Purpose, outcome, and methodology in computer-assisted language learning publications: A systematic review

Although CALL is still an emerging area of study in many countries, several studies have shown the significant contribution of these countries to the develop ment of CALL worldwide, among which Iran is no exception. Contrary to the vast number of review studies on how this interdisciplinary area of study has been developed at the international level, there are very few studies presenting the development of CALL at the national level, especially in the highly contributing countries. Accordingly, the present study is an attempt to systematically review the trend of CALL in Iran focusing on research purpose, outcome, and methodology. The two major databases of WoS and Scopus were searched from 2007 to 2020. Following the exclusion and inclusion criteria, 229 studies were selected for the present systematic review. The research purpose and outcome of the studies were analyzed according to four classifications of linguistic, affective, cognitive/ metacognitive, and technology domains. The findings indicated a large number of studies in linguistic and affective domains with a positive effect of technology. Furthermore, a few studies have been conducted with a focus on the cognitive/ metacognitive and technology aspects. The analysis of the research methodology of the publications revealed a lack of sufficient data about participants, research setting, and duration of the treatment/tasks. More importantly, the absence of longitudinal qualitative studies in natural settings was found as a major shortcoming. It is worth mentioning that measurement instruments/data collection methods, data analysis methods, and the implemented devices were clearly explained in nearly all the studies.