Qualitative Research in Applied Linguistics: A Practical Introduction

by J P Stern (Editor), H Bienen (Editor), Robert A. Croker (Editor)

Overview

Using a reader-friendly, structured approach, Qualitative Research in Applied Linguistics: A Practical Introduction presents an easy-to-follow and straightforward guide to qualitative inquiry. Written by leading authors in a clear, informal style, it is an essential companion for graduate students and practicing teachers embarking on their first qualitative research study in applied linguistics.

The ten central chapters introduce core qualitative research approaches and commonly used data collection methods. Each of these chapters offers:

A comprehensive guide to help you understand and use each approach or method

An illustrative example from applied linguistics research to help you see the approach or method 'in action'

A succinct outline of how you can avoid common mistakes and improve the quality of your research

Discussion questions and tasks to give you hands-on experience working with each research approach or data collection method.

Additional chapters offer engaging introductions to the qualitative research cycle, ethics, and writing up your research. There is also a glossary of important key words.

This book has been carefully written to provide you with the essential research knowledge, skills - and confidence - you need to begin your qualitative research project.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780230219526
Publisher:	Palgrave Macmillan UK
Publication date:	06/23/2009
Edition description:	2009
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	5.70(w) x 8.60(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

JAMES DEAN BROWN is Professor of Second Language Studies, University of Hawaii-Manoa, Hawaii
ANNE BURNS is a Chair Professor in the Department of Linguistics and the former Dean of Linguistics and Psychology at Macquarie University, Australia
CHRISTINE CASANAVE, teaches language teacher education in Temple University's Graduate College of Education, Japan
NEIL COWIE, is an English teacher in the Foreign Language Education Centre Okayama University, Japan
JOHN W. CRESWELL is a Professor of Educational Psychology University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA
DONALD FREEMAN is Director of Teacher Education and Associate Professor of Education, School of Education, University of Michigan, USA
MIKE HOOD is an Assistant Professor, Nihon University, College of Commerce Japan
NATALIYA V. IVANKOVA is Associate Professor, Department of Human Studies, University of Alabama, Birmingham, USA
ANNE LAZARATON is an Associate Professor of English as a Second Language University of Minnesota, USA
SANDRA LEE MCKAY is Professor of English, San Francisco State University, USA
GAROLD MURRAY teaches English at Okayama University, Japan
SHARON RALLIS is the Allen Distinguished Professor of Education Policy and Reform, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, USA
KEITH RICHARDS is an Associate Professor, University of Warwick, UK
GRETCHEN ROSSMAN is a Professor of Education, University of Massachusetts, USA
KEIKO SAKUI is Associate Professor, Kobe Shoin Women's University, Japan

Table of Contents

List of Tables vii

List of Figures viii

Acknowledgments ix

Preface xi

Notes on Contributors xiii

Part I Overview

1 An Introduction to Qualitative Research Robert A. Croker 3

2 What Makes Research 'Qualitative? Donald Freeman 25

Part II Qualitative Research Approaches

3 Narrative Inquiry Garold Murray 45

4 Case Study Michael Hood 66

5 Ethnography Juanita Heigham Keiko Sakui 91

6 Action Research Anne Burns 112

7 Mixed Methods Nataliya V. Ivankova John W. Creswell 135

Part III Qualitative Data Collection Methods

8 Observation Neil Cowie 165

9 Interviews Keith Richards 182

10 Open-Response Items in Questionnaires James Dean Brown 200

11 Introspective Techniques Sandra Lee McKay 220

12 Discourse Analysis Anne Lazaraton 242

Part IV Practical Issues

13 Ethics and Trustworthines Sharon F. Rallis Gretchen B. Rossman 263

14 Writing Up Your Research Christine Pearson Casanave 288

Glossary of Qualitative Research Terms 306

Subject Index 325