Butler and Huang’s book is one of the first to focus on second language (L2) development research methods and techniques specifically targeted at children of primary and pre-primary years.
The last decade has seen a growing number of L2 studies of children aged 4–12, a demographic with special developmental characteristics that confound research methods designed for studying adults. Written by experts from a variety of disciplines, this book covers major research methods and techniques in existing L2 development research, including observations, surveys, interviews, introspective methods, speech production methods, receptive methods, eye tracking, and brain imaging, as well as research methods specifically designed for L2 children with special educational needs. The book also discusses various age-related considerations and challenges if they are employed to young L2 learners.
This will be essential reading for SLA, child development, and TESOL researchers, and students in these courses will benefit particularly from pedagogical material such as further readings and discussion questions.
Author(s): Yuko Goto Butler, Becky H. Huang
Series: Second Language Acquisition Research Series
Publisher: Routledge
Year: 2022
Language: English
Pages: 215
City: New York
Cover
Endorsement
Half Title
Series Information
Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication
Table of Contents
Contributors
Acknowledgements
1 Introduction: Researching Child Second Language Development
References
2 Observation and Ethnographic Methods for Researching Young Learners
Introduction
Observing Children’s Language Development
Participant and Non-Participant Observation
Participant Observation: Ethnographic Approaches
Recent Ethnographic and Observational Studies of Young L2 Learners
Study Design and Duration
Other Data Sources
Analysis
Theoretical Frameworks and Types of Research Questions Asked
Challenges and Consideration
Implications for Child SLA Researchers
Discussion Questions
References
3 Surveys and Questionnaires With Young Language Learners
Introduction
Questionnaires When Children Are Respondents: A Brief History
Building a Questionnaire for Children
Answering Questions Mirrors Cognitive Capacity and Processing
Stage One: Interpretation
Stage Two: Retrieval
Stage Three: Judgment
Stage Four: Response Selection
Cultural Sensitivity
Survey Research Overview: Our Recommended Procedures
Research Questions
Survey Gathering and Analysis
Theory and Prior Examples
Translation in All Its Forms
Sorting Constructs: The KJ Method
Implementation
Conclusion
Tools and Resources
Discussion Questions
References
4 Using Interviews With Children in L2 Research
Introduction
Interviews
Interviews With Children in SLA
Types of Studies: Examples
Challenges and Considerations
Power Gap, Rapport, and Language
L1 Or L2 Use in Interviews
Creating Comfortable Environments
Individual/Pair Interviews, Group Interviews, Or Peer Interviews
Some Ethical Issues
Conclusion
Discussion Questions
References
5 Verbal Reports as a Window for Understanding Mental Processes Among Young Learners
Introduction
General Description of Verbal Reports as an Introspective Method
Verbal Reports in Research Focusing On Children
Verbal Reports as a Method of Inquiry for L1 and L2/FL Development
Verbal Reports as a Method of Instruction
Challenges and Considerations for Implementing Verbal Reports With Young Language Learners
Veridicality and Reactivity: Conceptual Issues
Issues With Planning and Administering Verbal Reports
Issues With Analyzing and Interpreting Children’s Verbal Reports
Implications for Child SLD Researchers
Using Digital Technology
Taking a Child-Centered Approach
Discussion Questions
Notes
References
6 Research Methods for Evaluating Second Language Speech Production
Introduction
An Overview of L2 Speech Production Methods in the Literature
Standardized Norm-Referenced Assessments
Language Sampling Methods
The Use of Technology in L2 Speech Production Methods
Challenges and Considerations
Implications
Tools and Resources
Discussion Questions
References
7 Receptive Methods in Child Bilingualism and Second Language Acquisition
Introduction
Studying Morphosyntax
The Picture-Sentence Matching Task
Description
How the Method Is Used in Child SLA
Challenges and Recommendations
The Grammaticality Judgment Task
Description
How the Method Is Used in Child SLA
Challenges and Recommendations
Conclusion
Tools and Resources
Discussion Questions
References
8 Eye-Tracking Methods in Child SLA Research
Introduction
Using Eye Tracking to Study Reading Comprehension
Using Eye Tracking to Study Spoken Language Processing
Studies Illustrating the Use of Eye-Tracking Methodology With Child L2 Learners
Challenges and Considerations in Eye-Tracking Research With Child L2 Learners
Recruitment and Community Outreach
Materials and Procedures
Data Analysis
Concluding Remarks
Tools and Resources
Discussion Questions
Notes
References
9 Brain Imaging Methods
Introduction
Why Use Neuroimaging Tools to Understand Children’s Second Language Development?
Theoretical Considerations for the Neurobiology of Childhood Second Language Learning
Phonology and Second Language Learning During Childhood
Phonology and Literacy Development in School-Age Children
Overview of Developmental Cognitive Neuroimaging Tools
When Tools
Electroencephalogram (EEG) and Event-Related Potential (ERP)
ERP Use With Children
ERP Components in Language Research
Mismatch Negativity (MMN)
MMN in SLA Research
Rhyming Effect (RE)
RE in SLA Research
ERP Components in SLA Research
MEG: Magnetoencephalography
MEG Use With Children
Examples of MEG Use in SLA Research
MEG Use in Second Language Learning
When Tools Summary
Where Tools (Hemodynamics)
Using Where Tools (Neuroanatomical Principle)
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (FMRI)
MRI-Based Anatomical Imaging
fMRI Use With Children
Using Where Tools (Neuroanatomical Principle)
Examples of FMRI Use in SLA Research
fNIRS—Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy
fNIRS Use With Children
Examples of FNIRS Use in SLA Research
Conclusion
Tools and Resources
Discussion Questions
Note
References
10 Research Methods for L2 Children With Special Needs
Introduction
Common Research Questions and Research Methods Used in Empirical Studies
Bi-DD and Risk Status
Language and Cognitive Profiles of Bi-DLD
Diagnostic Accuracy Studies
Intervention Studies
Challenges and Methodological Implications
Participant Selection
Comparison Group
Heterogeneity
Conclusion
Key Terms
Discussion Questions
Note
References
11 Considerations for Research Methods to Study Child Second Language Development
Introduction
Theories and Research Methods
Adapting Research Methods to Account for Developmental Factors
Cognitive and Metacognitive Factors
Affective Factors
Linguistic and Cultural Factors
Experiential Factors
Directions for the Future
How to Capture Dynamic and Fluid Conceptualization of Development
How to Take Child-Centered Approaches in Research
Conclusion
Note
References
Index
