Resumen: Quantitative research methodology based on contrasting an experimental group and a control group has been predominant in the field of SLA. Consequently, qualitative methods have been viewed as less scientific because they are not statistically generalizable. In this chapter, we propose the concepts of prototypical generalization and ecological validity as alternatives to the validation criteria of the experimental method. This methodological proposal is based on the need to implement research methods that reflect the particular ontological conception of language in TSC. It also validates research produced by means of qualitative approaches constructed according to criteria different from the ones used in quantitative-experimental studies. In addition, we present case studies as an ideal research method for a socio-cultural approach due to their ability to longitudinally document complex phenomena in their real context. By way of illustration, we present two case studies on intercultural and metaphorical awareness.
