Grounded Theory in Applied Linguistics Research

'This is a readable practical introduction to grounded theory with illustrative examples that guide the reader through a potentially complex topic.' — Professor Chris Kennedy, University of Birmingham

'This book provides a fascinating and very reader-friendly introduction to Grounded Theory, clears away some of the confusions surrounding it, critiques the debates and controversy that GT has sometimes aroused and provides a valuable hands-on guide for using Grounded Theory as a robust research methodology in applied linguistics.' — Professor Jack C. Richards, University of Sydney, University of Auckland, and Victoria University of Wellington

'In this book Gregory Hadley provides an authoritative and insightful treatment of how grounded theory can be used for analytical purposes in applied linguistic research. Covering not only the history and philosophical underpinnings of grounded theory, but also its practical usage, the book is a reader-friendly guide for both novice and seasoned researchers. It should be compulsory reading for any serious qualitative research scholar who wishes to employ grounded theory in a rigorous manner.' — Anne Burns, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia

'...the author notes that grounded theory method (GTM) has experienced ‘marginalization and mistrust’ (p. 4) within the field of applied linguistics. This dynamic, in contrast to other fields of applied social science in which GTM has become one of the most frequently deployed qualitative research methodologies, has been fueled by applied linguistics' fundamentally quantitative origins, a lack of discussion within more general overviews of research methods in the field, and researchers claiming GTM to be based on erroneous or partial understanding. This background also goes some way to explaining the reasons why applied linguistics has had to wait until now for this first book-length exploration of GTM with specific reference to our field. [...] Hadley's work rewards start-to-finish reading, at least the first time around, as complex but useful metaphors and philosophical concepts are returned to throughout the book. [...] This accessible, practical guide is a superb starting point for any applied linguists hoping to employ GTM in their own work and for those interested in qualitative methodologies in general.'— System, Volume 77, October 2018, 110-112

'Hadley beautifully compares grounded theory methodology and other qualitative research methodologies, provides details and specific steps while also describing general features of grounded theory methodology, links general explanations of grounded theory with potential uses in applied linguistics (AL) research, and identifies reasons for the AL community’s greatly increased interest in grounded theory after a long period of wariness... Hadley’s book offers something more: systematic comparisons, examples useful to scholars in AL, clear and coherent explanations, powerful tables and figures, bright wit, and excellent writing. This volume is uniquely likely to be a major source for AL from now on.

Grounded Theory in Applied Linguistics Research is important for anyone who wants to understand grounded theory and grasp its vast potential for AL research. The book is engaging and challenging and will lead readers into an innovative arena for AL inquiry.'— Rebecca Oxford, Book Review, Applied Linguistics 2018: 1–5