Synthesizing the Attributes of Computer-Based Error Analysis for ESL and EFL Learning: A Scoping Review

An error analysis (EA) is the process of determining the incidence, nature, causes, and consequences of unsuccessful language acquisition. Traditional EA for English as a second language/English as a foreign language technique lacks an orderly investigation due to human errors. Consequently, computer-based error analysis (CBEA) was introduced into EA in linguistics to achieve accuracy and instant analysis. Although many studies have concluded that CBEA holds numerous strengths, other studies have found that CBEA has certain limitations. However, the strengths and limitations of the CBEA were not clearly synthesized and outlined. Accordingly, this review aims to explore the strengths and limitations of CBEA to provide areas for improvement of computer applications toward an efficient EA procedure. This work also aims to synthesize the strengths and limitations of CBEA mentioned in a variety of articles into a single review to sustain its efficiency and serve as a guide for teachers to benefit from the strengths and gain awareness of CBEA’s limitations. Stakeholders can access broader perspectives on developing application software capable of addressing the deficiencies in EA. By doing so, we can sustain CBEA’s efficiency for the benefit of all. For this purpose, Arksey and O’Malley’s procedure of a scoping review and the PRISMA framework were adopted to guide the filtering and selection of relevant previous studies. Sixty-two articles were selected through the processes of identification, screening, eligibility, and inclusion. Although the findings showed six strengths and seven limitations of CBEA, CBEA can only perform the diagnostic part of EA. Human intervention is still required to perform the prognostic part to accomplish an efficient EA.