Studies in Applied Linguistics & TESOL (May 2007)
The Basis of Empirical Knowledge
Abstract
The Norris and Ortega (2000) study, a meta-analysis of pedagogical techniques, makes the reader think more deeply about experimental comparability. The study is as much about the basis of knowledge and inquiry as it is about the merits of a particular pedagogical technique. This meta-analytic feature, rather than the comparison of techniques, is of primary importance in this brief commentary.