Longitudinal L2 motivation inquiry: A response to Lamb’s (2016) ‘when motivation research motivates: issues in long-term empirical investigations’

In this paper we review Martin Lamb’s (2016) publication when motivation research motivates: issues in long-term empirical investigations. We discuss his insightful arguments about the challenges and opportunities related to the engagement with longitudinal research. We begin with a discussion of the concept of context and unpack the complex socio-cultural dimensions associated with this notion. We also reflect on the potential of establishing a sustainable relationship with research participants and highlight some of the critical ethical considerations concerning a longitudinal researcher-participant relationship. We then delve into the effects a researcher may have on their participants and, here again, offer some suggestions and recommendations which would promote ethical behaviour that safeguards both the participants’ and researcher’s well-being. Finally, we critique the notion of ‘validity’ in relation to the findings emerging from a longitudinal qualitative research project where the researcher directly influences the process(es) involved, their participants and, ultimately, their data. We recommend a reflexive and reflective approach whereby the researcher capitalises on their own presence within the research context and utilises such presence and the research itself as beneficial influences on the participants’ life.