Experimental Research Methods in Language Learning: (Research Methods in Linguistics)

Language learning research aims to describe and fully explain how and why language learning takes place, but can fall short of its stated purpose. Systematic, rigorous research is needed if the growing field of language learning is to progress methodically. This book demonstrates and fully explains such a methodology. Given that research in language acquisition yields practical pedagogical implications, it is crucial that it is rigorous and accurate. This book offers a quantitative research methodology that relies on statistical analysis in order to make inferences and conclusions about language learning. Experimental research aims to understand differences between or within groups of learners under manipulated environments. It requires strict control of conditions, enabling interpretations with a low factor of error. Aek Phakiti provides step-by-step guidelines and underlying principles, epistemology and methodology, in a book that is essential for advanced students of language acquisition and language and education.

Table of Contents:
Preface Acknowledgments 1. Introduction and Overview 2. Experimental Research Basics 3. Experimental Research Paradigms and Processes 4. Experimental Research Designs 5. Validity in Experimental Research 6. Ethical Consideration in Experimental Research 7. Quantitative Research Instruments and Techniques 8. A Hybrid Approach for Experimental Research 9. Introduction to Descriptive Statistics 10. Introduction to Inferential Statistics 11. Correlational Analysis 12. Reliability and Reliability Analysis 13. Paired-Samples and Independent-Samples t-tests for Experimental Research 14. Analyses of Variance (ANOVA) 15. Non-parametric Versions of T-tests and ANOVAs 16. Experimental Research Proposals Glossary of Key Terms in Language Learning Research Bibliography Index

About the Author :
Aek Phakiti is Senior Lecturer in TESOL at the University of Sydney, Australia.

Review :
The author of this volume is to be commended for its clarity of coverage and for its user-friendly approach. Discussion questions and a list of additional resources are provided at the end of every chapter ... It is heartening that the text covers as much statistical ground as it does, with discussions of concepts and procedures not commonly found in introductory-level textbooks ... A helpful resource and one worthy of consideration by students and instructors alike. An informative source of reference for those who wish to conduct research ... [Phakiti] should be commended for presenting what may be perceived by some as difficult or complicated concepts in a very user-friendly manner ... [and the book's] companion website provides a plethora of online materials, resources, lecture notes, data files, and useful activities ... With its comprehensive coverage of experimental research concepts, comprehensible use of language [and] accompanying online resources ... Aek Phakiti has been true to his words "to make the subject of experimental research in language learning accessible and meaningful to readers". Research methods is a complex subject ... [but] Aek Phakiti's work does an admirable job [of covering all areas.] As a main text for a research methods course, this book would indeed be useful, as it not only outlines much of the what but also the why and how of research ... Phakiti's clear and direct writing make[s] it an appropriate graduate-level text for beginners and second language speakers ... [and] teachers of research methods in applied linguistics and SLA would certainly benefit from Phakiti's work as a main coursebook.