What Makes a Theory Good? Paradigm Shifts in L2 Motivation Research

Abstract

This article explores model construction in research on motivation for language learning. Drawing on Kuhn’s (1962, 1970) theory of scientific revolutions, it examines critiques of two paradigmatic models: the Socio Educational Model of Second Language Acquisition (Gardner 1985) and the L2 Motivational Self System (Dörnyei 2009). In discussing the challenges to these models, consideration is given to changes in the role and status of English