Conducting reanalysis-based secondary qualitative data analysis in language learning research

Abstract

Secondary research, such as meta-analyses, has become a crucial research approach across various fields, including second and foreign language (hereafter L2) research. However, the application of secondary data analysis to qualitative data in L2 research remains limited. In this article, we aim to contribute to this underexplored area of L2 research by discussing the potential of secondary qualitative data analysis, with a particular focus on reanalysis-based secondary qualitative data analysis. We first provide an overview of open science and an introduction to the concept of secondary research. Then, we introduce a framework for conducting reanalysis-based secondary qualitative data analysis by using the actual dataset from Sunardi et al., (2025) as an illustrative example. The framework includes (a) clarifying research goals and plans, (b) preregistering the research, (c) conducting the analysis, and (d) presenting and reflecting on the results. The proposed framework integrates existing research and serves as an initial model for the secondary qualitative analysis of reanalyzed data. It aims to encourage further research into this approach as a valuable methodological avenue for advancing second language acquisition research.