Stephen Krashen proposed the existence of which construct that controls the amount and quality of input learners receive?

Stephen Krashen proposed the existence of which construct that controls the amount and quality of input learners receive?

• A. Affective filter
• B. Input control
• C. Output loop
• D. Processing gate

Answer: (A)

In Krashen’s theory, the amount and quality of input that actually reaches the language-learning system is filtered through an emotional gate. This affective filter acts like a barrier or facilitator based on how the learner feels: low anxiety, high motivation, and strong self-confidence keep the filter low, allowing more comprehensible input to be processed and converted into acquired knowledge. Conversely, high anxiety, low motivation, or low self-esteem raise the filter, blocking more input and hindering acquisition. This idea explains why a supportive, relaxed learning environment often leads to better progress, even when the material is the same. Other terms don’t fit this idea. The notion of controlling input through an emotional filter is unique to Krashen’s affective filter hypothesis, whereas the concepts suggested by the other options are not part of Krashen’s framework (one relates to producing language, another is not a standard term in his theory).

In Krashen’s theory, the amount and quality of input that actually reaches the language-learning system is filtered through an emotional gate. This affective filter acts like a barrier or facilitator based on how the learner feels: low anxiety, high motivation, and strong self-confidence keep the filter low, allowing more comprehensible input to be processed and converted into acquired knowledge. Conversely, high anxiety, low motivation, or low self-esteem raise the filter, blocking more input and hindering acquisition. This idea explains why a supportive, relaxed learning environment often leads to better progress, even when the material is the same.

Other terms don’t fit this idea. The notion of controlling input through an emotional filter is unique to Krashen’s affective filter hypothesis, whereas the concepts suggested by the other options are not part of Krashen’s framework (one relates to producing language, another is not a standard term in his theory).