Inhibition
The other major aspect of personality that has been studied with regard to SLA is inhibition. It is hypothesized that the defensiveness associated with inhibition discourages the risk-taking which is necessary for rapid progress in a L2. Krashen (1981a) suggests that the onset of Formal Operations has a profound effect on the affective state of the learner. It induces egocentrism, which in turn leads to increased self-consciousness and greater inhibition. Thus adolescent learner tend to obtain less input and to make less effect use of the input they do obtain than younger learners. The research quoted in support of inhibition as a negative factor is that by Guiora et al. (1972a; 1972b). They design and experiment aimed at studying the effects on pronunciation of a reduction in inhibition brought about by administering small doses of alcohol. The results were positive. Those subjects who receive the alcohol treatment did better on pronunciation tests than those who did not. Guiora et al. conclude that inhibition had a negative effect on L2 pronunciation. Such experiments, while interesting, are not convincing. Alcohol-reduced inhibition in an experimental setting is far remove from the realities of most classroom or naturalistic learners. Also Krashen’s arguments appear tenuous, given that adolescent in general perform better than younger learners (see the section on Age in this chapter), and even where pronunciation with concerned do not do significantly worse.