The Effect of an Artificial Intelligence Chatbot on Vocabulary Retention by Iranian Intermediate EFL Learners: A Mixed Methods Approach

With the advent of advanced technological tools, there has been a surge of attention to the implementation of AI chatbots in the scope of language learning. However, there has not been adequate attention to exploring the influence of AI chatbots on vocabulary retention using mixed methods approaches. Accordingly, this study, using a mixed methods experimental design, examined the effect of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbot (i.e., Anima) on vocabulary learning and retention among Iranian intermediate EFL learners. The participants consisted of 60 EFL students studying in private language institutes in Bushehr who had been selected on the basis of their performance on a QOPT test. They were divided into two groups (an experimental group and a control group). The experimental group underwent an eight-week program in which they used Anima to enhance their vocabulary learning and retention, while the control group received their regular English course. Moreover, 10 participants from the experimental group took part in semi-structured interviews to collect qualitative data on learners’ attitudes toward Anima for vocabulary retention. The results of repeated measures ANOVA indicated that the use of Anima significantly contributed to the enhancement of EFL learners’ vocabulary learning and retention. Also, the results of ANCOVA showed that the experimental group outperformed the control group in both vocabulary learning and retention. The results of thematic analysis revealed five themes regarding learners’ attitudes toward Anima for vocabulary retention, including personalized lexical exercises, instant corrective feedback, permanent access advantage, integrated language skill reinforcement, and autonomous learning engagement. The findings suggest EFL teachers employ Anima Chatbot to improve EFL learners’ vocabulary retention.