Full Description
Now in its third edition, this popular introduction to the foundations of research methods is designed to enable students and professionals in the field of applied linguistics to become not just casual consumers of research who passively read bits and pieces of a research article, but discerning consumers able to effectively use published research for practical purposes in educational settings. All issues important for understanding and using published research for these purposes are covered. Key principles are illustrated with research studies published in refereed journals across a wide spectrum of applied linguistics. Exercises throughout the text encourage readers to engage interactively with what they are reading at the point when the information is fresh in their minds. Intended for and field-tested in courses in MA-TESOL/TEFL and applied linguistics programs, course instructors will find that this text provides a solid framework in which to promote student interaction and discussion on important issues in research methodology. This book provides an excellent foundation for those who plan to continue in an active research agenda.
Changes in the Third Edition
Chapter 2 revised to reflect formatting changes made by ERIC, addition of referencing and citation resources
Chapter 8 revised to increase practicality
Revision of some embedded exercises
The topic of meta-analysis integrated more fully where appropriate
Corpora research given more attention
Many studies older than 2000 replaced with more recent studies
Companion Website (www.routledge.com/cw/Perry) with list of journals related to applied linguistics, annotated resources to aid students and instructors for each chapter, access to screencasts and YouTube demonstrations, and a space for students and/or teachers to interact with the author.
Contents
Preface
Acknowledgments
PART I Fundamentals for Discerning Consumers
1 Understanding the Nature of Research
2 How to Locate Research
PART II The Major Components of Published Research
3 Understanding the Framework of a Primary Research Article
4 Understanding Where Data Come From: The Sample
5 Understanding Research Designs
Understanding Data Gathering
Understanding Research Results
Discerning Discussions and Conclusions: Completing the Picture
Appendix A Constructing a Literature Review
Appendix B Going to the Next Level of Statistics
Glossary
Index
