Assessing Psycho-Physiological Factors in Foreign Language Performance: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach

[[abstract]]Many studies have demonstrated interests in the impacts of psychological or physiological factors on learning. However, few research studies were available regarding the coexistence and reciprocal effects of psychological and physiological factors on foreign language performance. This interdisciplinary study employed questionnaires, which include CAARS, state anxiety inventory, and type D personality, as well as a psychological instrument, CPT II, in order to look for the relationship between psychological factors (inattention, test anxiety, and introverted personality type) and foreign language performance. The impact of physiological factors (poor sleep quality and physical inactivity) on foreign language learning was assessed through sleep quality questionnaires, calories burned during physical activity, and participants’ BMI. The sample consisted of 292 participants studying English as a major in a university in Taiwan. Two tests of reading and listening as well as students’ English proficiency scores were used for measuring students’ foreign language performance. A quantitative analysis by using structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied, which can help examine the question: Do the aforementioned psycho-physiological factors have impacts on foreign language performance? The path diagram shown in this study supported the hypothesized direct detrimental effect of inattention, test anxiety, and physical inactivity on foreign language performance. Introverted personality type was positively correlated with foreign language performance. Poor sleep quality did not influence foreign language performance, but had a significant positive correlation with introverted personality type and test anxiety. Another statistical significance was found among inattention, test anxiety and physical inactivity. Via using SEM, the present study proved and interpreted a closely remarkable relationship between cognition-related psychological factors and health-related physiological factors concerning foreign language learning. This study reminded people of the importance of the inseparable body and mind which affects our brain function in learning