Designing small scale research in languages - first draft.

This file is the first draft of a template for constructing small-scale research projects in modern languages, based on the principle of best evidence rather than absolute truth. There has been much more experimental work in reading than in languages, and hence many more mistakes. It would be straightforward to provide a reference for each of the errors I've listed, but the point here is not to criticise the studies themselves - see my notes on randomised controlled trials as a starting point for such criticism - but to avoid repeating the errors. Correspondence is, as ever, most welcome.

Download Some Principles of Small-scale Research Design.