Mixed Methods Research in Language Teaching and Learning

Mixed methods research (MMR), where quantitative and qualitative methods are combined in the collecting and analysing of research data, is gaining increasing prominence and utility across a range of academic disciplines including applied linguistics and language teaching and learning. This volume is the first to examine MMR in language teaching and learning and how such a methodology works in practice. The book brings together all the main topics related to MMR in one place and attempts to elaborate on and discuss them in plain language to help researchers better understand and use the methodology. In addition to detailed discussion of the theoretical (for example, the worldviews underlying MMR) and practical (purposes, designs, data collection and analysis), the book presents a framework for analyzing MMR (FRAMMR) studies. In the third section of the book where FRAMMR is presented, eight published MMR articles addressing different topics in language teaching and learning are analysed and eight more are suggested to be analysed by the readers using FRAMMR. Another salient feature of the book is Chapter 7 in which writing MMR proposals is discussed. The chapter should be of particular interest to postgraduate and doctoral students as well as early career researchers who will be preparing thesis and/or research proposals. Given the scarcity of resources on MMR in applied linguistics in general, and language teaching and learning in particular, the current volume can fill this gap to a great extent. Attempt has been made to present a coherent and transparent discussion of sometimes confusing MMR issues and topics. As a newly developed research methodology, MMR poses its own challenges to researchers. These challenges are also discussed in different chapters of the book so that researchers can consider them when planning for and implementing MMR projects.

Table of Contents:
PrefaceIntroductionPart I: Theoretical and Philosophical Aspects of Mixed Methods Research1. Researching Language Teaching and Learning: Three Research Approaches2. Underlying Worldviews (Philosophies) for Mixing MethodsPart II: Practical Aspects of Mixed Methods Research3. Following a Purpose and Achieving Goals in MMR4. Mixed Methods Research Designs5. Research Questions, Sampling Procedures and Data Collection6. Analysing Data and Making Inferences7. Writing Proposals for MMR StudiesPart III: Review and Analysis of Published MMR Studies8. A Framework for Analysing MMR Studies9. Researching Language Components10. Researching Communication Skills11. Researching Motivation and Attitude12. Researching Language Testing and Assessment13. Conclusion: Round Up of the Book

About the Author :
A. Mehdi Riazi is Associate Professor in the Department of Linguistics at Macquarie University, Sydney.

Review :
An excellent contribution to the field of second language learning and teaching research methodology, which can be appreciated by both graduate students and more experienced researchers alike. LinguistList Mixed Methods Research in Language Teaching and Learning makes some important contributions to how scholars in the language teaching and learning field may conceptualize MMR design and execution. First, Riazi lends careful attention to the convergence of quantitative and qualitative paradigms, including discussion of the different epistemological assumptions and "cultures" of each research camp that previously kept the two divergent. This text presents MMR as a paradigm that is much more than the sum of its parts, i.e., MMR is more than simply designing a study that has a qualitative component and a quantitative component, and it deserves the same depth of expertise and deliberation as other research approaches. Second, the book’s format qualifies it as a potential teaching textbook for methods professors or those mentoring theses or dissertations in the field of educational linguistics, applied linguistics, or language learning and teaching, or even as a self-study book for those wishing to develop their own MMR knowledge base. The clear, step-by-step procedural guidance is logical and would be valuable for researchers from conceptualization to publication of an MMR study on language learning or teaching. Linguistics and Education The merit of Riazi’s book lies in that it is field specific and addresses language-related issues and topics in depth. Japan Association for Language Teaching Journal (JALT)