Keystroke logging

Abstract Keystroke logging serves as a non-intrusive method for capturing the temporal dynamics of text production, making it a valuable tool in applied linguistics research. In this chapter, we introduce the technical and practical details involved in implementing web-based keystroke logging for data collection using FlexKeyLogger as an example. We also present some commonly used keystroke measures to operationalize writing behaviors and discuss how these measures align with cognitive processes underlying text composition. We then summarize and review recent studies that leverage keystroke logging to investigate diverse topics in applied linguistics, demonstrating its versatility and research potential. Finally, we address key ethical considerations, challenges associated with keystroke data collection and interpretation, and potential future directions.