However, the subjects were considered beginning language learners, though they were already in second and third semester French. The fact that they had been exposed somewhat to the French language might have had an intervening influence on the results. This study made use of the query logs which record the navigational trails of the subjects as the use the computer. As the use of navigation trails for the purpose of determining, and assuming, the intent of a computer user in the process of language learning is somewhat unexplored, no reliability data exists to support this methodology. Once again, the importance of the study emerges, as the authors introduce a novel methodology upon which theoretical advances can be based.
Clarity is evident in the reporting of the study.
Rigor, however, does not emerge as a guiding principle. Little effort is made to control or discuss intervening factors such as the students previous knowledge of computers, French, or language learning in general. No numerical data appears in the article to demonstrate the relative frequencies of the various lexical strategies. No generalizations are therefore statistically possible. The analysis is appropriate to the extent that it develops according to the theoretical levels posited.