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Learning Theory and Concepts

Noticing Hypothesis

Foundational and Developmental Learning Concepts

The noticing hypothesis is a theory within second language acquisition holding that a learner cannot continue advancing their language ability or grasp a linguistic feature unless they consciously notice the input containing it. The theory was proposed by Richard Schmidt in 1990 to explain the change from linguistic input into intake, and is considered a form of conscious processing distinct from mere attention or understanding; it has been criticized within both psychology and second language acquisition. Schmidt and Frota studied noticing using Schmidt himself as a Portuguese language learner, collecting findings through diary study and audio recordings, and Schmidt modified the hypothesis in 1994 in light of that criticism.

Facts
Core Claim
Second-language learners must consciously notice input before it can become intake that advances their linguistic competence. 1
Origin Year
1990 1
FAQs

Did Richard Schmidt ever change the noticing hypothesis?

Yes. He modified it in 1994 in light of criticism.

Yes. Schmidt proposed the noticing hypothesis in 1990 and modified it in 1994 in light of criticism. The hypothesis holds that second language learners must consciously notice input before it can become intake, and critics in both psychology and second language acquisition have questioned it.
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Developed By

Source Noticing hypothesis (Wikipedia)
Sources
1. Noticing hypothesis (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia Foundation
  • Lead paragraph, year and proposer
    The theory was proposed by Richard Schmidt in 1990.
  • Lead paragraph, definition sentence
    The noticing hypothesis explains the change from linguistic input into intake and is considered a form of conscious processing.
  • Developed By: Richard Schmidt
    The theory was proposed by Richard Schmidt in 1990.
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