Qualitative Research Method in Second Language Acquisition Studies: a Critical Review
二语习得定性研究方法述评

In the West, there is a gradual shift of emphasis from quantitative re search method to qualitative research method in applied linguistics. The near dominance of quantitative methods has thus begun to change. The field of a pplied linguistics in China has also recognized the importance of this research paradigm. Based on a comparative analysis of these two methods, the present pape r examines the process and characteristics of this research tradition from a phi losophical basis. It is our contention that qualitative methodology offers an im portant tool in the realm of second language acquisition studies.