Katie Drager's Experimental research methods in sociolinguistics offers a practical introduction to get started with an experimental approach to sociolinguistics research. This book explores existing research approaches and promotes expanding our range of tools for inquiry while engaging with practical considerations relevant to researchers new to the field or researchers willing to broaden their current scope. Combined with online access to samples of datasets used in research cited in the book, Drager provides a hands-on engaging introduction.
In ch. 1, Drager outlines her rationale for advocating experimental methods in sociolinguistics. She argues that experimental methods are not exclusive approaches but instead serve to broaden our scope and employ alternative, sometimes new, ways to answer the same ‘big questions’ in the field. Taking into account that this is a practical introduction to experimental methods, Drager does not discuss epistemological differences between quantitative and qualitative research design and views both as equally complementary in extending the body of knowledge in the field. She concludes the chapter with a historical literature review of experimental approaches used in research on language production and perception, and individual differences in sociolinguistics research.
Ch. 2 takes the reader behind the scenes of experimental research design and provides an insightful and detailed description of how to design an experiment from scratch. It anticipates challenges and provides practical solutions while placing emphasis on controlling potential external factors influencing the outcome of the experiment.
Chs. 3 and 4 address a range of research tasks in language perception and language production. This discussion is divided into tasks aimed at providing a better understanding of society and research tasks that aim at creating a better understanding of how linguistic information is processed and represented. The chapters provide an in-depth discussion on the interaction between individual design factors. This discussion is brought to life by online access to datasets used in the literature that Drager extensively draws on. Particularly interesting are the creative ways to elicit samples of language production that are discussed in ch. 4. This, in combination with access to datasets, will be particularly helpful for those researchers in the field who are new to an experimental research approach.
In ch. 5, Drager engages with new directions and technologies that diversify our research toolkit and clearly points out the potential and feasibility of these tools. Of particular interest is her discussion of the use of visual eye-tracking methods and how eye-tracking can elucidate the decision-making processes underlying speech accommodation.
Ch. 6 provides a detailed tutorial on using the program R for statistical analysis, which is supported by additional online tools that help the reader stay on track throughout the tutorial. Drager ends her book with a motivational note and useful hands-on tips on how to troubleshoot your research design and how to keep your research endeavours afloat. The book manages to introduce a wide range of tools to answer the same big questions in the field while providing the necessary practical advice for those interested in getting started with experimental methods.
