Understanding, Evaluating, and Conducting Second Language Writing Research

Abstract

Understanding, Evaluating, and Conducting Second Language Writing Research speaks to the rapidly growing area of second language writing by providing a uniquely balanced approach to L2 writing research. While other books favor either a qual­ itative or quantitative approach to second language acquisition (SLA) research, this text is comprehensive in scope and does not privilege one approach over the other, illuminating the strengths of each and the ways in which they might com­ plement each other. Part I will help novice researchers consider the best approach to use for answering their research questions. It will also help more experienced researchers expand their repertoire in terms of approaches and help them con­ sider both cognitive and social aspects of L2 writing. Part II will prove useful for both novice and experienced researchers when they are faced with choices regarding data collection and analysis. Containing an array of focal studies and suggestions for further reading, this text is the ideal resource for students begin­ ning to conduct L2 writing research as well as for more experienced researchers who wish to expand their approach to conducting research.