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In:Digital and Internet-Based Research Methods in Applied Linguistics
Edited by Matt Kessler
[Research Methods in Applied Linguistics 15] 2026
► pp. 147–171

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Chapter 8
Mobile applications for language learning

 | Waseda University
 | Waseda University
 | The Education University of Hong Kong
Published online: 5 January 2026
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/rmal.15.08wan
Abstract
Modern mobile applications (apps) have profoundly influenced not only social communication and information dissemination but also language learning. These applications, such as Babbel, Busuu, and Duolingo, are increasingly accepted by language learners and have gained attention from researchers exploring their educational contributions. This chapter provides an overview of research on mobile applications as crucial sites for language acquisition, summarizing current research issues and insights of the research methods. It offers practical advice for researchers entering this field, including reviews of exemplary studies that highlight essential methodologies and findings. Additionally, the chapter addresses ethical considerations and research integrity in studying mobile applications. It concludes by examining challenges in research methodologies and suggests future directions, enriching the broader dialogue on how mobile applications can advance language education.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Frequently asked research questions
    • Affordances
    • Effectiveness
    • Affective impacts and user experience
    • Engagements and behaviors
    • Social learning
  • 3.Implementation
    • Most researched mobile applications
    • Choice of mobile applications
    • Research designs in MALL
      • Experimental designs
      • Cross-sectional studies
      • Longitudinal studies
      • Mixed-methods studies
      • Ethnographic studies
    • Data collection methods in MALL research
      • Surveys and questionnaires
      • Interviews and focus groups
      • Observational methods
      • Application usage data and analytics
      • Introspective methods
    • Data analysis and interpretation
  • 4.Example studies
    • Rosell-Aguilar (2018)
    • Loewen et al. (2019)
    • Zhang et al. (2022)
    • Alhujaylan (2024)
    • Hwang et al. (2024)
  • 5.Ethics and research integrity considerations
  • 6.Challenges and issues
  • 7.Future research directions
  • References
References (44)
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