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Chapter 6. Unique considerations for ISLA research across approaches

  • Laura Gurzynski-Weiss and YouJin Kim
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Instructed Second Language Acquisition Research Methods
This chapter is in the book Instructed Second Language Acquisition Research Methods

Abstract

In this chapter, which comprises Section III, we discuss several of the most important and impactful considerations that can affect ISLA research design, implementation, and interpretation across methodological approaches. We unpack the use of intact classes, small sample sizes, and recruiting one’s current students as participants. We highlight how to reduce a potential observer effect and what additional limitations one may introduce by having others collect your data. Additionally, we discuss the need to measure learner and teacher individual differences, specifying which are most likely at play in an L2 classroom and what methodological options are robust and realistic for measurement. We then unpack the risk for outside exposure to a given target structure in longitudinal designs, for example, and how to measure potential outside influences. We discuss the reality of heterogeneous prior knowledge and the importance of continuing to recalibrate ISLA research to a bi/multilingual norm. Finally, we move into a step-by-step example of the decision-making necessary when conducting an ISLA study, suggest resources in the field, and provide links to further reading. Throughout the chapter, we include a focus on research ethics particularly relevant for ISLA.

Abstract

In this chapter, which comprises Section III, we discuss several of the most important and impactful considerations that can affect ISLA research design, implementation, and interpretation across methodological approaches. We unpack the use of intact classes, small sample sizes, and recruiting one’s current students as participants. We highlight how to reduce a potential observer effect and what additional limitations one may introduce by having others collect your data. Additionally, we discuss the need to measure learner and teacher individual differences, specifying which are most likely at play in an L2 classroom and what methodological options are robust and realistic for measurement. We then unpack the risk for outside exposure to a given target structure in longitudinal designs, for example, and how to measure potential outside influences. We discuss the reality of heterogeneous prior knowledge and the importance of continuing to recalibrate ISLA research to a bi/multilingual norm. Finally, we move into a step-by-step example of the decision-making necessary when conducting an ISLA study, suggest resources in the field, and provide links to further reading. Throughout the chapter, we include a focus on research ethics particularly relevant for ISLA.

Chapters in this book

  1. Prelim pages i
  2. Table of contents vii
  3. Acknowledgements ix
  4. Introduction to the volume xi
  5. List of contributors xix
  6. Section 1. Introduction
  7. Chapter 1. Getting started 3
  8. Section 2. Identifying your research approach
  9. Chapter 2. Quantitative research methods in ISLA 31
  10. Chapter 3. Qualitative ISLA research methodologies and methods 55
  11. Chapter 4. Mixed methods research in ISLA 79
  12. Chapter 5. Replication research in instructed SLA 103
  13. Section 3. ISLA research across methodological approaches
  14. Chapter 6. Unique considerations for ISLA research across approaches 125
  15. Section 4. Designing instructional interventions for specific skills & competencies
  16. Chapter 7. Pragmatics 149
  17. Chapter 8. Vocabulary 181
  18. Chapter 9. Grammar 207
  19. Chapter 10. Pronunciation 233
  20. Chapter 11. Listening 257
  21. Chapter 12. Reading 281
  22. Chapter 13. Writing 305
  23. Chapter 14. Speaking 329
  24. Section 5. Sharing your research
  25. Chapter 15. Contributing to the advancement of the field: 355
  26. Index 379
https://doi.org/10.1075/rmal.3.06gur

Chapters in this book

  1. Prelim pages i
  2. Table of contents vii
  3. Acknowledgements ix
  4. Introduction to the volume xi
  5. List of contributors xix
  6. Section 1. Introduction
  7. Chapter 1. Getting started 3
  8. Section 2. Identifying your research approach
  9. Chapter 2. Quantitative research methods in ISLA 31
  10. Chapter 3. Qualitative ISLA research methodologies and methods 55
  11. Chapter 4. Mixed methods research in ISLA 79
  12. Chapter 5. Replication research in instructed SLA 103
  13. Section 3. ISLA research across methodological approaches
  14. Chapter 6. Unique considerations for ISLA research across approaches 125
  15. Section 4. Designing instructional interventions for specific skills & competencies
  16. Chapter 7. Pragmatics 149
  17. Chapter 8. Vocabulary 181
  18. Chapter 9. Grammar 207
  19. Chapter 10. Pronunciation 233
  20. Chapter 11. Listening 257
  21. Chapter 12. Reading 281
  22. Chapter 13. Writing 305
  23. Chapter 14. Speaking 329
  24. Section 5. Sharing your research
  25. Chapter 15. Contributing to the advancement of the field: 355
  26. Index 379
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