An Investigation of Research Designs in Digital Game-based Language Learning

Authors : Mehmet Emre Altınbaş

Pages : 621-633

View : 81 | Download : 110

Publication Date : 2024-12-31

Article Type : Review Paper

Abstract :The present descriptive systematic review aimed to find out about the research designs adopted in the area of digital game-based language learning (DGBLL). To this end, the research designs of 33 articles focusing on DGBLL that have been published in journals indexed in Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI) in the last five years have been investigated with regard to the main research designs, the data collection tools, and the data analysis techniques that were employed in the studies. Relevant codes and categories were identified via document analysis. The findings indicated that the quantitative design was the most widely preferred approach to research in DGBLL, which was followed by the mixed-method design and the qualitative design, respectively. Exploratory experimental studies and survey studies were the most commonly carried out research types. In terms of data collection tools, pre-tests and posttests, and questionnaires were the most prevalent quantitative tools whereas semi-structured interviews and open-ended questionnaire items were the most commonly preferred qualitative data collection tools. When it comes to data analysis, ANOVA-ANCOVA and t-tests were the most commonly conducted parametric tests and Wilcoxon-signed rank test was the most widely used non-parametric test. On the other hand, thematic analysis and content analysis were the most preferred qualitative data analysis techniques. It was concluded that DGBLL research focuses more on exploring whether there are significant effects of digital games on language learning than explaining how and why these potential effects might take place. Based on these findings, the study provides a glimpse into research methodologies in DGBLL and implications for research studies on DGBLL.
Keywords : Bilgisayar destekli dil öğrenimi, oyun-tabanlı öğrenme, oyun-tabanlı dil öğrenimi