Research Methods for Complexity Theory in Applied Linguistics

This book provides practical guidance on research methods and designs that can be applied to Complex Dynamic Systems Theory (CDST) research. It discusses the contribution of CDST to the field of applied linguistics, examines what this perspective entails for research and introduces practical methods and templates, both qualitative and quantitative, for how applied linguistics researchers can design and conduct research using the CDST framework. Introduced in the book are methods ranging from those in widespread use in social complexity, to more familiar methods in use throughout applied linguistics. All are inherently suited to studying both dynamic change in context and interconnectedness. This accessible introduction to CDST research will equip readers with the knowledge to ensure compatibility between empirical research designs and the theoretical tenets of complexity. It will be of value to researchers working in the areas of applied linguistics, language pedagogy and educational linguistics and to scholars and professionals with an interest in second/foreign language acquisition and complexity theory.
"This accessible guide to Complex Dynamic Systems Theory (CDST) research presents practical methods and templates for how applied linguistics researchers can design and conduct research using the CDST framework and equips readers with the knowledge to ensure compatibility between empirical research designs and the theoretical tenets of complexity"--
Phil Hiver is Assistant Professor at Florida State University, USA. His research interests include instructed language learning and the role of psycho-social factors in second language teaching and learning. He is the co-editor (with Sarah Mercer and Ali H. Al-Hoorie) of Engagement in the Second Language Classroom (Multilingual Matters, forthcoming).
Ali H. Al-Hoorie is Assistant Professor at the English Language Institute, Jubail Industrial College, Saudi Arabia. His research interests include motivation theory, research methodology, and complexity. His publications have appeared in a number of journals and he is the co-author (with Philip V. Hiver) of the forthcoming book Research Methods for Complexity in Applied Linguistics.
A harmonious blend of theory and method, Hiver and Al-Hoorie provide researchers in applied linguistics not only with a rationale but the tools to fully (and finally!) embrace CDST. I expect this book will become a landmark publication for the field.--Luke Plonsky, Northern Arizona University, USA
This book is an eye-opening and completely welcome introduction to a methodological world much wider than most applied linguists will have ever imagined existed. Rather than a how-to book, it is a guide to a plethora of methodological approaches that aim to send 'one-shot cross-sectional research' to its timely demise. In this book, readers will find an intriguing new approach for analyzing their data.--Jenifer Larson-Hall, University of Kitakyushu, Japan
This book offers both a timely and comprehensive guide to doing empirical research on Complex Dynamic Systems Theory in applied linguistics. A rarity for its breadth and depth, it presents a rich array of methodological options pooled from multiple disciplines of study, promoting and enabling integration of methods beyond mixing.--ZhaoHong Han, Teachers College, Columbia University, USA