Toward research inclusivity in applied linguistics: Methodological considerations for inclusive online experimentation

Building on the growing shift toward remote research and the need for inclusive, participant-centered methodologies, this commentary explores the potential of online experimentation in diversification—both at the stages of recruitment and experimental implementation. We first discuss recruitment approaches, including crowdsourcing and social media, and their potential—along with their limitations—for broadening participation among underrepresented learner populations. We then draw on a framework grounded in three interconnected principles—Value, Trust, and Agency—to explore ways inclusivity can be meaningfully incorporated into experimental implementation. Informed by research across disciplines, we offer practical suggestions for designing online experiments that aim to be both methodologically robust and responsive to the varied realities of participants.