Second Language Writing Research: Perspectives on the Process of Knowledge Construction

In this original volume, eighteen researchers from different parts of the world reflect on their own research projects, providing insights into key methodological issues in research on second language writing. By offering a glimpse into the process of constructing and negotiating knowledge in the field--the messy space of situated practices of inquiry--it helps to demystify the research process, which can appear in published studies and in introductory methodology guides to be neater and more orderly than it actually is. Taking a broad conception of research as inquiry that emphasizes the situated and constructed nature of knowledge in the field, Second Language Writing Research: Perspectives on the Process of Knowledge Construction encourages multiple forms of inquiry, including philosophical, narrative, and historical modes. Empirical inquiry as presented in this book encompasses both quantitative and qualitative approaches as well as those that strategically combine them. A helpful discussion of the "nuts and bolts" of developing sustainable research programs is also provided. The volume as a whole facilitates a situated, issue-driven research practice. Its unique focus on second language writing research makes it an invaluable resource for both novice and experienced researchers in the field.

Table of Contents:
Contents: Preface. Part I: Research as Situated Knowledge Construction.T. Silva, On the Philosophical Bases of Inquiry in Second Language Writing: Metaphysics, Inquiry Paradigms, and the Intellectual Zeitgeist. C.P. Casanave, Uses of Narrative in L2 Writing Research. P.K. Matsuda, Historical Inquiry in Second Language Writing. Part II: Conceptualizing L2 Writing Research.D. Atkinson, Situated Qualitative Research and Second Language Writing. J. Flowerdew, A Multimethod Approach to Research Into Processes of Scholarly Writing for Publication. M. Sasaki, Hypothesis Generation and Hypothesis Testing: Two Complementary Studies of EFL Writing Processes. R. Weissberg, Talking About Writing: Cross-Modality Research and Second Language Speaking/Writing Connections. R. Haswell, Researching Teacher Evaluation of Second-Language Writing Via Prototype Theory. X. Li, Composing Culture in a Fragmented World: The Issue of Representation in Cross-Cultural Research. Part III: Collecting and Analyzing Data.S. Parks, Qualitative Research as Heuristic: Investigating Documentation Practices in a Medical Setting. L.L. Blanton, Mucking Around in the Lives of Others: Reflections on Qualitative Research. C. Brice, Coding Data in Qualitative Research on L2 Writing: Issues and Implications. K. Hyland, Digging Up Texts and Transcripts: Confessions of a Discourse Analyst. R.M. Manchón, L. Murphy, J.R. de Larios, Using Concurrent Protocols to Explore L2 Writing Processes: Methodological Issues in the Collection and Analysis of Data. S. Hudelson, Taking on English Writing in a Bilingual Program: Revisiting, Reexamining, Reconceptualizing the Data. Part IV: Coda.D. Ferris, Tricks of the Trade: The Nuts and Bolts of L2 Writing Research.

About the Author :
Edited by Matsuda, Paul Kei; Silva, Tony

Review :
"...an excellent volume....the book will be an invaluable aid to new researchers seeking to define their own perspectives on methodology and analysis"—The Canadian Modern Language Review "The volume as a whole facilitates a situated, issue-driven research practice. Its unique focus on second language writing research makes it an invaluable resource for both novice and experienced researcher in the field."—CSA Linguistics and Language Behavior Abstracts "...this volume makes an important contribution because there is currently scant discussion on methodological practices in the field. Certainly, this collection succeeds in shedding light on the issues and challenges surrounding L2 writing research."—Studies in Second Language Acquisition "...a unique, behind-the-scenes examination of the ideas and procedures that have gone into research on writing in English as a second or foreign language, as documented by a sample of noted researchers from around the world reflecting on their own research studies and concepts associated with this....This book adds a dimension of depth to studies of second-language writing that few others provide. It will be highly informative for graduate students and novice researchers in the field as well as for experienced researchers in related domains around the world."—Alister Cumming, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education/University of Toronto "Second Language Writing Research: Perspectives on the Process of Knowledge Construction is substantive, thought-provoking, and relevant. This is a wonderful collection--a pleasure to read!"—Ann Johns, San Diego State University "Although the majority of the chapters in Second Language Writing Research are more qualitatively than quantitatively oriented, they provide the reader with multiple insights into the ways different methodologies might apply to specific research questions...This volume thus accomplishes all it sets out to do, namely, to help new researchers understand the intellectual and decision-making processes behind various methodologies. Moreover, the self-reflective orientation of each chapter paints a panoramic and hightly individualized picture of what it is like to carry out research in the field of second language writing."--Modern Language Journal, Volume 91.1, Spring 2007 "The candid portraits the contributors provide, the scope of the issues they cover, and the range of research methodologies they include all make this book extremely valuable, not just for people entering L2 writing research, but also for those in second language studies and composition studies." – Talinn Phillips, TESOL QUARTERLY