Publications
Last updated: September 2025
- Article
Resolving the crisis in L2 motivational self-system research: constructive dialogue and argument-based validation
Meng Liu, Alastair HenryStudies in Second Language Acquisition(2025)L2 motivational self systemvalidation crisisargument-based validationpsychological readinessmethodological maturitysecond language acquisitionresearch methodologyKey Contributions:
- •Addressed the validation crisis in L2 motivational self-system research
- •Proposed psychological readiness and methodological maturity as solutions
- •Presented an integrated framework for systematic validation efforts
- •Demonstrated application using a recent validation study
SSCI Q1 - Article
The Ulysses Pact: An emic perspective on registered reports in applied linguistics
Meng Liu, Yuan Sang, Phil Hiver, Ali H. Al-HoorieJournal of Second Language Studies(2025)registered reportsapplied linguisticsresearch transparencyemic perspectivequestionable research practicespublication biasqualitative researchKey Contributions:
- •Explored first-hand experiences of 12 authors of registered reports in applied linguistics
- •Found authors valued RRs for promoting scientific rigor and publication guarantee
- •Identified tensions including time-consuming nature and reduced autonomy
- •Provided recommendations for improving the RR process and supporting stakeholders
- Article
Splitting the L2 self-guide: ways forward for motivation research
Alastair Henry, Meng LiuLanguage Teaching Research Quarterly(2025)L2 self-guidepossible selvesself-guidesL2 motivational self systemconstruct validitytheoretical confusionmotivation researchKey Contributions:
- •Argued for splitting the L2 self-guide construct into discrete components
- •Addressed conceptual disparities between possible selves and self-guides
- •Highlighted theoretical and methodological confusion from construct conflation
- •Called for disassembling the L2 self-guide for better assessment
- Article
Do AI chatbots impact motivation? Insights from a preliminary longitudinal study
Meng Liu, Hayo ReindersSystem(2025)chatbotsmotivationself-regulated learninggenerative AIlongitudinal studyacademic listeningKey Contributions:
- •Examined impact of SRL chatbots on student motivation over 15 weeks
- •Compared pre-scripted chatbot with ChatGPT-powered interactions
- •Found significant motivation increase after introducing generative AI
- •Revealed individual differences in learning experiences with AI chatbots
SSCI Q1 - Article
Open access in language testing and assessment: The case of two flagship journals
Meng Liu, Ali H. Al-Hoorie, Phil HiverLanguage Testing(2024)open accesslanguage testinglanguage assessmentresearch transparencyGlobal SouthbibliometricsKey Contributions:
- •Examined open access status in two flagship language testing journals
- •Found positive trends in open manuscripts and materials adoption
- •Revealed inequitable participation from Global South researchers
- •Proposed Research Transparency Statements for inclusive open practices
SSCI Q1 - Chapter
The open turn: rethinking applied linguistics research through open scholarship
Meng Liu, Emma MarsdenExploring open science in applied linguistics: Reviews and case studies (Eds: A. Curado Fuentes, M. Rico García, L. Fielden Burns)Applied Linguistics Press(2024)open scholarshipapplied linguisticsopen scienceresearch methodologyresearch transparencyknowledge disseminationKey Contributions:
- •Examined the open turn in applied linguistics research
- •Raised 10 critical questions about open scholarship practices
- •Explored implications for knowledge production and dissemination
- •Proposed reimagining methodologies and working practices
💎 Open - Chapter
Open science in applied linguistics: a preliminary survey
Meng Liu, Cécile De CatOpen Science in Applied Linguistics (Eds: Luke Plonsky)Applied Linguistics Press(2024)open scienceapplied linguisticsresearch practicesquestionable research practicesresearch transparencysurvey researchKey Contributions:
- •Surveyed applied linguists on open science attitudes and practices
- •Investigated barriers to open science adoption
- •Explored misalignment between attitudes and practices
- •Addressed knowledge gaps in open science implementation
💎 Open - Article
应然多语自我：中国外语学习者动机本土化构念及历时效应研究
刘梦外语与外语教学(2024)ought-to multilingual selfmotivationlongitudinal effectsChinese foreign language learnersmixed methodscontextualizationKey Contributions:
- •Developed a contextualized ought-to multilingual self construct through interviews
- •Tracked multilingual learning motivation in 252 English major students
- •Found indirect effects between ought-to multilingual self and English effort
- •Revealed reciprocal relationship between ought-to multilingual self and LOTEs effort
CSSCI - Article
L2 motivation and self regulated learning: An integrated model
Alastair Henry, Meng LiuSystem(2024)L2 motivationself-regulated learningself-evaluationsocial standardsworking cognitionconceptual frameworkKey Contributions:
- •Proposed an integrated model of L2 motivation and self-regulated learning
- •Focused on self-evaluation processes with personal and social standards
- •Presented paths of influence for different types of self-evaluation
- •Provided a conceptual framework for systematic investigation of L2 motivation and SRL
SSCI Q1 - Article
Jingle–jangle fallacies in L2 motivational self system research: A response to Al-hoorie et al. (2024)
Alastair Henry, Meng LiuApplied Linguistics(2024)L2 Motivational Self Systemjingle-jangle fallaciesdiscriminant validityconstruct validitymeasurement issuesKey Contributions:
- •Responded to discriminant validity concerns in L2MSS research
- •Argued that construct-level validity issues need addressing
- •Highlighted the importance of well-theorized models in replication attempts
- •Suggested focusing on construct-level problems to resolve measurement-level issues
SSCI Q1 - Chapter
Language learner psychology
Ali H. Al-Hoorie, Meng LiuInternational Encyclopedia of Language and LinguisticsElsevier(2024)language learner psychologysecond language acquisitionlearner traitsdynamic perspectivespositive psychologyinterdisciplinary approachesKey Contributions:
- •Traced historical development of language learner psychology field
- •Outlined key theoretical frameworks and constructs
- •Discussed shift toward dynamic and complex understandings
- •Emphasized interdisciplinary nature of language learner psychology
- Article
Mapping the landscape of research on the L2 motivational self system theory (2005–2021): A bibliometric and text network analysis
Meng LiuSystem(2024)L2 motivational self systembibliometric analysistext network analysisresearch trendsmultilingualismEnglish as a foreign languageKey Contributions:
- •Conducted bibliometric and text network analysis of L2MSS research (2005-2021)
- •Identified growth trends and typical research designs in the field
- •Revealed concurrent growth in EFL and multilingualism research
- •Demonstrated the utility of bibliometric analysis in mapping research landscapes
SSCI Q1 - Article
When diamond is still a luxury: an early career researcher perspective
Meng LiuDutch Journal of Applied Linguistics(2024)early career researcherdiamond open accessacademic publishingKey Contributions:
- •Discussed diamond open access from an early career researcher perspective
- •Explored challenges and opportunities in academic publishing
- •Examined the impact of publishing models on early career researchers
💎 OpenDOI: 10.51751/dujal19164 - Article
Whose open science are we talking about? From open science in psychology to open science in applied linguistics
🏆Meng LiuLanguage Teaching(2023)open sciencepsychologyapplied linguisticsKey Contributions:
- •Explored the concept of open science in psychology and applied linguistics
- •Discussed the transition of open science practices between disciplines
- •Examined the relevance and adaptation of open science in applied linguistics
SSCI Q1 - Article
Can L2 motivation be modelled as a self-system? A critical assessment
Alastair Henry, Meng LiuSystem(2023)L2 Motivational Self Systemself-system conceptualizationcritical assessmentself-appraisalsocial standardsself-regulatory systemKey Contributions:
- •Critically assessed the L2 Motivational Self System (L2MSS) as a self-system
- •Identified five problem areas related to the L2MSS self-system conceptualization
- •Demonstrated limitations of the current L2MSS framework
- •Suggested a self-regulatory system framework as a more useful alternative
SSCI Q1 - Article
Open scholarship in applied linguistics: what, why, and how
Meng Liu, Sin Wang Chong, Emma Marsden, Kevin McManus, Kara Morgan-Short, Ali H. Al-Hoorie, Luke Plonsky, Cylcia Bolibaugh, Phil Hiver, Paula Winke, Amanda Huensch, Bronson HuiLanguage Teaching(2023)open scholarshipapplied linguisticsresearch practicesKey Contributions:
- •Introduced the concept of open scholarship in applied linguistics
- •Explained the importance and benefits of open research practices
- •Provided guidance on implementing open scholarship in the field
- •Discussed challenges and opportunities in adopting open scholarship
SSCI Q1 - Article
Motivational profiles of learners of multiple foreign languages: A self-determination theory perspective
Meng Liu, W.L.Quint Oga-BaldwinSystem(2022)motivational profilesself-determination theorymultiple foreign languageslatent profile analysisChinese studentsEnglish learningLOTE learningemotionsKey Contributions:
- •Identified four motivational profiles for English and three for LOTEs
- •Revealed high heterogeneity in profile distribution and combination
- •Found different emotional predictors for English and LOTEs motivation
- •Demonstrated the utility of person-centered techniques in multilingual motivation research
SSCI Q1 - Article
The emotional basis of the ideal multilingual self: the case of simultaneous language learners in China
Meng LiuJournal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development(2022)ideal multilingual selfemotional experiencelanguage learning motivationmultilingualismChinese studentsEnglish learningLOTE learningstructural equation modelingKey Contributions:
- •Validated the construct of ideal multilingual self
- •Explored the link between emotional experience and motivational self
- •Found similar positive experiences in learning English and LOTEs
- •Revealed complexity in the relationship between negative emotions and ideal multilingual self
SSCI Q1 - Article
Exploring the Motivation-Engagement Link: The Moderating Role of Positive Emotion
Meng LiuJournal for the Psychology of Language Learning(2022)self-determination theorypositive emotionmotivationengagementmultilingual learningEnglish learningFrench learningChinese studentsKey Contributions:
- •Investigated positive emotion as a moderator in the motivation-engagement link
- •Adopted a comparative multilingual perspective (English L2 and French L3)
- •Found differential roles of positive emotion in English and French learning
- •Contributed to the integration of emotion in Self-Determination Theory
💎 Open - Article
Towards a more equitable future: CERJ efforts to advance equity in a post-pandemic era
Meng LiuCambridge Educational Research e-Journal(2021)equitypost-pandemiceducational researchCERJKey Contributions:
- •Discussed CERJ efforts to advance equity in post-pandemic educational research
- •Explored challenges and opportunities for equity in the field
- •Highlighted initiatives to promote more inclusive research practices
💎 OpenDOI: 10.17863/CAM.76197 - Article
Shyness and Subjective Well-being in Chinese Adolescents: Self-efficacy Beliefs as Mediators
Caina Li, Yuan Wang, Meng Liu, Cuicui Sun, Ying YangJournal of Child and Family Studies(2020)shynesssubjective well-beingself-efficacyChinese adolescentsstructural equation modelingKey Contributions:
- •Examined the relationship between shyness and subjective well-being in Chinese adolescents
- •Identified self-efficacy beliefs as mediators in this relationship
- •Found partial mediation effects of regulatory emotional and social self-efficacy
- •Revealed a chain mediation effect through both types of self-efficacy
SSCI Q2