Research Methods in Language Learning /
David Nunan.
- New York, NY : Cambridge University Press, 1992.
- xii, 249 p. : ill. ; 24 cm.
- Cambridge Language Teaching Library .
Includes bibliographical references (p. 234-243) and index.
This introduction to research methods is designed to help students of applied linguistics, education researchers, classroom teachers, and teachers in training understand and critique published studies in the field of language learning. The book is highly accessible and does not assume specialist or technical knowledge. It presents a balanced and objective view of a range of methods including formal experiments, introspective methods (diaries, logs, journals, and stimulated recall), interaction and transcript analysis, ethnography, and case studies. Other topics covered are elicitation techniques, program evaluation, and action research. The book also emphasizes the practical and professional value to language teachers of initiating their own research. Tasks and exercises in each chapter help readers to develop the skills needed to formulate research questions: to collect, analyze, and interpret data: and to report the results to other professionals." (Book Cover) CONTENTS: 1. An introduction to research methods and traditions Research traditions in applied linguistics The status of knowledge Some key concepts in research Action research Conclusion Questions and tasks Further reading 2. The experimental method The context of experimentation The logic of statistical inference Additional statistical tools Types of experiments The psychometric study: an example Conclusion Questions and tasks Further reading 3. Ethnography Principles of ethnographic research The reliability and validity of ethnography The importance of context in ethnographic inquiry Contrasting psychometry and ethnography Conclusion Questions and tasks Further reading 4. Case study Defining case studies Reliability and validity of case study research Single case research The case study: an example Conclusion Questions and tasks Further reading 5. Classroom observation and research Methods of classroom observation and research A review of research Classroom research: sample studies Conclusion Questions and tasks Further reading 6. Introspective methods Some early introspective methods Diary studies Retrospection A sample study using introspection Conclusion Questions and tasks Further reading 7. Elicitation techniques Production tasks Surveys Questionnaires Interviews A sample study Conclusion Questions and tasks Further reading 8. Interaction analysis Comparing discourse analysis, interaction analysis, and conversation analysis Child-adult interaction Adult-adult interaction: interpersonal encounters Adult-adult interaction: transactional encounters Interaction analysis in a cross-cultural context Conclusion Questions and tasks Further reading 9. Program evaluation Defining evaluation The relationship between assessment and evaluation The importance of process data in program evaluation Points of focus for program evaluation Evaluation and research Elements in the design of an evaluation study Doing evaluation: a case study Conclusion Questions and tasks Further reading 10. Doing research Developing a research question The literature review Implementing the research project Presenting the research Conclusion Questions and tasks Further reading Glossary of key terms in research References Index
9780521429689 (pbk) 0521429684 (pbk)
Language and languages--Study and teaching--Research--Methodology.