Based on a set of four research parameters, this book discusses the development of research questions and hypotheses, naturalistic and experimental research, data collection, and validation of research instruments. Each chapter includes examples and activities.
Are you about to start a Master's degree where you will be carrying out research for the first time? Or do you refer to research in your work as a teacher, teacher trainer, or materials writer? However you are involved with research, this book will give you a clear and thorough introduction to all the main types of language learning research.

Acknowledgements
Introduction
Chapter 1: What is research?

Introduction
Research as a natural process
Scientific research and common sense
Finding answers: How do we know something?
Basic, applied, and practical research
Summary
Activities
References
Chapter 2: A paradigm for second language research

Research and the phenomena of second language
Four parameters for second language research
Parameter 1: Synthetic and analytic approaches
Parameter 2: Heuristic and deductive objectives
Parameter 3: Control and manipulation of the research context
Parameter 4: Data and data collection
Summary
Activities
References
Chapter 3: The preparatory stages of research

Introduction
Where do research questions come from?
Phase 1: The general question
Phase 2: Focusing the question
Phase 3: Deciding on an objective or purpose
Phase 4: Formulating the research plan or the hypothesis
Summary
Activities
References
Chapter 4: Contextualization of research

The what and why of contextualization
Locating the sources for the literature review
Reading the literature
Organizing and reporting the review of the literature
Summary
Activities
References
Chapter 5: The components of research

The need for a plan
The research plan and the type of research
Making predictions and controlling variables
Making the research more effective
Types of data and variables
Internal and external validity
Summary
Activities
References
Chapter 6: Research design: qualitative and descriptive research

Introduction
Qualitative research
Descriptive research
Multivariate and correlational research
Summary
Activities
References
Chapter 7: Research design: experimental research

Introduction
The major components of experimental research
Single group designs
Designs using control groups
Factorial designs
Quasi-experimental designs
Separate sample designs
Summary
Activities
References
Chapter 8: Data and data collection procedures

Introduction
The data collection parameter
Description of data collection procedures
Assuring the quality of the data and the data collection procedures
Using, adapting, and developing data collection procedures
Summary
Activities
References
Chapter 9: Analyzing the data

Data analysis and the design of the study
Analyzing qualitative research data
Analyzing descriptive research data
Analyzing correlational research data
Analyzing multivariate research data
Analyzing experimental research data
Using the computer for data analysis
Summary
Activities
References
Chapter 10: Putting it all together

Reporting, summarizing, and interpreting the results
Reporting research
Closing the research cycle?
Summary
Activities
References

Appendix: References for further reading
Index