The effects of embedded questions and elaborative interrogation questions on L2 reading comprehension

Abstract

With 97 advanced second language (L2) learners of Spanish, the present study utilized domain specific texts to examine the effects of embedded “what” questions and elaborative “why” questions on reading comprehension. Participants read two different vignettes, either with or without the adjuncts, from a social psychology textbook, and then completed a written recall, multiple-choice items, and a topic familiarity questionnaire. Results revealed no significant effects of inserted adjunct questions for recall and multiple choice items. Mean recall scores for both the embedded and elaborative questions were almost the same for each passage, whereas the mean recall score for the version without adjuncts was lower. Results are discussed in light of previous research and suggestions for more research of this nature are offered.