The successful collection of data is a key challenge to obtaining
reliable and valid results in applied linguistics research. Data
Collection Research Methods in Applied Linguistics investigates how
research is conducted in the field, encompassing the challenges and
obstacles applied linguists face in collecting good data. The book
explores frequently used data collection techniques, including:
* interviews and focus groups
* observations
* stimulated recall and think aloud protocols
* data elicitation tasks
* corpus methods
* questionnaires
* validated tests and measures
Each chapter focuses on one type of data collection, outlining key
concepts, threats to reliability and validity, procedures for good data
collection, and implications for researchers. The chapters also include
exemplary research projects, showcasing and explaining for readers how
the technique was used to collect data in a successfully published
study. This book is an essential resource for both novice and
experienced applied linguists tackling data collection techniques for
the first time.