Full Description
This book provides practical guidance on research methods and designs that can be applied to Complex Dynamic Systems Theory (CDST) research. It discusses the contribution of CDST to the field of applied linguistics, examines what this perspective entails for research and introduces practical methods and templates, both qualitative and quantitative, for how applied linguistics researchers can design and conduct research using the CDST framework. Introduced in the book are methods ranging from those in widespread use in social complexity, to more familiar methods in use throughout applied linguistics. All are inherently suited to studying both dynamic change in context and interconnectedness. This accessible introduction to CDST research will equip readers with the knowledge to ensure compatibility between empirical research designs and the theoretical tenets of complexity. It will be of value to researchers working in the areas of applied linguistics, language pedagogy and educational linguistics and to scholars and professionals with an interest in second/foreign language acquisition and complexity theory.
Contents
Part I. Introduction to Complexity Theory
Chapter 1. Introduction
Chapter 2. What is Complexity Theory?
Chapter 3. Applying Complexity Theory to Research
Part II. Qualitative Methods
Chapter 4. Qualitative Comparative Analysis
Chapter 5. Process Tracing
Chapter 6. Concept Mapping
Chapter 7. Agent-Based Modeling
Chapter 8. Retrodictive Qualitative Modeling
Chapter 9. Social Network Analysis
Chapter 10. Design Based Research Methods
Part III. Quantitative Methods
Chapter 11. Panel Designs
Chapter 12. Latent Growth Curve Modeling
Chapter 13. Multilevel Modeling
Chapter 14. Time Series Analysis
Chapter 15. Experience Sampling Method
Chapter 16. Single-Case Designs
Chapter 17. Idiodynamic Method
Part IV. C The Future of CDST Methodology
Chapter 18. Method Integration
Chapter 19. Glossary and Further Resources for CDS Methodology
