Understanding Research in Applied Linguistics (Hashemi, 2014): A Critique

Textbooks are considered as one of the most essential requirements of any educational process (2003) and play an axiomatic role in many formal educational settings alongside other pivotal elements including teacher and learners. Undoubtedly, the evaluation and appraisal of such a critical component of education is not only a permanent need in any such context but also it directly enhances the quality and efficacy of educational practices. The present study critically appraises a textbook entitled "Understanding Research in Applied Linguistics". For the stated purpose, both content and facial aspects of the text are meticulously reviewed and evaluated. The most notable merits of the book include a good variety of activities designed, an extensive use and review of the related literature, and highly acceptable mechanics of writing, however, lack of rigid consistency and coverage of the stated objectives in the main text, fluctuations in the difficulty level of the language used and the inconsistency observed between the already designed ministerial syllabus and the content of the text are among the most salient shortcomings.