Accepted manuscript, to appeared in Applied Psycholinguistics: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/applied-psycholinguistics.Herein, we contextualize, problematize and offer some insights for moving beyond the problem
of monolingual comparative normativity in (psycho)linguistic research on bilingualism. We
argue that, in the vast majority of cases, juxtaposing (functional) monolinguals to bilinguals
fails to offer what the comparison is supposedly intended to do: meet the standards of empirical
control in line with the scientific method. Instead, the default nature of monolingual
comparative normativity has historically contributed to inequalities in many facets of
bilingualism research and continues to impede progress on multiple levels. Beyond framing
our views on the matter, we offer some epistemological considerations and methodological
alternatives to this standard practice that improve empirical rigor while fostering increased
diversity, inclusivity and equity in our field
