This paper explores the potential of fuzzy logic theory as an operational framework to address methodological challenges associated with qualitative, quantitative or mixed method research. It also foregrounds the incongruence between models and frameworks on theoretical and empirical grounds and proposes fuzzy logic computational ‘modeling’ as a plausible way of empirical validation and contextual representation of the theoretical models in real-world contexts. To this end, a simulation modeling was run on CEFR speaking proficiency assessment using MATLAB fuzzy logic toolbox. The simulation results suggest that fuzzy logic can serve as a complementary approach to mixed-method research by operationalizing qualitative criteria into computable models, handling the inherent vagueness and ambiguity in natural language. By translating fuzzy, context-dependent concepts into applicable models, fuzzy logic theory seeks to balance complexity with accountability, having significant implications for methodological rigor in applied linguistics research.

Keywords