Cover not available

In:Instructed Second Language Acquisition Research Methods
Edited by Laura Gurzynski-Weiss and YouJin Kim
[Research Methods in Applied Linguistics 3] 2022
► pp. 31–54

Get fulltext from our e-platform
JBE logo with link
PDF logo with download linkDownload Book PDF
EPUB logo with download linkDownload Book EPUB
authorization required

Chapter 2
Quantitative research methods in ISLA

 | Florida State University
Published online: 8 December 2022
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/rmal.3.02li
Abstract
This chapter provides a comprehensive, in-depth discussion of quantitative research methods in ISLA. It starts by informing the reader of the basic elements and principles of quantitative ISLA research and the major research questions examined. It then identifies three categories of ISLA research: experimental, correlational, and observational, followed by a discussion of the methods for evaluating the quality of quantitative research from the perspectives of construct validity, internal validity, external validity, and statistical conclusion validity. The chapter proceeds to offer advice for future researchers on how to carry out original and robust quantitative research and propose strategies to address common methodological issues. A conclusion is offered at the end.
Article outline
  • 1.The fundamentals of quantitative ISLA research
    • 1.1Nature
    • 1.2Variables
    • 1.3Statistics
    • 1.4Sampling
  • 2.Typical research questions in quantitative ISLA studies
    • 2.1Which types of instructional intervention are effective or more effective in enhancing L2 learning gains, behaviors, and processes?
    • 2.2What teaching/learning behaviors or activities, or what relationships between teaching/learning behaviors/phenomena, can be observed?
    • 2.3How can L2 proficiency, achievements, or learner traits be effectively assessed?
  • 3.Most common options for investigation using quantitative research methods
    • 3.1Experimental research
      • 3.1.1Design
      • 3.1.2Treatment
        • Treatment length
        • Selection of the target structure
        • Data elicitation
        • Instruction type
      • 3.1.3Assessments
      • 3.1.4Analysis
    • 3.2Correlational research
    • 3.3Observational research
    • 3.4Study quality
      • 3.4.1Construct validity
      • 3.4.2Internal validity
      • 3.4.3External validity
      • 3.4.4Statistical conclusion validity
  • 4.Advice for future researchers
  • 5.Troubleshooting quantitative methods
    • 5.1Sampling
    • 5.2Assessments
    • 5.3Data collection, coding, and analysis
  • 6.Conclusions
  • 7.Further reading
  • References
References (11)
References
Cooper, H. (2010). Research synthesis and meta-analysis: A step-by-step approach. Sage.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Draheim, C., Mashburn, C., Martin, J., & Engle, R. (2019). Reaction time in differential and development research: A review and commentary on the problems and alternatives. Psychological Bulletin, 145(5), 508–535. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Li, S. (2017). Cognitive differences and ISLA. In S. Loewen & M. Sato (Eds.), Handbook of instructed second language learning (pp. 396–417). Routledge. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Li, S., & DeKeyser, R. (2021). Implicit aptitude: Conceptualizing the construct, validating the measures, and examining the evidence. Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 43(3), 473–493. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Li, S., & Fu, M. (2018). Strategic and unpressured within-task planning and their associations with working memory. Language Teaching Research, 22(2), 230–253. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Li, S., Hiver, P., & Papi, M. (2022). Individual differences in second language acquisition: Theory, research, and practice. In S. Li, P. Hiver, & M. Papi (Eds.), The Routledge handbook of SLA and individual differences (pp. 3–34). Routledge.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
MacIntyre, P., & Gardner, R. (1994). The subtle effects of language anxiety on cognitive processing in the second language. Language Learning, 44(2), 283–305. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Mackey, A., & Philp, J. (1998). Conversational interaction and second language development: recasts, responses, and red herrings? Modern Language Journal, 82(3), 338–356. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Norris, J., & Ortega, L. (2000). Effectiveness of L2 instruction: A research synthesis and quantitative meta-analysis. Language Learning, 50(3), 417–528. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Révész, A. (2014). Towards a fuller assessment of cognitive models of task-based learning: Investigating task-generated cognitive demands and processes. Applied Linguistics, 35(1), 87–92. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Sok, S., Kang, E. Y., & Han, Z. H. (2019). Thirty-five years of ISLA on form-focused instruction: A methodological synthesis. Language Teaching Research, 23(4), 403–427. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Cited by (6)

Cited by six other publications

Almusaed, Amjad, Asaad Almssad & Ibrahim Yitmen
2025. Statistical Analysis in Quantitative Research. In Practice of Research Methodology in Civil Engineering and Architecture, ► pp. 595 ff. DOI logo
Li, Shaofeng, Ling Ou & Icy Lee
2025. The timing of corrective feedback in second language learning. Language Teaching ► pp. 1 ff. DOI logo
Liang, Yan & Lawrence Jun Zhang
2025. The relative effects of input and output based instruction on the development of L2 knowledge and the relationships with individual differences in working memory. Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education 10:1 DOI logo
Vireak, Keo, Sam Rany, Lan Bunrosy & Rouet Wen
2025. Freshmen’s Perceptions of the Effect of Technology on Learning English: A Case Study at the National University of Battambang, Cambodia. Journal of Social Knowledge Education (JSKE) 6:1 ► pp. 54 ff. DOI logo
Mao, Zhicheng, Icy Lee & Shaofeng Li
2024. Written corrective feedback in second language writing: A synthesis of naturalistic classroom studies. Language Teaching 57:4 ► pp. 449 ff. DOI logo
Mo, Qiyang, Shaofeng Li, Albert D. Pionke & Jiang Wang
2024. Editorial. Digital Studies in Language and Literature 1:1-2 ► pp. 1 ff. DOI logo

This list is based on CrossRef data as of 30 november 2025. Please note that it may not be complete. Sources presented here have been supplied by the respective publishers. Any errors therein should be reported to them.

Mobile Menu Logo with link to supplementary files background Layer 1 prag Twitter_Logo_Blue