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Instructed Second Language Acquisition Research Methods
Edited by Laura Gurzynski-Weiss and YouJin Kim
[Research Methods in Applied Linguistics 3] 2022
► pp. 3–28

Chapter 1
Getting started

Key considerations

 | Indiana University
 | Georgia State University
This introductory chapter orients the reader to both instructed second language acquisition (ISLA) and research methods in general. We begin with an operationalization of ISLA, followed by an outline of the main research questions and overarching goals within ISLA, and specification of the differences between an applied orientation to research and simply drawing pedagogical implications. In the second half of the chapter, we move into the nature and ultimate aims of research (i.e., theoretical, empirical, applied), in general, and for the specific field of ISLA. We highlight the importance of connecting to and building off prior work and how research contributions must be connected to disciplinary discussions as well as previous scholarly work as well as being ethically sound. Finally, we outline the basics of research decision-making and walk the reader through each of the principal considerations during the design phase of a study.
Keywords: instructed second language acquisition, research methodology, research methods, L2 learning/development
Article outline
  • 1.Introducing instructed second language acquisition: Defining the domain
    • 1.1What is ISLA? How does it differ from SLA and applied linguistics?
    • 1.2Overarching goals of ISLA
    • 1.3Common assumptions across theories of ISLA
  • 2.Global issues in ISLA research
    • 2.1Key questions and considerations in ISLA research
      • 2.1.1How are L2s learned in instructed contexts?
      • 2.1.2What is the nature of the L2 knowledge gained in instructed contexts?
      • 2.1.3How do variables related to instructional contexts influence the L2 learning process?
      • 2.1.4How do individual differences play a role in instructed L2 learning?
      • 2.1.5What do SLA theories and research say about the effectiveness of L2 instruction? What instructional techniques are most likely to facilitate ISLA?
    • 2.2Ultimate aims of scientific research in general and in ISLA
      • 2.2.1Theoretical aims
      • 2.2.2Empirical aims
      • 2.2.3Applied aims
    • 2.3State of the field in ISLA research methods
  • 3.Conceptualizing your study
    • 3.1Connecting to and building off prior research
    • 3.2Designing your study: Questions to ask yourself
  • 4.Research with human subjects
    • 4.1Exempt research studies
    • 4.2Expedited research studies
    • 4.3Preparing your protocol
    • 4.4Research that supports DEIA principles
  • 5.Conclusions
  • 6.Further reading
    • Introducing ISLA
    • Research methods in ISLA
    • Ethical considerations in ISLA research
  • Acknowledgements
  • Notes
  • References
Published online: 8 December 2022
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/rmal.3.01gur
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