Research direction(s) and model projects

Abstract

Any research which is aimed at discovery (rather than confirmation or verification of findings by other researchers) needs to be both systematic and flexible. It needs to be systematic in order that the chances of discovery are maximized and not left solely to luck or ‘happy accidents’. However, it also needs to be flexible so that it can respond to the unanticipated problems and detours that will almost inevitably accompany exploratory research (Layder 1993: 121). Layder’s advice is especially true for language policy research - it is important to go into a research setting knowledgeable of the existing LPP theories, concepts, and methods; however, because unanticipated problems and detours are inevitable (and not always unwelcome), it is also very important to be flexible. This chapter is designed to offer some guidance on conducting an LPP research project. Chapter 5 reviewed some of the prominent research methodologies used to study language policy products and processes and Chapter 6 detailed one particular method - language policy action research - and proposed ways to engage in language policy processes. Chapter 7 is designed as a guide to doing an LPP research project and it follows a typical trajectory, from developing a topic and choosing a context to designing research questions, and collecting and analyzing data. This is not proposed as a statically rigid framework but as a pliable heuristic.