| The purpose of the present study was twofold: (a) to validate the use of the Vocabulary Learning Strategies Inventory (VOLSI), a self-report instrument developed by the researcher, and (b) to assess university foreign language students' use of vocabulary learning strategies as related to individual difference variables, i.e., previous language learning experience, course level, language studied, previous vocabulary learning strategies instruction, age, and gender.; The sample consisted of 707 students enrolled in French, German, Japanese, Russian, and Spanish classes at The University of Alabama during the spring semesters of 1994 and 1995. The Vocabulary Learning Strategies Inventory (VOLSI), as well as a linguistically modified version of the Strategy Inventory for Language Learning (SILL, Version 7.0), was administered to the subjects.; Since strong indications of construct-related and content-related evidence of validity were found, it is likely safe to assume that the VOLSI is valid for its intended use. Furthermore, the VOLSI appeared to be a reliable instrument {dollar}(rm r=.90).{dollar}; Strategy use was significantly related to previous language learning experience, course level, language studied, previous vocabulary learning strategies instruction, and age. However, gender failed to make a significant difference in strategy use at the.05 level. As expected, previous vocabulary learning strategies instruction emerged as the best predictor for vocabulary learning strategies use.; The results from the factor analysis demonstrated that the 53 items of the VOLSI were clustered around nine dimensions pertaining to the area of vocabulary learning. The nine factors identified were Factor 1: Strategies Involving Authentic Language Use, Factor 2: Strategies Involving Creative Activities, Factor 3: Strategies Used for Self-Motivation, Factor 4: Strategies Used to Create Mental Linkages, Factor 5: Memory Strategies, Factor 6: Visual/Auditory Strategies, Factor 7: Strategies Involving Physical Action, Factor 8: Strategies Used to Overcome Anxiety, and Factor 9: Strategies Used to Organize Words. |
