Second Language Research Methodology

Second Language Research Methodology

What is meant by research, and how do we identify Second Language Research Methodology good research questions?

These are questions that are not always easy to answer, but we anticipate that by the end of this book you will be in a better position to think about them. This book is intended to be practical in nature, aimed at those who are involved in second language studies and second/foreign language teaching. We recognize that many people are often put off by the word research, including teachers who have been teaching for quite some time but are not involved in research, and those who are just beginning in the field. We hope to demystify the process.

The American Heritage College Dictionary defined research as “scholarly or scientific investigation or inquiry” or as a verb “to study (something) thoroughly” (2000). Thus, in its most basic and simplest form, research is a way of finding out answers to questions.

A Good Book

We begin by reminding the reader that we are all involved in research every day. For example, consider what is probably part of many of our lives—being stuck in a traffic jam. As we find ourselves not moving on a freeway, we ask why this has happened and come up with a hypothesis (e.g., because there is an accident ahead, or because it is 5:00 P.M. on a Friday afternoon).

We then seek verification of our hypothesis by waiting patiently (or impatiently) until the traffic starts moving again. If we see an accident or the flashing lights of an emergency vehicle, we can confirm or at least strengthen our hypothesis. In the absence of an accident, we might conclude that it must be typical rush hour traffic. In other words, every day we ask questions, come up with hypotheses, and seek confirmation of those hypotheses.

After reading “Second Language Research Methodology”, you can check important issues for ESL teachers on the section PDFs. You can also visit my channel on YouTube.