Case Study Research in Applied Linguistics

Abstract

Case Study Research in Applied Linguistics offers a detailed foray into all aspects of the role of the case study: the text defines terms related to this type of research, provides historical background on the method, and explains the process of performing and reporting case studies. Such a comprehensive introduction addresses a gap in the literature. Many research methods texts provide overviews of different kinds of quantitative and qualitative research often utilized in the field of applied linguistics, including correlational research, introspective research, and in-class observations (e.g., Brown & Rogers, 2002; Dörnyei, 2007). Few, however, focus exclusively on case study research, lacking examination of the often painstaking process case studies entail. While the book’s scope is broad, Duff’s purposes are clear and concise from the outset: 1) to delineate the methodological foundations of case study research, 2) to present and examine seminal case studies in the area of second language (L2) development and teaching, and 3) to demystify the process of case study research from conception to publication. As these goals suggest, the book intends to offer the necessary information and sound advice to budding researchers in applied linguistics on both the graduate and undergraduate level.