Designing a Model of Second Language Learning Disability Based on Perceptual Span, Spatial Attention, and Mental Rotation

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Payame Noor University(PNU), Tehran, Iran

2 Assistant Professor, Educational Management and Planning Department, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Tehran , Tehran, Iran.

3 1- Department of Linguistics, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran.

4 Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Payame Noor University (PNU), Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Despite the progress in sciences such as linguistics, medicine, educational sciences, psychology, and others, questions and complexities related to learning disabilities remain unresolved and ambiguous. Therefore, the present study aimed to design a model of second language learning disability based on perceptual span, spatial attention, and mental rotation.
Methods: This study was a correlational research conducted using structural equation modeling (SEM). The statistical population consisted of first-level secondary school students in Tabriz during the academic year 2024-2025. A total of 200 participants were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using the Colorado Learning Disabilities Questionnaire and the CogLab software. To assess the significance of mediating relationships in the proposed model, Bootstrap and Sobel tests were conducted using AMOS and SPSS software version 26.
Resuts: The results indicated that mental rotation, spatial attention, and perceptual span variables play a significant role in explaining the model of second language learning disability. Collectively, these variables accounted for 38% of the variance in second language learning disabilities. The direct effects of mental rotation (-0.24), spatial attention (-0.39), and perceptual span (-0.35) on second language learning disability were statistically significant. Furthermore, the indirect effects of mental rotation (t-value = -2.25) and perceptual span (t-value = -2.31) mediated by spatial attention were also significant.
Conclusion: Considering the significant role of spatial attention, mental rotation, and perceptual span in explaining the model of language learning disabilities, it appears that strengthening these cognitive skills could help in addressing and reducing learning difficulties among second language learners.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Learning Disabilities
Volume 14, Issue 2
March 2025
Pages 25-36

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