Conducting Second-Language Reading Research: A Methodological Guide

Description

This is the first hands-on methods guide for second-language (L2) reading research. The authors expertly and critically situate L2 reading and literacy as a multivariate, interactive process and define terms, concepts, and research tools in connection with theory and a rich body of past empirical work, with lessons to learn and pitfalls to avoid. They concretely detail how to design empirical studies, collect data, and analyze findings in this important area. Authored by world experts on first-language (L1) and L2 reading, this book provides a comprehensive, critical, theory-driven review of methods in L2 reading research, offering a step-by-step guide from research design to study execution and data analysis. With useful pedagogical features and a unique database of L2 reading studies from around the world over three decades, this will be an invaluable resource to students and researchers of second-language acquisition, applied linguistics, education, and related areas. Cover Half Title Series Title Copyright Contents Preface Acknowledgments 1 The Ethos of Second-Language Reading Research Historical Roots Influential Currents in Education in the United States of America The Development of L2 Reading Theory Early Stages The L1–L2 Relationship The Relationship to Second-Language Acquisition Theory Conclusion 2 Preparing to Ask and Asking Questions in Second-Language Reading Research Preparing to Ask Questions Constructing the Literature Review Some Specific Studies and Their Literature Reviews Asking Research Questions A Retrospective on L2 Reading Research Questions Conclusion 3 Analyzing Populations and Text for Research Purposes Gauging First-Language Literacy Assessing Second-Language Knowledge Vocabulary Knowledge Determining Intrareader Variables Considering Materials for Reading Research Conclusion 4 Data Collection Devising Indicators of Comprehension Comprehension Questions Text Type and Difficulty Level Developing Scoring Schemes Configuring Longer Texts for Data Collection A Research Protocol for Data Collection Devising Indicators of Comprehension Processes Conclusion 5 Perennial Concerns in Second-Language Reading Research Some Specific Dilemmas The Availability of a Limited Number of Subjects Strategies for Choosing Instrumentation Validating and Confirming the Findings From a Study Confronting Limited Time and Resources for Data Collection Getting Publications Into Print Looking Forward to Future Research Conclusion 6 Conclusion: The Research Report and Beyond Reading the Research Report Writing the Research Report Ethics and Equity The Purpose of Research Conclusion: Courage Appendix: The Development of the Database Index