Using a reader-friendly, structured approach, Qualitative Research in Applied Linguistics: A Practical Introduction presents an easy-to-follow and straightforward guide to qualitative inquiry. Written by leading authors in a clear, informal style, it is an essential companion for graduate students and practicing teachers embarking on their first qualitative research study in applied linguistics.

The ten central chapters introduce core qualitative research approaches and commonly used data collection methods. Each of these chapters offers:

• A comprehensive guide to help you understand and use each approach or method
• An illustrative example from applied linguistics research to help you see the approach or method 'in action'
• A succinct outline of how you can avoid common mistakes and improve the quality of your research
• Discussion questions and tasks to give you hands-on experience working with each research approach or data collection method

Additional chapters offer engaging introductions to the qualitative research cycle, ethics, and writing up your research. There is also a glossary of important key words.

This book has been carefully written to provide you with the essential research knowledge, skills – and confidence – you need to begin your qualitative research project.

Acknowledgements
Preface
Notes on Contributors
PART I: OVERVIEW
Introduction to Qualitative Research; R.Croker
What Makes 'Qualitative' Research?; D.Freeman
PART II: QUALITATIVE RESEARCH APPROACHES
Narrative Inquiry; G.Murray
Case Study; M.Hood
Ethnography; J.Heigham & K.Sakui
Action Research; A.Burns
Mixed Methods; N.V.Ivankova & J.W.Creswell
PART III: QUALITATIVE DATA COLLECTION METHODS
Observation; N.Cowie
Interviews; K.Richards
Open-Response Items in Questionnaires; J.D.Brown
Introspection Techniques; S.L.McKay
Discourse Analysis; A.Lazaraton
PART IV: PRACTICAL ISSUES
Ethics and Trustworthiness; S.Rallis & G.Rossman
Writing up Your Research; C.Casanave
Glossary of Qualitative Research Terms
Subject Index

JUANITA HEIGHAM is Associate Professor and Director of the Communicative English Program in the School of Cross-cultural Communication at Sugiyama Jogakuen University, Nagoya, Japan. Her research interests include teacher education, learner autonomy and curriculum design.

ROBERT A. CROKER is Associate Professor in the Faculty of Policy Studies at Nanzan University in Nagoya, Japan. He teaches qualitative research design and methods in the Nanzan University Graduate School. His main research interests are qualitative research, teacher development and classroom observation.