Rigor, ethics, transparency, and more: A proposed framework for study quality in the language sciences and beyond

Introduction
We are excited to announce the first event of our initiative dedicated to supporting Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students in the fields of language education and language in education. The HDR CARE Forum: Connecting Asia-Pacific Language Research & Exchange aims to provide a dynamic networking platform for HDR students to connect with peers and share research ideas and knowledge. Join us as we kick off this initiative with engaging discussions and insights that will enhance your research journey! As we embark on this exciting journey together, we are pleased to present the title and speaker of our first event:

Title: Rigor, ethics, transparency, and more: A proposed framework for study quality in the language sciences and beyond

Presenter: Luke Plonsky, Northern Arizona University

Abstract

It wasn’t until fairly recently that we as a field began to reflect on and systematically examine the quality of our research (Gass et al., 2021). This work has led to real progress on fronts ranging from sampling and design to data analysis, researcher training, open science, replication, and research ethics (e.g., Larsson et al., 2023; McManus, 2024; Plonsky, 2024; Sudina, 2023). But a wide range of problems persist. In this talk, I discuss and propose a framework for defining and assessing the notion of ‘study quality’. I also address several major methodological—and, by extension, ethical—challenges we face as well as several advances—the “methodological turn”, as Heidi Byrnes (2013) put it—that has been taking place. Among other topics, I’ll address the need for stronger validity arguments behind our instruments and a broader view of ethical concerns facing the field. I will also explain why, despite these concerns and reservations, I am optimistic about the future.

Bio

Luke Plonsky (PhD, Michigan State) is Professor of Applied Linguistics at Northern Arizona University and Honorary Professor at University of St. Andrews (Scotland). His work, focusing primarily on second language acquisition and research methods, has appeared in over 100 articles, book chapters, and books. Luke is Editor of SSLA, Managing Editor of Foreign Language Annals, and Founding Editor of Applied Linguistics Press. He has held faculty appointments at Georgetown University and University College London, and was a Fulbright Scholar in Spain in 2021.

Organiser

This event is organised by the HDR CARE Forum: Connecting Asia-Pacific Language Research & Exchange, an initiative of LinguaLab, School of Education, The University of Tasmania.