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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. 244–264

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Chapter 12
Screen capture

 | Ohio University
 | University of South Florida
Published online: 5 January 2026
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/rmal.15.12mar
Abstract
This chapter discusses screen capture (i.e., the recording of users’ on-screen activities) as a data collection method in online-based research in applied linguistics. After providing background information on the research contexts in which both still image and video screen captures have been used, we offer an overview of the types of phenomena previously studied through analyses of screen captures, the implementation of this data collection method in existing research, and the most commonly adopted analytical approaches (e.g., conversation analysis, thematic coding). Afterwards, we showcase exemplary empirical research using screen captures, including studies exploring digital discourse or written/oral interactions in non-educational virtual locales (e.g., social media, messaging apps) as well as within computer-assisted language learning settings. Following a discussion of the ethical issues and challenges associated with this data collection method, we propose future research directions (e.g., human-AI interaction, linguistic practices, and communication in virtual realities).
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Frequently asked research questions
  • 3.Implementation
    • Still images
    • Video screen captures
    • Annotating and analyzing screen captures
  • 4.Example studies
    • Vinall et al. (2024)
    • Smith (2009)
    • Balaman (2021)
    • Gan et al. (2023)
    • Luzón (2023)
    • Han and Reinhardt (2022)
  • 5.Ethics and research integrity considerations
  • 6.Challenges and issues
  • 7.Future research directions
  • References
References (40)
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