Research Methodology on Language Development from a Complex Systems Perspective

2008/05/08 by Diane Larsen Freeman, Lynne Cameron · 2 citations
Arts and Humanities · Computer Science · Social Sciences · #Language and cultural evolution #Speech and dialogue systems #Syntax, Semantics, Linguistic Variation

paper · doi:10.1111/j.1540-4781.2008.00714.x

openalex publication_date 2008/05/08 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/29

Abstract

Changes to research methodology motivated by the adoption of a complexity theory perspective on language development are considered. The dynamic, nonlinear, and open nature of complex systems, together with their tendency toward self‐organization and interaction across levels and timescales, requires changes in traditional views of the functions and roles of theory, hypothesis, data, and analysis. Traditional views of causality are shifted to focus on co‐adaptation and emergence. Context is not seen as a backdrop, but rather as a complex system itself, connected to other complex systems, and variability in system behavior takes on increased importance. A set of general methodological principles is offered, and an overview of specific methods is given, with particular attention to validity in simulation modeling.

Citations

• Classroom Talks: An Introduction
• The Emergence of Complexity, Fluency, and Accuracy in the Oral and Written Production of Five Chinese Learners of English
• Chaos/Complexity Science and Second Language Acquisition

Cited by

• Predicting Teaching Enjoyment from Teachers’ Perceived School Climate, Self-Efficacy, and Psychological Wellbeing at Work: EFL Teachers
• Diane Larsen-Freeman [wikipedia]