Total Number Of Errors Research Articles

Error codes at autopsy to study potential biases in diagnostic error.

Current autopsy practice guidelines do not provide a mechanism to identify potential causes of diagnostic error (DE). We used our autopsy data registry to ask if gender or race were related to the frequency of diagnostic error found at autopsy. Our autopsy reports include International Classification of Diseases (ICD) 9 or ICD 10 diagnostic codes for major diagnoses as well as codes that identify types of error. From 2012 to mid-2015 only 2 codes were used: UNDOC (major undocumented diagnoses) and UNCON (major unconfirmed diagnoses). Major diagnoses contributed to death or would have been treated if known. Since mid-2015, codes included specific diagnoses, i.e. undiagnosed or unconfirmed myocardial infarction, infection, pulmonary thromboembolism, malignancy, or other diagnosis as well as cause of death. Adult autopsy cases from 2012 to 2019 were assessed for DE associated with reported sex or race (nonwhite or white). 528 cases were evaluated between 2012 and 2015 and 699 between 2015 and 2019. Major DEs were identified at autopsy in 65.9 % of cases from 2012 to 2015 and in 72.1 % from 2015 to 2019. From 2012 to 2015, female autopsy cases showed a greater frequency in 4 parameters of DE, i.e., in the total number of cases with any error (p=0.0001), in the number of cases with UNDOC errors (p=0.0038) or UNCON errors (p=0.0006), and in the relative proportions of total numbers of errors (p=0.0001). From 2015 to 2019 undocumented malignancy was greater among males (p=0.0065); no other sex-related error was identified. In the same period some DE parameters were greater among nonwhite than among white subjects, including unconfirmed cause of death (p=0.035), and proportion of total error diagnoses (p=0.0003), UNCON diagnoses (p=0.0093), and UNDOC diagnoses (p=0.035). Coding for DE at autopsy can identify potential effects of biases on diagnostic error.

Writing Errors of Children With Developmental Language Disorder

The purpose of this study was to compare the types of morphological and syntactic errors in written simple and complex sentences produced by children with developmental language disorder (DLD) and children with typical language (TL). We analyzed the writing products of 30 children with DLD and 33 children with TL for morphological (e.g., past tense -ed and BE verbs) and syntactic (e.g., word omission and word order) errors in simple and complex sentences. We found that children with DLD produced more regular and irregular past tense errors and syntactic errors than children with TL. We also found that the number of total errors produced by children with DLD was not different in simple versus complex sentences. The findings reported can be used as a starting point for adding writing assessment to speech–language pathologists' tool kit for serving children with DLD. We recommend that clinicians begin with analysis of past tense and syntactic errors when evaluating narrative writing skills of children with DLD.

An Analysis of Simple Past Tense Errors in the Soul Sense with Silkina Podcast by Using the Surface Strategy Taxonomy

The purpose of this study is to investigate the simple past tense errors found in the Soul Sense with Silkina Podcast. The study employed qualitative method with descriptive analysis. The data were collected from a podcast entitled Soul Sense with Silkina Podcast which consists 10 episodes of Soul Sense with Silkina Podcast. The data were analysed by applying the Surface Strategy Taxonomy proposed by Dulay. The result shows that there were four types of errors committed by the podcasters in using Simple Past Tense. Those types were Omission, Addition, Mis-formation and Mis-ordering. The total numbers of errors were 120 divided into Omission (23 errors), Addition (11 error), Mis-formation (82 errors), and Mis-ordering (4 errors). In other words, the highest amount of errors was Mis-formation with the percentage of 68.34%, while the omission was in the second place with the percentage around 19.17%. The third place was addition with the percentage around 9.16%, and the last was mis-ordering with the percentage around 3.33%.

Evaluation of Nootropic Potential of Aerva persica Roots against D-galactose-induced Memory Impairment.

The primary phytoconstituents reported to have neuroprotective effects are flavonoids and phenolic compounds. Aerva persica roots are reported to be rich in flavonoids and phenolic compounds. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the nootropic potential of Aerva persica roots. The objective of this study was to evaluate the nootropic potential of Aerva persica roots against D-galactose-induced memory impairment. In this study, the roots of Aerva persica were extracted with 70% ethanol. The obtained extract was evaluated for total phenolic content using the Folin-Ciocalteu method and total flavonoid content using the aluminium chloride colorimetric assay. Afterward, the acute oral toxicity of the extract was determined following the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guideline 423. Additionally, two doses of Aerva persica (100 and 200 mg/kg body weight (BW)) were evaluated for their nootropic potential against D-galactose-induced memory impairment. The nootropic potential of the crude extract was assessed through a behavioural study and brain neurochemical analysis. Behavioural studies involved the evaluation of spatial reference- working memory using the radial arm maze test and the Y-maze test. Neurochemical analysis was performed to determine the brain's acetylcholine, acetylcholinesterase, glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. The total phenolic content and total flavonoid content were found to be 179.14 ± 2.08 μg GAE/mg and 273.72 ± 3.94 μg QE/mg, respectively. The Aerva persica extract was found to be safe up to 2000 mg/kg BW. Following the safety assessment, the experimental mice received various treatments for 14 days. The behavioural analysis using the radial maze test showed that the extract at both doses significantly improved spatial reference-working memory and reduced the number of total errors compared to disease control groups. Similarly, in the Y-maze test, both doses significantly increased the alteration percentage and the percentage of novel arm entry (both indicative of intact spatial memory) compared to disease control. In neurochemical analysis, Aerva persica at 200 mg/kg significantly normalised the acetylcholine level (p<0.0001) and GSH level (p<0.01) compared to disease control. However, the same effect was not observed with Aerva persica at 100 mg/kg. Additionally, Aerva persica at 200mg/kg BW significantly decreased the acetylcholinesterase level (p<0.0001) and decreased the brain's MDA level (p<0.01) compared to the disease control, whereas the effect of Aerva persica at 100 mg/kg BW in reducing acetylcholinesterase was non-significant. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the nootropic potential of Aerva persica was comparable to that of the standard drug, Donepezil, and the effect might be attributed to the higher content of flavonoids and phenolic compounds.

Mild Depressive Symptoms in Airline Pilots Associated With Impaired Executive Functions.

While significant efforts have been made to understand the influence of depression-related impairments on executive functioning within the general population, the specific impact on airline pilots remains largely unexplored. Considering the crucial role that cognitive abilities play in the realm of aircraft piloting, it is imperative to probe into the potential repercussions of depressive symptoms on executive functions (EFs) among this professional cohort. This study aims to explore the associations between depressive symptoms and EFs in a convenience sample of airline pilots. Male airline pilots (n = 100) underwent the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II) to gauge both the presence and intensity of depressive symptoms. The Stroop Color and Word Test (SCWT), the Digit Span Task (DST), and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) were used to assess EFs. Of the entire sample of pilots, 88% (n = 88) demonstrated minimal depressive symptoms with a BDI-II score ranging from 0 to 13. The remaining 12% (n = 12) exhibited mild depression, with scores between 14 and 19. Pilots suffering from mild depression demonstrated prolonged color and word times and a higher time interference (TI) score on the SCWT. Moreover, these individuals exhibited lower scores on the DST across both the forward digit span (FDS) and backward digit span (BDS) subtests. Finally, the presence of mild depression correlated with an increased number of total errors, encompassing both perseverative and non-perseverative errors, in the WCST. After adjusting for potential confounding variables, we found an independent association between BDI-II scores and total errors in the WCST. Our research points to substantial differences in EFs between airline pilots demonstrating mild depression and those exhibiting minimal depressive symptoms. This information can catalyze heightened consciousness about the psychological welfare of pilots.

Motivational dispositions predict qualitative differences in oral task performance

AbstractThe study examined how learners’ motivational dispositions predict the complexity, accuracy, fluency of their oral task performance and their overall second language proficiency. Eighty-one speakers of English as a second language in the United States completed a regulatory focus and a regulatory mode questionnaire, an oral interview task, and a picture description task. Regression analyses showed a meaningful pattern of results. The assessment mode (concerned with analysis, evaluation, and comparison) contributed to syntactic and lexical complexity, the reduction of dysfluencies, and overall English proficiency, whereas the locomotion mode (concerned with acting without deliberation) positively predicted the speed measure of fluency and the total number of errors. The prevention focus (concerned with stability, security, and safety) negatively predicted lexical sophistication, whereas the promotion focus (concerned with advancement, accomplishments, and growth) predicted overall English proficiency. Theoretical and instructional implications were discussed.

Intentional enterotomies: validation of a novel robotic surgery training exercise.

While laparoscopic simulation-based training is a well-established component of general surgery training, no such requirement or standardized curriculum exists for robotic surgery. Furthermore, there is a lack of high-fidelity electrocautery simulation training exercises in the literature. Using Messick's validity framework, we sought to determine the content, response process, internal content and construct validity of a novel inanimate tissue model that utilizes electrocautery for potential incorporation in such curricula. A multi-institutional, prospective study involving medical students (MS) and general surgery residents (PGY1-3) was conducted. Participants performed an exercise using a biotissue bowel model on the da Vinci Xi robotic console during which they created an enterotomy using electrocautery, followed by approximation with interrupted sutures. Participant performance was recorded and then scored by crowd-sourced assessors of technical skill, along with three of the authors. Construct validity was determined via difference in Global Evaluative Assessment of Robotic Skills (GEARS) score, time to completion, and total number of errors between the two cohorts. Upon completion of the exercise, participants were surveyed on their perception of the exercise and its impact on their robotic training to determine content validity. 31 participants were enrolled and separated into two cohorts: MS + PGY1 vs. PGY2-3. Time spent on the robotic trainer (0.8 vs. 8.13h, p = 0.002), number of bedside robotic assists (5.7 vs. 14.8, p < 0.001), and number of robotic cases as primary surgeon (0.3 vs. 13.1, p < 0.001) were statistically significant between the two groups. Differences in GEARS scores (18.5 vs. 19.9, p = 0.001), time to completion (26.1 vs. 14.4min, p < 0.001), and total errors (21.5 vs. 11.9, p = 0.018) between the groups were statistically significant as well. Of the 23 participants that completed the post-exercise survey, 87% and 91.3% reported improvement in robotic surgical ability and confidence, respectively. On a 10-point Likert scale, respondents rated the realism of the exercise 7.5, educational benefit 9.1, and effectiveness in teaching robotic skills 8.7. Controlling for the upfront investment of certain training materials, each exercise iteration cost ~ $30. This study confirmed the content, response process, internal structure and construct validity of a novel, high-fidelity and cost-effective inanimate tissue exercise which successfully incorporates electrocautery. Consideration should be given to its addition to robotic surgery training programs.

Case Study: COVID-19 Brain Fog or Auditory Processing Disorder?

Case Study: COVID-19 Brain Fog or Auditory Processing Disorder?

Pyrethroid and Chlorpyrifos Pesticide Exposure, General Intellectual Abilities, and Executive Functions of School Children from Montevideo, Uruguay.

Children's developing brains are susceptible to pesticides. Less is known about the effect of exposure to chlorpyrifos and pyrethroids on executive functions (EF). We measured urinary 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCPy), a metabolite of chlorpyrifos, and urinary 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA), a general, nonspecific metabolite of pyrethroids in first-grade children from Montevideo, Uruguay (n = 241, age 80.6 ± 6.4 months, 58.1% boys). EFs were assessed with the Intra-dimensional/Extra-dimensional shift (IED), Spatial Span (SSP), and Stockings of Cambridge (SOC) tests from the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated (CANTAB) Battery. General intellectual ability (GIA) was assessed using the Woodcock-Muñoz Cognitive battery. Median (range) urinary TCPy and 3-PBA levels were 16.7 (1.9, 356.9) ng/mg of creatinine and 3.3 (0.3, 110.6) ng/mg of creatinine, respectively. In multivariable generalized linear models, urinary TCPy was inversely associated with postdimensional errors on the IED task β [95% CI]: -0.11 [-0.17, -0.06]. Urinary 3-PBA was inversely associated with the total number of trials -0.07 [-0.10, -0.04], and the total number of errors -0.12 [-0.18, -0.07] on the IED task. When TCPy and 3-PBA were modeled together, the associations did not differ from single-metabolite models. We found no evidence of effect modification by blood lead level (BLL). Pesticide exposure may affect EF performance in urban children.

Grammatical Errors Analysis in Descriptive Text Writing

The purposes of this research were to find out studens’ grammatical errors on writing descriptive text and the possible causes of their grammatical errors. This research used descriptive qualitative method with the 20 participants of IPA MA NW Perian as the sample. Observation, interview, and questionare were used as the research instruments. The result showed that the students produce 44,87 % errors in using verb, 23,07 % errors in using noun, 16,66 % errors in using pronoun, 8,97 % errors in using preposition, and 6,41 % errors in use of adjective. The students produced 44,87 % errors from 78 of total number of errors in writing descriptive text. Based on the result interview and questionnaire the researcher found that most students knew descriptive text definition but frequently found it difficult to write descriptive text since they were still confused in grammar, vocabularies arrangement, and word orders. It was concluded that the possible causes of errors are grammatical, words selection, and word orders.

Prevalence of medication administration errors in hospitalized adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis up to 2017 to explore sources of heterogeneity.

Previous estimates to meta-analyze administration error rates were limited by the high statistical heterogeneity, restricting their use. This study aimed to investigate sources of heterogeneity in pooled administration error rates in hospitalized adults. We systematically searched scientific databases up to November 2017 for studies presenting error rates/relevant numerical data in hospitalized adults. We conducted separate meta-analyses for the numerators: One Medication Error (OME) (each dose can be correct or incorrect) and Total Number of Errors (TNE) (more than one error per dose could be counted), using the generic inverse variance with a 95% confidence interval. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 and Cochran's Q test. We meta-analyzed 33 studies. The global pooled analyses based on the OME and TNE numerators showed very high heterogeneity (I2 = 100%; p< 0.00001). For each meta-analysis, subgroup analyses based on study characteristics (countries, wards, population, routes of administration, error detection methods, and medications) yielded results with consistently elevated heterogeneity. Beyond these characteristics, we stratified the studies according to the mean error prevalence level as the threshold. Based on the OME numerator, we identified two subgroups of low (0.15[0.13-0.17]; I2 =0%; p= 0.43) and high (0.26[0.24-0.27]; I2 = 38%; p= 0.17) pooled prevalence rates, with controlled heterogeneity. Similarly, for the TNE numerator, we identified two subgroups of low (0.10[0.09-0.10]; I2 =0%; p= 0.76) and high (0.28[0.27-0.29]; I2 =0%; p= 0.89) pooled prevalence rates, with controlled heterogeneity. These subgroups differed regarding the denominators used: Total opportunities for errors versus others (doses, observations, administrations). Calculation methods, specifically the denominator, seem a primary factor in explaining heterogeneity in error rates. Standardizing numerators, denominators, and definitions is necessary.

The Data Error Criteria (DEC) for retrospective studies: development and preliminary application.

Retrospective chart review (RCR) studies rely on the collection and analysis of documented clinical data, a process that can be prone to errors. The aim of this study was to develop a defined set of criteria to evaluate RCR datasets for potential data errors. The Data Error Criteria (DEC) were developed by identifying data coding and data entry errors via literature review and then classifying them based on error types. Three components comprise the DEC: general errors, numerical-specific errors, and categorical variable-specific errors. Two reviewers independently applied these criteria via a manual review process to an existing de-identified database. A total of 10,168 errors were identified out of a total of 28,656 data points. The total number of errors included redundancies as certain errors may be included in multiple categories. These included 2515 general errors, 39 numerical-specific errors, and 7614 categorical variable-specific errors. Input-related categorical variable-specific errors occurred most frequently, followed by errors secondary to blank cells. Inter-rater agreement was near perfect for all categories. Identifying errors outlined in the DEC can be crucial for the data analysis stage as they can lead to inaccurate calculations and delay study timelines. The DEC offers a framework to evaluate datasets while reducing time and efforts needed to create high-quality RCR-related databases.

Tactile sensorimotor training does not alter short- and long-latency afferent inhibition.

Sensorimotor integration refers to the process of combining incoming sensory information with outgoing motor commands to control movement. Short-latency afferent inhibition (SAI), and long-latency afferent inhibition (LAI) are neurophysiological measures of sensorimotor integration collected using transcranial magnetic stimulation. No studies to date have investigated the influence of tactile discrimination training on these measures. This study aimed to determine whether SAI and LAI are modulated following training on a custom-designed tactile discrimination maze task. Participants performed a 'high difficulty' and 'low difficulty' maze training condition on separate visits. On an additional visit, no maze training was performed to serve as a control condition. Despite evidence of performance improvements during training, there were no significant changes in SAI or LAI following training in either condition. The total number of errors during maze training was significantly greater in the high-difficulty condition compared with the low-difficulty condition. These findings suggest that sensorimotor maze training for 30 min is insufficient to modify the magnitude of SAI and LAI.

Identifying Errors made by EFL College Students in Dictation

A test is an important device for teachers and for learners; for teachers in that it helps to assess the students' EL performance and for learners in that it helps them to discover the areas of weakness and strength in their performances. Dictation is one of the integrative tests that have proved their proficiency in measuring different language skills, like listening comprehension and spelling . It is a reading passage (100 to 200 words) which is read by the teacher three times at a normal speed . The students' task is to write down what the teacher read in the second reading . However, experienced instructors in the field of TEFL realise that learners have many errors in writing . Hence, the present study aims at identifying, classification and explaining the errors that EFL college students make during applying dictation tests . The sample of the study is 55 students randomly chosen from the second- year students at the Department of English, College of Basic Education , Al-Mustansiriyah University during the academic year 2005 / 2006. The instrument of the study is a ready test which consists of a 162- word passage. The passage is intended to test advanced students' dictation. The test is submitted to a jury of specialists to ensure its validity. The test results revealed that the sample subjects have many errors which the researcher classified into comprehension, grammatical and spelling errors. Spelling errors formed the largest percentage of the total number of errors which are, in turn, classified into subcategories . In the light of the obtained results some conclusions are drawn, number of recommendations are made, and several suggestions for further research are presented .

MORPHOLOGICAL ERRORS IN STUDENTS’ WRITING RECOUNT TEXT OF JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL 18 BATANGHARI

The aim of this study was to find out morphological errors made by students of SMP Negeri 18 Batanghari in writing recount text. This is descriptive qualitative research, the data were collected by documentation and analysed by Surface Strategy Taxonomy. This research revaled that there are four types of errors with the total number 58 errors made by the students in writing recount text. Omission error which consists of three categories of omission errors i.e. omission of plural, auxiliary verb, gerund, with the total number of errors are 8 or 13,56%, addition error includes four categories of addition errors i.e. addition of gerund, plural, pronoun, noun, with the total number of errors are 8 or 13,56%, misformation error that consist of misformation error of tense with the total number of errors are 38 or 66,10%, and the last misordering error that consist of misordering of spelling with the total number of errors are 4 or 6,78%.

Adjusting to Changing Environments: Virtual Preseason SCAT5 Assessment in Canadian Male Youth Football Players.

To provide preseason reference scores for Canadian youth tackle football players on the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 5 (SCAT5) and to examine whether age, concussion history, and self-reported medical diagnoses are associated with SCAT5 subcomponent performance. Cross-sectional study. Calgary, Alberta. Five hundred one male youth football players (ages 13-18 years) participating in the 2021 season. SCAT5 subcomponents were assessed by age group (13-14, 15-16, 17-18), concussion history (0, 1, 2+, and yes/no), and self-reported diagnoses (headache disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactive disorder, learning disability/dyslexia, and depression, anxiety, or other psychiatric disorder). Virtual video administration (vs traditional in-person testing) of the SCAT5 was completed, and subcomponent scores included total number of symptoms (/22), symptom-severity score (/132), Standardized Assessment of Concussion [orientation (/5), immediate memory (/30), concentration (/5), delayed recall (/10)], and modified Balance Error Scoring System (/30). Kruskal-Wallis, one-way analysis of variance , Mann-Whitney U , or independent t tests were used to assess possible associations depending on number of groups and data normality. Virtual SCAT5 assessment scores across all outcomes did not differ by age group or concussion history. The median number of symptoms and median symptom-severity score at baseline was 2, and 173 players (34.5%) reported no symptoms. Median total number of errors on the modified Balance Error Scoring System was 3. Participants with certain self-reported diagnoses (attention-deficit/hyperactive disorder, dyslexia) demonstrated poorer performance on some SCAT5 subcomponents (symptom reporting, Standardized Assessment of Concussion). Baseline SCAT5 performance did not differ by age group or concussion history in male youth football players. Diagnoses of the self-reported disorders examined may be important considerations for interpretation of the SCAT5 assessment.

The students’ error analysis in writing descriptive texts

This study aimed to find out and analyze students’ error analysis at three student’s categories in writing descriptive text on paragraph-based writing subject. The analysis involved students’ writing ability in developing the ideas, organizing the ideas, vocabulary, grammar, punctuation, and the elements of descriptive text include generic structure and language features. The design of this study was case study under qualitative approach. There were 9 students from three categories as the subject of this study. The categories were high, medium, and low-level students at the fourth-semester of English Education Department at one of private university in Cirebon, West Java in the academic years of 2019/2020. The data were taken from student’s descriptive writing text and interview. The findings showed that the most errors from three students’ categories were grammatical errors, and how they arrange the elements of descriptive text. The total numbers of errors committed by students were 50 items, which include grammatical error with 40 items and the percentage 80%, generic structure error with 3 items and the percentage 6%, language features error with 7 items and percentage 14%. The most error made by the students are grammatical error with 40 items and the percentage 80%. It can be concluded that the students made grammatical errors, it is because they lack of vocabulary mastery and lack of grammar rules.&#x0D; Keywords: students’ error analysis; writing; descriptive text

Transformer maze for the evaluation of the learning and memory in rodents

BackgroundCurrently, different types of mazes are used to assess spatial learning and memory of rodents. The typical disadvantage is the inability to separate and exclude coincidences of the result of random choice with the correct one. The other problem is the impossibility of knowing whether the animal is guided by particular cues of the environment, or a map. New methodOur novel transformer maze can be used to test learning and memory of rodents and their navigation. It is a multiple T-maze with passages in the interior walls. Its modular design allows to quickly change routes. The task can include external signals; for example, the colors of the interior walls, or it can be used without any cues. ResultsWe compared Wistar and dopamine transporter heterozygous (DAT-HET) rats’ behavior in this novel paradigm using the black color of the wall as a cue. Entering a cul-de-sac compartment was considered an error. While Wistar rats learned the rule abruptly with the total number of errors rapidly decreasing, DAT-HET rats’ errors decreased gradually. We suppose that this reflects different strategies: insightful learning behavior is typical for Wistar rats, and trial-and-error learning is typical for DAT-HET rats. Comparison with existing methodsThe diversity of the chains of choices gives us confidence that trained animals do not make a choice randomly and are guided precisely by the cues. Moreover, we propose to use the same arena for a task with route-based navigation without any cues, and for a task with a visible and invisible feeder to study the path integration navigation within one box. ConclusionsWe suggest that the transformer maze could be a valuable tool for behavioral and pharmacological research to study learning, memory and navigation mechanisms.

A collaboration to improve perioperative acute pain care at the University Teaching Hospital of Butare, Rwanda

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; BACKGROUND: A perioperative acute pain care program integrating standardized assessment and treatment forms into pain care was developed and implemented at an urban hospital in Rwanda through a collaboration between Rwandan and Canadian experts. This study evaluated the perioperative acute pain care program using a quality improvement lens.&#x0D; METHODS: Using the Model for Improvement: Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) cycle, a mixed methods evaluation was performed. Over one year, 519 randomized patient chart audits were conducted and analyzed through control charts. Through purposeful sampling, focus groups comprised ofsurgeons and nurses (N=34) involved in pain care in surgery, obstetrics, and anesthesiology were performed and analyzed via thematic coding.&#x0D; RESULTS: The average attempted form completion rate across all forms varied monthly between 56-93% (mean=79%; median=81%). Across all forms, both the mean and median total number of errors per form were 12.5. Enablers of form use included improved pain care for patients and feelings of professional satisfaction. Program implementation was challenged by resource constraints, form integration, and health care provider training.&#x0D; CONCLUSION: Future quality improvement collaborations should identify and address improved pain care while working with local experts to ensure PDSA cycles are continuous, and evidence based.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Types and Attributes of Writing Errors with Reference to Paragraph Writing

Errors are a fundamental part of language acquisition. Researchers have examined the learners’ errors to understand the process of second language acquisition. Findings suggest that understanding the sources errors can contribute to better second language teaching practices. The aim of this study paper is therefore to give a brief account of the types, techniques and treatment of second language learners' errors, with reference to paragraph writing. The data for this study were seventeen students at the under graduate level – University of Benghazi. The data for this study was collected via assignment given to the students in which they were asked to write a paragraph describing a family member. The results show that students at the department of English encounter serious problems related to paragraph writing; the total number of errors that Libyan students made were 97 error. The maximum number of errors were made in spelling was 44 which came to 45.3% of errors. On the other hand, the minimum number of errors in writing recorded in this study was in the wrong use of ‘capitalization’. The total number of errors in the use of capitalization was 1, which constituted 1.0 % of errors.