Case Study Research in Applied Linguistics - A book review

Case Study Research in Applied Linguistics

In the first chapter, Duff presents a case study of "Jim" whom she studied for about 2.5 years. Jim was a Cambodian refugee immigrant to Canada, and Duff's study was focused from the point of view that his first language was a topic focused language. She studied how his first language impacted on his development of English.

She began this book with an example case study so she could begin by demonstrating a case study. In the chapter summary she points out that she described her decisions that led to the selection of her case study. How she collected the data and focused her analysis in addition to her interpretation of second language development.

Defining, Describing and Defending Case Study Research

Duff begins by defining what a case study is. In doing so, she offers a valuable literature review that provides a comprehensive bibliography of the key social science writers in this area. Following this is an historical overview of the history of case study research in the Social Sciences before discussing the general features of qualitative research.

She then turns her focus to the particularity of qualitative research in Applied Linguistics before honing in on the purposes and philosophical underpinnings of of Case Studies. After explaining the differences between case study and ethnography, she focuses on case studies in applied linguistics and presents examples of two case studies.

Importantly, in this chapter she discusses in depth the advantages and disadvantages of case study research, which will assist anyone who is writing a methodology report on case study.

Examples of Case Studies in Applied Linguistics

Duff commences this chapter with an overview of the themes and trends that have featured over the past three decades. This section features some very useful tables that set out traditional and recent research questions that are very useful for anyone embarking on research.

She offers examples of early research into child language acquisition, bilingualism and language loss, studies into natural order which were mostly during the 1960's to 1980's in addition to how to approach studies of individual differences.

There is a section that discusses the use of diaries, memoirs and (auto)biographies of linguistic experiences before discussing research into identity, investment and gender in language learning.

This very thorough chapter also includes issues such: as family case studies; mainstreamed ESL students; second language writing; on-line language development; bilingualism and teachers as agents of linguistic and cultural socialization. Hence, there are a lot of ideas for research topics to focus on.

How to Conduct Case Studies (Part 1)

Research Design, Data Collection, and Ethics

Duff says that it is important to know the research objectives before beginning research. She says that case studies are primarily to explore, describe, relate, explain evaluate or confirm the data being studied. She then discusses the research questions before moving on to the research design. This involves defining the constructs, establishing the chains of evidence, using mixed methods and single versus multiple case designs.

The next part involves case selection and sampling before the important topics of centextualization, gaining access to research sites, data collection (sources of evidence), the role of the researcher, interviews, observation, keeping a research journal, triangulation and ethical considerations.

How to Conduct Case Studies (Part 2)

Analysis, Interpretation and Evaluation

This chapter begins with transcription then data analysis followed by member checks, where, if possible the researcher consults the participant/s before the report is published. The next section is the criteria for evaluating case studies which explores the issue of validity, reliability and accuracy.

This is a really important chapter for ensuring that your research will be of acceptable standards for the research community.

Writing the Case Study Report

Duff commences this chapter with a discussion of audience, publication venue and focus in order to prepare your research report. She then discusses the organization and content of the report in which she offers various templates for the organization before tackling stylistic matters.

This is followed by a discussion of voice and reflexivity and how to display visual information. She then offers advice about research ethics, appendices and evaluating the written report.

If you are interested in using Case Study methodology in any area of Social Science, this book is essential reading because it explains all facets of how to do a case study.

In addition, this book is a goldmine of references to other work to follow up for more examples.

I rate it 10 out of 10.