Developing and validating an L2 writing willingness to communicate scale: A sequential embedded mixed-methods approach

Abstract

Current willingness to communicate (WTC) scales center on WTC in general second language (L2) learning, while L2 writing WTC is underrepresented. This study intended to close this gap by developing and validating an L2 writing WTC scale. A three-phase sequential embedded mixed-methods design was adopted to overcome the over-reliance on quantitative data and provide adequate evidence of validity. Nineteen items were generated based on our literature search and thematic analysis of the interview data ( n = 10). With quantitative data collected from 288 learners of English as a foreign language (EFL), the psychometric properties of the initial scale were examined by exploratory factor analysis. After that, the revised 17-item questionnaire was validated by confirmatory factor analysis and other validation methods with data from 224 EFL learners. The results indicated that the underlying structure involved writing task traits, English language ideology, writing teacher support, interest in English language, and self-perception of English language proficiency. The scale was further validated through factor analysis of the quantitative data ( n = 173) and thematic analysis of the immediate retrospective interview data ( n = 12) from EFL learners to test its generalizability in other L2 learning contexts and for face validity evidence. The findings showcased a promising mixed-methods design for scale development and clarified the underlying factors of L2 writing WTC. Implications for scale development and the teaching and learning of L2 writing were discussed.