useful data" (Dechert; 1987,97) on cognitive processes in language learning. VR can be
simply defined as "learners reports of their own intuitions and insights"
(Cohen; 1987,92). In his article, "Using Verbal Reports in Research on Language
Learning", Cohen gives a sensible account of this method and emphasises its potential
value:

As a field of Second Language Acquisition emerges, we will surely find more
possible applications for verbal report data (ibid).

I believe that one of these "possible applications" is using VRs for self-directed
learning research. So, what I want to put forward is a possible way to use VRs to help
learners to develop awareness of their own learning processes and to be able to talk about
this awareness.

According to Cohen's classification (ibid,94), VRs differ mainly in the recency
factor (i.e. how recent), that is to say, the period of time between the cognitive process
and the actual VR. VRs can be divided into three main categories:

a) self- reports that give accounts of learner's own general description
of what they do and who they are as learners;

b) self-observations "in which learners inspect their specific language
behaviour Introspectively and retrospectively" (Cohen; 1994,679) and
c) self-revelations, which are "a moment-by-moment description which
an individual gives of his or her own thoughts and behaviours during
the performance of a particular task" (Gerloff;1987,137).

According to research on the issue, different types of VRs give different
outcomes, i.e., different kinds of information (see Fig.5.7). Applying Zimmermann's
cline on this topic (1987,178) to Cohen's terminology, it is the most specific and
immediate VR (self-revelation) which uncover actual strategies, while introspection and
early retrospection (self-observation) uncovers preferred strategies. Self-reports, the most
delayed of the three types of VRs, produce general metalinguistic statements about
beliefs and concepts learners have about them.

VR TYPE               RECENCY              OUTCOME

Self-report                        delayed or late                    metalinguistic atrategies and

generalisations about him/herself

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