ABSTRACT

The Routledge Handbook of Research Methods in Applied Linguistics provides a critical survey of the methodological concepts, designs, instruments and types of analysis that are used within the broad field of applied linguistics. With more than 40 chapters written by leading and emerging scholars, this book problematizes and theorizes applied linguistics research, incorporating numerous multifaceted methodological considerations and pointing to the future of good practice in research. Topics covered include:

  • key concepts and constructs in research methodology, such as sampling strategies and mixed methods research;
  • research designs such as experimental research, case study research, and action research;
  • data collection methods, from questionnaires and interviews to think-aloud protocols and data elicitation tasks;
  • data analysis methods, such as use of R, inferential statistical analysis, and qualitative content analysis;
  • current considerations in applied linguistics research, such as a need for transparency and greater incorporation of multilingualism in research; and
  • recent innovations in research methods related to multimodality, eye-tracking, and advances in quantitative methods.

The Routledge Handbook of Research Methods in Applied Linguistics is key reading for both experienced and novice researchers in Applied Linguistics as well as anyone undertaking study in this area.

chapter |12 pages

Introduction

Theorizing research methods in the ‘golden age’ of applied linguistics research
Edited ByJim McKinleyORCID Icon

part I|118 pages

Key concepts and current considerations

chapter 2|10 pages

Multi-perspective research

chapter 4|11 pages

Sampling

Problematizing the issue

chapter 7|11 pages

Solidarity and the politics of ‘us’

How far can individuals go in language policy? Research methods in non-Western contexts

chapter 9|14 pages

Interdisciplinary research

part II|145 pages

Designs and approaches to research

chapter 12|10 pages

Case study research

Making language learning complexities visible

chapter 13|11 pages

Ethnography

Origins, features, accountability, and criticality

chapter 22|12 pages

Grounded theory method

part III|106 pages

Data collection methods

chapter 23|11 pages

Planning and conducting ethical interviews

Power, language and emotions

chapter 24|12 pages

Focus groups

Capturing the dynamics of group interaction

chapter 25|10 pages

Think-aloud protocols

chapter 26|12 pages

Stimulated recall

chapter 27|12 pages

Questionnaires

Implications for effective implementation

chapter 28|12 pages

Observations and field notes

Recording lived experiences

chapter 29|12 pages

Diaries and journals

Collecting insider perspectives in second language research
Edited ByHeath RoseORCID Icon

part IV|131 pages

Data analysis

chapter 36|13 pages

Qualitative content analysis

chapter 37|11 pages

Text analysis

chapter 38|10 pages

Analysis of corpora