Using Fuzzy Logic in assessing metacognitive intervention in relation to Less-/more-skilled L2 Listeners

Metacognitive intervention is known as one of the effective approaches to increase listening skills and comprehension. Recent research on less-/more-skilled L2 listeners indicated that metacognitive intervention is more rewarding for less-skilled L2 listeners than more-skilled counterparts. However, since more-skilled L2 listeners achieved a repertoire of knowledge and skills, it is more difficult for them to achieve more improvement. Therefore, the scales of improvements are different between less- and more-skilled L2 listeners, and mere comparison between pre- and post-tests does not suffice. In this study, however, Fuzzy logic analysis was employed as a remedial approach in order to equalize these scales. Next, the comparison was made between less- and more-skilled L2 listeners to find out which group would logically benefit more from metacognitive intervention. A quantitative approach and quasi-experimental design were used to address the research questions. 65 Iranian students were selected including 31 more-skilled (15 advanced and 16 upper-intermediate) and 34 less-skilled (18 intermediate and 16 lower-intermediate). The instruction was based on metacognitive intervention in eight sessions. The result, which was based on a Fuzzy logic analysis approach, indicated that more-skilled L2 listeners benefited more than less-skilled L2 listeners from metacognitive intervention, and is quite contrary to the previous studies. This study is beneficial to the field of assessment. Assessment based solely on differences in pre-/post-test results may not be adequate in some cases. Researchers and teachers should consider other factors in their judgments.