-->PONE-D-25-26307-->-->Scale for Students’ Attitude towards AIGC Feedback in English Pronunciation Learning: Development, Validation and Application-->-->PLOS ONE

Dear Dr. Yanchao Yang,

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Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Partly

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Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Yes

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Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Yes

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Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Yes

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Reviewer #1: The manuscript describes a coherent study focused on the development and validation of a scale measuring students’ attitudes towards AIGC feedback in English pronunciation learning. The study is ethically appropriate with proper approval and consent processes. There are no obvious issues pertaining to dual publication, research ethics, or publication ethics. The disclosure of funding and competing interests is stated clearly and is acceptable. The methodological EFA, CFA, and concurrent validity analysis of the scale’s rigor, and transparency, strengthens the study’s reliability. The work makes a meaningful impact in the area of AI-assisted language learning, in addition to providing a practical resource for guiding future research and improving instruction.

Reviewer #2: The manuscript presents a well-structured, original study that contributes a validated instrument for measuring students’ attitudes toward AIGC feedback in pronunciation learning. Ethical approval and informed consent were appropriately obtained. There are no concerns about dual publication or research ethics. However, slight overlap in discriminant validity warrants further refinement.

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Reviewer #1: No

Reviewer #2: No

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Scale for Students’ Attitude towards AIGC Feedback in English Pronunciation Learning: Development, Validation and Application

PONE-D-25-26307R1

Dear Dr. Yang

We’re pleased to inform you that your manuscript has been judged scientifically suitable for publication and will be formally accepted for publication once it meets all outstanding technical requirements.

Within one week, you’ll receive an e-mail detailing the required amendments. When these have been addressed, you’ll receive a formal acceptance letter and your manuscript will be scheduled for publication.

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Kind regards,

Jie Zeng, Ph.D. Professor

Academic Editor

PLOS ONE

Additional Editor Comments (optional):

The reviewers have compeleted the second round of reviewing and they reported this manuscript can be accepted with minor language proofreading and revisions. I also recommend accept with finalization.

Reviewers' comments:

-->Comments to the Author -->

Reviewer #1: The manuscript makes a timely and meaningful contribution through the development and validation of a scale on student attitude toward AIGC feedback in English pronunciation learning. The study is rigorous and ethical well-designed. Minor worries about discriminant validity and sample diversity are noted and adequately dealt with in the discussion.

Reviewer #2: The manuscript entitled Scale for Students’ Attitude towards AIGC Feedback in English Pronunciation Learning: Development, Validation and Application presents a well-executed and timely study. The work is relevant to current developments in AI-supported language learning and follows a strong methodological foundation. Below is an assessment based on core evaluation criteria:

Soundness of Methodology and Data Support

The research design is methodologically sound. The authors adopt a structured approach to scale development, starting from qualitative item generation, expert validation, pilot testing, and subsequent validation via EFA and CFA. The sample sizes for both phases are adequate and align with accepted standards in psychometric research. The findings clearly support the four-factor structure, which is both theoretically and empirically justified.

Robustness of Statistical Analysis

The statistical analysis is executed with rigor and transparency. The manuscript reports:

Appropriate and well-explained use of EFA and CFA.

Strong model fit indicators (CFI = 0.960, TLI = 0.951, RMSEA = 0.080).

High internal consistency across all dimensions (Cronbach’s alpha > 0.92).

Comprehensive validation procedures, including convergent, discriminant (HTMT), and concurrent validity tests.

One minor limitation was noted: the HTMT score between the Personalisation and Clarity factors (0.943) is slightly above the ideal threshold. However, this is acknowledged and reasonably explained by the authors.

Data Transparency

The authors comply fully with PLOS ONE’s data policy. All data are stated to be freely available in the manuscript and supplementary materials, with no restrictions on access or reuse.

Language Quality and Readability

The manuscript is clearly written in academic English, with accurate terminology and coherent structure. It is easy to follow, though a few minor stylistic improvements (e.g., reducing passive voice, eliminating redundancy) could enhance overall readability. No major language issues are present.

Ethical Compliance

Ethical considerations have been addressed appropriately. IRB approval and informed consent from participants are clearly reported. There are no ethical concerns or issues regarding duplication or plagiarism.

Final Recommendation

This paper offers a valuable and well-founded contribution to the field of AI in language learning. The developed scale is relevant, psychometrically sound, and potentially useful for both research and instructional applications related to pronunciation feedback.

Recommendation: Accept with minor language and editorial revisions.