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Part of
Methods in Study Abroad Research: Past, present, and future
Edited by Carmen Pérez-Vidal and Cristina Sanz
[Research Methods in Applied Linguistics 4] 2023
► pp. 59–83

Chapter 3
Qualitative approaches in L2 research abroad

| Illinois State University

The goal of this chapter is to provide a critical look at qualitative approaches in the context of research about study abroad and language learning. The chapter begins with an overview of qualitative scholarship focused on study abroad, highlighting methodological approaches and theoretical orientations, as well as historical trends. In the following section, some of the many contributions of qualitative research about study abroad are outlined, with a focus on aspects related to identity and social interaction. Limitations and gaps in the literature are then discussed with regard to participants and data collection and analysis. The chapter concludes with recommendations for how researchers can continue to advance our understanding of study abroad through qualitative approaches. Suggestions for future directions include diversifying the voices represented in research and placing greater emphasis on reflexivity.

Keywords: qualitative research, ethnography, case study, identity, introspective data, language ideologies, language socialization, narrative inquiry, qualitative research, triangulation
Article outline
  • Introduction
  • Qualitative research about study abroad
    • Overview
    • Contributions of qualitative research
    • Identity, agency, and investment
    • Social networks and interaction
    • Summary
  • Methodological limitations and gaps
    • Participants and research sites
    • Data collection and analysis
  • Addressing limitations in future qualitative research
    • Participants and research sites
    • Data collection and analysis
  • Conclusion
  • References
Published online: 3 February 2023
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/rmal.4.03shi
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