Chalhoub-Deville M., Chapelle C.A., Duff P.A. (eds.) Inference and Generalizability in Applied Linguistics: Multiple perspectives

Amsterdam; Philadelphia: John Benjamins Publishing Company, 2006. — vi, 248 p. — (Language Learning and Language Teaching, Volume 12; ISSN 1569–9471). — ISBN 90-272-1964-8.Concepts such as dependability/generalization and inferences are dealt with implicitly or explicitly in any research undertaken in applied linguistics. This volume provides a well-balanced and cross-disciplinary perspective on how researchers conceptualize inferences about learner acquisition and performances as well as dependability and generalizability of findings. The book is a collection of chapters by prominent researchers in applied linguistics, working in diverse domains such as vocabulary, syntax, discourse analysis, SLA, and language testing. The goal of the book is to bring attention to these issues, which underpin much of applied linguistics research and to highlight what is considered good practice so as to buttress confidence in the research claims made. The book represents current thinking on fundamental research concepts in applied linguistics and can be used as a textbook in courses on research methodology in applied linguistics. The book is also an excellent source of in-depth analysis of research conceptualization for applied linguistics researchers and graduate students.Micheline Chalhoub-Deville. Drawing the line: The generalizability and limitations of research in applied linguistics.
Perspectives on inference and generalizability in applied linguistics.
Craig Deville, Micheline Chalhoub-Deville. Old and new thoughts on test score variability: Implications for reliability and validity.
TimMcNamara. Validity and values: Inferences and generalizability in language testing.
Carol A. Chapelle. L2 vocabulary acquisition theory: The role of inference, dependability and generalizability in assessment.
Patricia A. Duff. Beyond generalizability: Contextualization, complexity, and credibility in applied linguistics research.
Merrill Swain. Verbal protocols:What does it mean for research to use speaking as a data collection tool?
Diane Larsen-Freeman. Functional grammar: On the value and limitations of dependability, inference, and generalizibility.
Numa Markee. A conversation analytic perspective on the role of quantification and generalizability in second language acquisition.
Discussion.
Lyle F. Bachman. Generalizability: A journey into the nature of empirical research in applied linguistics.
Susan Gass. Generalizability: What are we generalizing anyway?
Nancy H. Hornberger. Negotiating methodological rich points in applied linguistics research: An ethnographer’s view.
Author index.
Subject index.