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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. 85–106

Chapter 4
Mixed methods research on language learning in study abroad

| Penn State University
| Penn State University

Although research involving the theorized, principled, systematic integration of quantitative and qualitative approaches – mixed methods – is relatively rare in the literature on study abroad, there have been seminal, interesting, and impactful multiple methods contributions to this literature. This chapter first explores extant research on language learning in study abroad that involves both quantitative and qualitative data. The chapter will then present the key feature of mixed methods research: the principled integration of quantitative and qualitative data and analysis. Worked examples of these moments of integration – termed ‘points of interface’ – are drawn from our own current research and a published study. The chapter closes with reflection on how mixed methods might strengthen and extend the empirical case for study abroad.

Keywords: mixed methods, points of interface, metalinguistic competence, emotional intelligence, sequential design, concurrent design, explanatory design, exploratory design, embedded design, Language Engagement Questionnaire
Article outline
  • Introduction
  • Contributions of multiple methods study abroad research
    • The “Predictors” study and its qualitative companion projects
    • Introducing the role of social networks
    • The uniqueness of individual experiences abroad
    • Grammatical accuracy
    • Pragmatics
  • Mixed methods designs for research on study abroad
    • Design basics: The conceptual toolkit
    • Advanced designs: Study abroad as a mixed methods intervention
  • Integrating methods at points of interface in study abroad research
    • Sampling point of interface: Selecting 50 from 2,741 (Careers Project)
    • Data collection points of interface: Participant progress over time (LANGSNAP)
    • Conclusion: Outcomes, ethics, and processes
  • References
Published online: 3 February 2023
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/rmal.4.04kin
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