Interviews in Applied Linguistics: Autobiographical Reflections on Research Processes

This book provides a reflective and narrative approach to research interviews, making it relevant to advanced students, researchers, and teachers in applied linguistics and the broader education and social sciences disciplines.

Format: Hardback
Length: 206 pages
Publication date: 21 December 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book offers a unique and comprehensive approach to research interviews, providing accounts of actual interviewing experiences across a wide range of diverse research contexts and situations. Research interviews are widely utilized in education, applied linguistics, and sociolinguistics, making this title particularly relevant to advanced students, researchers, and teachers engaged in conducting research interviews in applied linguistics, as well as in the broader fields of education and social sciences. Written by an experienced research professor, the book adopts a highly accessible style that encourages a more reflective and narrative approach to research interviews, diverging from the more method-oriented literature currently available.

The book begins by introducing the fundamental principles and techniques of research interviews, including the importance of establishing rapport, asking open-ended questions, and recording and analyzing the data. It then showcases a range of real-world examples, drawn from various research domains, to illustrate the practical application of these strategies. Each case study is accompanied by detailed analysis and discussion, offering insights into the research process, ethical considerations, and the potential challenges and rewards of conducting research interviews.

One of the key strengths of this book is its emphasis on the personal and subjective nature of research interviews. The author recognizes that interviews are not just a means of gathering data but also a means of understanding and interpreting the perspectives and experiences of the participants. By adopting a more narrative approach, the book encourages readers to engage with the interviews on a deeper level, gaining a deeper understanding of the research topic and the individuals involved.

Another notable feature of the book is its accessibility to a wide range of readers, including those with limited research experience. The author employs clear and concise language, avoids technical jargon, and provides ample examples and explanations to facilitate understanding. This makes the book an invaluable resource for students, researchers, and practitioners who are new to the field of research interviews or who wish to enhance their skills and knowledge in this area.

In conclusion, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in conducting research interviews. Its unique personal approach, comprehensive coverage of different research contexts, and accessible style make it an invaluable resource for advanced students, researchers, and teachers in applied linguistics and the broader education and social sciences disciplines. By offering a more reflective and narrative approach to research interviews, the book encourages readers to gain a deeper understanding of the research process and the individuals involved, paving the way for more insightful and meaningful research findings.

Weight: 550g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032354538