subject differences in performance. This article presents the multicomponent latent trait model for measuring these component…

Several issues about component validity are examined by using covariance modeling to test hypotheses about the relationships between components, aptitude, and achievement. Support was found for cognitive components to model individual differences in verbal aptitude, decompose test validity, and differentially predict achievement. (Author/GK)

A review of the twin literature and analyses of two large twin samples found identical twin correlations higher than fraternal twin correlations by about .20 for a variety of traits of ability, personality and interests. This was interpreted as indicating that about half of the variation among people in a broad spectrum of psychological traits is…

This doctoral thesis examines whether inductive and deductive teaching methods are appropriate for different learners. Statistical interactions between the two instructional methods and various aptitude variables were examined among 275 sixth-grade pupils. Subjects were randomly assigned to rule-example (deductive) treatments or example-rule…