ABSTRACT
Over the past 26 years, nearly 3,000 Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL) studies have appeared. Despite this outpouring of MALL research, only a fraction is referenced in MALL publications (in primary works no less than overviews). The major reason why so many MALL studies are unreferenced is the great diversity of research area topics covered: mobile device ownership, software reviews, technical design, pedagogical frameworks, learning theory, institutional infrastructure, teacher training, learning outcomes. MALL studies appear in educational technology-related and mobile technology publications as well as journals devoted to the teaching of specific languages, primarily English. However, by far the majority occur in publications that have nothing in particular to do with language learning or teaching. But does the great number of unreported MALL studies have any practical effect upon published overviews? Based on a reanalysis of one of the most comprehensive MALL meta-analyses published to date, the answer is definitely yes. Previously unreported studies have a significant impact upon the accuracy of meta-analytic observations and conclusions. If future MALL studies are to be adequately informed about what is already known, it is essential that their authors learn where and how to find essential information about existing MALL research.
