Questionnaires in Second Language Research: Construction, Administration, and Processing

by Zoltán Dörnyei, Dornyei

One of the most common methods of data collection in second language research is using questionnaires of various kinds. In spite of the wide application of questionnaires in the second language field, there does not seem to be sufficient awareness in the profession about the theory of questionnaire design and processing. The usual--and in most cases false--perception is that anybody with a bit of common sense can design good questionnaires, and the practice of questionnaire design and use has remained largely uninformed by theory. As a consequence, it is all too common to see that studies which start out with exciting research questions are spoiled by the application of badly designed questionnaires and/or a lack of reliable and valid results due to faulty processing. One reason for the lack of sufficient awareness of questionnaire theory among language researchers is the absence of relevant summaries and training materials in the second language literature. The purpose of the current book is to fill this gap.

The book is motivated by very practical purposes, namely to help researchers to increase the efficiency of their questionnaires and to avoid possible pitfalls. Accordingly, special care has been taken to avoid unnecesary jargon, to make the text accessible, and to relate everything to real-life situations. Illustrated by concrete examples, the book offers a thorough but accessible overview of the theory of questionnaire design, and administration and processing, with a special view on second language research applications. The conclusion summarizes the main points of questionnaire theory in a straightforward checklist that offers an easy-to-use tool for researchers. Researchers and students in TESOL and second-language programs and applied linguistics, with secondary markets in other language research (e.g., child language) will find this book useful.

Genres: Linguistics, Research, Nonfiction, Language

168 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2002

About the author

Zoltán Dörnyei worked for 10 years as a language teacher trainer and applied linguist at Eötvös University, Budapest.

He is now Professor of Psycholinguistics at the School of English, University of Nottingham, UK. He has published nearly 100 academic papers and book chapters on various aspects of second language acquisition and language teaching methodology, and he has written over 20 books on motivation, group dynamics, research methodology and the psycholinguistics of second language learning.

Reviews

[Samah Abugharsa]

A most helpful book. It was a real help in guiding me to go through the correct steps in constructing a valid questionnaire in my graduation project. I highly recommend this book to anyone who does not have a clue in writing or understanding the importance of questionnaires in second language research.

[Stephany Efflina]

Have a systematic step-by-step. However, some can not be applied, which is normal.

[Yayu Rahayu]

this book helps me in writing my paper.

[Johan]

Clear, but outdated.

[Anna]

Dörnyei never seems to disappoint. On-point, close to life and highly understandable - A real help. Highly recommendable for questionnaire novices.