Qualitative Research in Applied Linguistics: A Practical Introduction, edited by Juanita Heigham and Robert Croker

Abstract

This review makes a point in favor of the assertion made for the book that it is a practical introduction to the qualitative research in applied linguistics. The book consists of four parts: an overview of qualitative research, qualitative research methods, qualitative data collection methods, ethical practice issues and the writing of research reports. After proving a rich introduction to the qualitative research, the book discusses qualitative research approaches using a reader-friendly and interactive structure: pre-reading and post-reading questions along with the list of further readings. Then the data collection tools have been thoroughly discussed. What makes this book more useful is the use of illustrative examples for each qualitative research approach and data collection tool. The last part discusses core issues of ethics and drafting a research report. From the perspective of a novice researcher, it has achieved the goal of educating readers about qualitative research methods and data collection tools, as it gradually tracks the reader and provides them with a linking concept for a better understanding. However, reference to one study for both ethnography and case study remains a confusing point. Besides, the review suggests addition of some images to make reading of the book more interesting, especially for visual learners. Besides, a diagram should be given at the end of research methods chapters to outline the steps taken by researchers to do their studies.

Integrating Traditional Games into EFL Speaking Class: A case of English for Young Learners

“…Then, the audio-visual data acquired from the classroom observation recorder was transcribed in written form, reducing the unimportant information that does not relate to the research. The transcription data obtained from the classroom observation was analyzed and coded in the Coding Verbal Data technique to identify emerging themes and arrive at the key categories (Siddiqui et al, 2021). In addition, the data from the questionnaire was also analyzed to see the students' responses in implementing the game in speaking class.…”