
While introspective research presents certain problems of data gathering and analysis, the task becomes much more complex when several people are added in classroom research. Consequently, by the end of the chapter, the reader obtains not only an understanding of effective practices and overall design, but also the reader experiences the complexities of gathering and analyzing data, the most difficult part of introspective research. In exploring this approach, practical considerations are presented along with a presentation of data compilation and analysis that involves the readers in confronting some of the difficulties of recording data and analyzing them. The chapter discusses the history of this type of research in order to make a point about how fashion influences research techniques as well as to show how a type of research develops through responding to criticism. In verbal protocols, researchers seek to understand how a person is thinking or feeling at different times while doing a task. In chapter three, introspective research: verbal protocols, the writers expand upon the self-study analysis of case studies. This engagement allows the researcher to develop skills that can be improved upon while gaining an appreciation of the complexity of research involving people.

The case study that provides the structure for this chapter revolves around a study of Helen Keller's language development. Furthermore, since a case study can be a self-study, the novice researcher has the opportunity to do research almost from the beginning. However, this very complexity allows the writers to introduce elements of data collection, recording, and reporting through the use of charts that also apply to subsequent research methods. This is rather a bold move since case study research is very complex requiring a researcher to gain control of several different elements. The second part of the book explores three types of qualitative research: case studies, introspective studies, and interaction analyses. It is in this chapter that a central strength of this book emerges: the discussion and exercises stimulate each reader to develop a personal understanding of research based on current thinking and practice.

DOING SECOND LANGUAGE RESEARCH JAMES DEAN BROWN PDF TO EXCEL HOW TO
The many exercises in this section engage novice researchers in exploring their understandings of research and how to apply these understandings to second language research. The sorting out of different types of research is done carefully since the authors go on to make the point that often qualitative and quantitative research overlap in the hands on environment. The introductory chapter, the nature of research, presents some fundamental elements of research such as defining types of research and discussing the contexts of research. The conclusion combines the different research methods in exploring course evaluations.

The quantitative part examines descriptive statistics and survey analysis, correlational research, and quasi-experimental research. The qualitative research part consists of three chapters: case study research, introspection research, and classroom research. The book consists of four parts simply titled introduction, qualitative research, quantitative research, and conclusion. It is an exemplary second language research introductory text. By doing so, the reader gains awareness of practical, theoretical, and methodological issues of second language research. The book includes the novice second language research through activities and discussions which involve thinking about research from at least three perspectives: the subject, the researcher, and the consumer of the research. This accessible introductory research methodology book engages the reader through accessible examples and clear explanations, in other words, it takes up where the reader is and initiates the reader into the community of second language researchers.
