Doing Second Language Research

This book provides an accessible introduction to language learning research. It gives a 'feel' for what research activities are like by engaging the reader in several roles within a variety of mini-studies across a range of research design types, both qualitative and quantitative. Roles include that of research subject, research organizer, research data collector, research data analyst, and research reporter.

The book systematically explains the characteristics and purposes of various types of research, terminology, the logic underlying selection, and the steps typical of each type of research design. Each research method is introduced in the context of a relevant piece of language learning research which exemplifies the approach. The book engages readers in thinking about and discussing these studies, as well as participating as subjects in adapted versions of them. The book also provides guidelines on how to write research reports.