Transdisciplinary research methods and complexity theory in applied linguistics: introduction to the special issue

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Phil Hiver ◽  
Ali H. Al-Hoorie
Keyword(s):  
Language Development ◽  
Complex Systems ◽  
Systems Theory ◽  
Research Methods ◽  
Complexity Theory ◽  
Dynamic Systems ◽  
Applied Linguistics ◽  
Dynamic Systems Theory ◽  
Special Issue ◽  
Oxford University

Abstract Complexity theory/dynamic systems theory (CDST) has captured the imagination of many in the field of applied linguistics (Larsen-Freeman, Diane & Lynne Cameron. 2008. Complex systems and applied linguistics. Oxford: Oxford University Press; Ortega, Lourdes & Zhao Hong Han (eds.). 2017. Complexity theory and language development: In celebration of Diane Larsen-Freeman. Amsterdam: John Benjamins). As recent syntheses of the growing number of CDST-informed strands of applied linguistics research illustrates, it has emerged as an important influence on applied linguists’ thinking (see Larsen-Freeman, Diane. 2017. Complexity theory: The lessons continue. In Lourdes Ortega & Zhao Hong Han (eds.), Complexity theory and language development: In celebration of Diane Larsen-Freeman, 11–50. Amsterdam: John Benjamins). The fact that CDST has continued to permeate questions throughout the field is to be expected and welcomed.

scholarly journals Inojezični razvoj i teorije dinamičnih sustava

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 287
Author(s):  
Marijana Bašić
Keyword(s):  
System Theory ◽  
Complex Systems ◽  
Systems Theory ◽  
Complexity Theory ◽  
Dynamic Systems ◽  
Adaptive System ◽  
Complex Adaptive System ◽  
Dynamic Systems Theory ◽  
Complex Adaptive

U ovome se radu raspravlja o dosadašnjim teorijskim spoznajama o inojezičnome razvoju iz perspektive teorije dinamičnih sustava (engl. Dynamic systems theory, tj. DST), o pokušaju oblikovanja razvojnoga indeksa, o pojavi teorijskoga pluralizma u okviru kojega se ukazalo na sličnosti između složenih nepravocrtnih sustava koji se pojavljuju u prirodi i pri ovladavanju inim jezikom te o različitim načinima mjerenja složenosti, točnosti i tečnosti, tj. STOT-a (engl. complexity, accuracy and fluency, tj. CAF). Opisuju se nove metode istraživanja inojezičnoga razvoja te daje detaljan pregled najvažnijih recentnih istraživanja u okviru teorije dinamičnih sustava, odnosno teorije kaosa ili složenosti (engl. Chaos/complexity theory, tj. C/ CT), teorije složenih prilagodljivih sustava (engl. Complex adaptive system theory, tj. CAS) i (nad)teorije složenih sustava (engl. Complex systems supra-theory).

Toward a transdisciplinary integration of research purposes and methods for complex dynamic systems theory: beyond the quantitative–qualitative divide

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Phil Hiver ◽  
Ali H. Al-Hoorie ◽  
Diane Larsen-Freeman
Keyword(s):  
Systems Theory ◽  
Dynamic Systems ◽  
Applied Linguistics ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Dynamic Systems Theory ◽  
Complex Dynamic ◽  
Transdisciplinary Approach ◽  
Complex Dynamic Systems ◽  
Human And Social Sciences ◽  
Starting Point

Abstract Complexity theory/dynamic systems theory has challenged conventional approaches to applied linguistics research by encouraging researchers to adopt a pragmatic transdisciplinary approach that is less paradigmatic and more problem-oriented in nature. Its proponents have argued that the starting point in research design should not be the quantitative–qualitative distinction, or even mixed methods, but the distinction between individual versus group-based designs (i.e., idiographic versus nomothetic). Taking insights from transdisciplinary complexity research in other human and social sciences, we propose an integrative transdisciplinary framework that unites these different perspectives (quantitative–qualitative, individual–group based) from the starting point of exploratory–falsificatory aims. We discuss the implications of this transdisciplinary approach to applied linguistics research and illustrate how such an integrated approach might be implemented in the field.

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