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Chapter 5. The emerging need for methods appropriate to study dynamic systems

Individual differences in motivational dynamics
  • Peter D. MacIntyre , Emily MacKay , Jessica Ross and Esther Abel
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Complexity Theory and Language Development
This chapter is in the book Complexity Theory and Language Development

Abstract

There is a pressing need to develop methodology to study complex dynamic systems. In this chapter we review 12 specific methods that offer solutions to the methodological challenges presented by a dynamic approach. Specific methods include several qualitative interview designs, longitudinal cluster analysis, Q-methodology, the trajectory equifinality model, the idiodynamic method, latent growth modelling, and change point analysis. The collection of methods provides an overview of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches that have been applied to the study of complex dynamic systems. Each reviewed procedure has been applied to the study of motivation for language learning and demonstrates how to take account of multiple timescales, initial conditions, and dynamic stability among other issues. Even as methods are being refined, novel research findings are emerging. The lasting impact of Complexity Theory on the field of second language development depends on closing the present gap between metaphorical and/or theoretical development and specific research methods.

Abstract

There is a pressing need to develop methodology to study complex dynamic systems. In this chapter we review 12 specific methods that offer solutions to the methodological challenges presented by a dynamic approach. Specific methods include several qualitative interview designs, longitudinal cluster analysis, Q-methodology, the trajectory equifinality model, the idiodynamic method, latent growth modelling, and change point analysis. The collection of methods provides an overview of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches that have been applied to the study of complex dynamic systems. Each reviewed procedure has been applied to the study of motivation for language learning and demonstrates how to take account of multiple timescales, initial conditions, and dynamic stability among other issues. Even as methods are being refined, novel research findings are emerging. The lasting impact of Complexity Theory on the field of second language development depends on closing the present gap between metaphorical and/or theoretical development and specific research methods.

Chapters in this book

  1. Prelim pages i
  2. Table of contents v
  3. List of contributors vii
  4. List of figures xi
  5. List of tables xiii
  6. Acknowledgements xv
  7. Introduction 1
  8. Chapter 1. Complexity Theory 11
  9. Chapter 2. Complexity Theory and Dynamic Systems Theory 51
  10. Chapter 3. Neural complexity meets lexical complexity 59
  11. Chapter 4. Conceptualizing learner characteristics in a complex, dynamic world 79
  12. Chapter 5. The emerging need for methods appropriate to study dynamic systems 97
  13. Chapter 6. Lost in state space? 123
  14. Chapter 7. Complex Dynamic Systems Theory and L2 pedagogy 143
  15. Chapter 8. Language destabilization and (re-)learning from a Complexity Theory perspective 163
  16. Chapter 9. A neuropsycholinguistic approach to complexity 191
  17. Chapter 10. Energy conservation in SLA 209
  18. Index 233
https://doi.org/10.1075/lllt.48.06mac

Chapters in this book

  1. Prelim pages i
  2. Table of contents v
  3. List of contributors vii
  4. List of figures xi
  5. List of tables xiii
  6. Acknowledgements xv
  7. Introduction 1
  8. Chapter 1. Complexity Theory 11
  9. Chapter 2. Complexity Theory and Dynamic Systems Theory 51
  10. Chapter 3. Neural complexity meets lexical complexity 59
  11. Chapter 4. Conceptualizing learner characteristics in a complex, dynamic world 79
  12. Chapter 5. The emerging need for methods appropriate to study dynamic systems 97
  13. Chapter 6. Lost in state space? 123
  14. Chapter 7. Complex Dynamic Systems Theory and L2 pedagogy 143
  15. Chapter 8. Language destabilization and (re-)learning from a Complexity Theory perspective 163
  16. Chapter 9. A neuropsycholinguistic approach to complexity 191
  17. Chapter 10. Energy conservation in SLA 209
  18. Index 233
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