Variability and individual differences in L2 sociolinguistic evaluations: The GROUP, the INDIVIDUAL and the HOMOGENEOUS ENSEMBLE

Abstract This study is the first to investigate subject-level variability in sociolinguistic evaluative judgements by 30 adult L2 German learners and explore whether observed characterizable as a function of individual differences proficiency, exposure, motivation. Because group-level estimates did not paint an accurate picture individual, we propose methods capable integrating population-level with person- ensemble-centered approaches so reconcile generalizability individuality. Using random effects from Bayesian mixed-effects models, found that global was predicted differences. By building homogeneous ensembles (i.e., subgroups individuals similar judgements), however, it possible assess were characteristic certain levels approach presents innovative way address group-to-individual issue cross-sectional data transcend order make tentative generalizations cases wider populations.