Research in Applied Linguistics: Becoming a Discerning Consumer / Edition 3

by Fred L. Perry, Jr.

Overview

Now in its third edition, this popular introduction to the foundations of research methods is designed to enable students and professionals in the field of applied linguistics to become not just casual consumers of research who passively read bits and pieces of a research article, but discerning consumers able to effectively use published research for practical purposes in educational settings. All issues important for understanding and using published research for these purposes are covered. Key principles are illustrated with research studies published in refereed journals across a wide spectrum of applied linguistics. Exercises throughout the text encourage readers to engage interactively with what they are reading at the point when the information is fresh in their minds. Intended for and field-tested in courses in MA-TESOL/TEFL and applied linguistics programs, course instructors will find that this text provides a solid framework in which to promote student interaction and discussion on important issues in research methodology. This book provides an excellent foundation for those who plan to continue in an active research agenda.

Changes in the Third Edition

• Chapter 2 revised to reflect formatting changes made by ERIC, addition of referencing and citation resources
• Chapter 8 revised to increase practicality
• Revision of some embedded exercises
• The topic of meta-analysis integrated more fully where appropriate
• Corpora research given more attention
• Many studies older than 2000 replaced with more recent studies
• Companion Website (www.routledge.com/cw/Perry) with list of journals related to applied linguistics, annotated resources to aid students and instructors for each chapter, access to screencasts and YouTube demonstrations, and a space for students and/or teachers to interact with the author.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781138227767
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	03/15/2017
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	284
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Fred L. Perry, Jr. is Professor Emeritus of Applied Linguistics at the American University in Cairo, Egypt.

Table of Contents

Preface

Acknowledgments

PART I Fundamentals for Discerning Consumers

1 Understanding the Nature of Research

2 How to Locate Research

PART II The Major Components of Published Research

3 Understanding the Framework of a Primary Research Article

4 Understanding Where Data Come From: The Sample

5 Understanding Research Designs

1. Understanding Data Gathering
2. Understanding Research Results
3. Discerning Discussions and Conclusions: Completing the Picture

Appendix A Constructing a Literature Review

Appendix B Going to the Next Level of Statistics

Glossary

Index

Editorial Reviews

"Research in Applied Linguistics is a book focusing on the details of research. This is an important topic well-worth a full-length publication. The book is designed for Masters students to use....the websites, lists of journals and frequent examples through the text are useful....the format of the chapters is helpful, since they are organized from general to specific, give clear definitions, list key words, illustrate points with examples of published research, and contain exercises to reinforce learning."
—Linguist List

"This text will be required reading in my introduction to applied linguistics and language teaching postgraduate course and will also be quite influential in a new honors research course that covers cultural studies and applied linguistics. It will enhance the students' developments and create a bridge between what the students bring to the program and the academic literature they meet in their courses. It serves as a perfect primer for those who eventually decide to develop and carry out applied linguistics research." Robert C. Kleinsasser, The University of Queensland

"...Perry’s book is an accessible and useful starting point for aspiring practitioners who want to be discerning rather than casual consumers of applied linguistics research." — Anne Burns, TESOL Quarterly, Vol. 42, No. 1, March 2008

From the Publisher