Instructed Second Language Acquisition Research Methods

Abstract

Written for novice and established scholars alike, Instructed Second Language Acquisition Research Methods is a stand-alone research methods guide from an Instructed Second Language Acquisition (ISLA) lens. After offering foundations of conducting ISLA research, the subsequent chapters are organized by four skill areas (listening, speaking, reading, writing) and four major linguistic features (grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, pragmatics). In each chapter, authors define the target sub-domain of ISLA, outline the basics of research design, provide concrete guidance on crafting robust research questions, identifying appropriate methodology and method(s), adapting an existing instrument or creating your own, carrying out a study, analyzing and interpreting data, and determining how/where/when to share your work. The volume also dedicates chapters to addressing common inquiries of conducting ISLA research (e.g., obtaining ethics permission, recruiting your own students, working with small and heterogeneous sample sizes, accounting for individual differences), and to maximizing research impact beyond academia. Written by leading experts on each topic, this book is an essential resource for ISLA, SLA, and research methods scholars.