Survey review: Approaches to research in second language teaching and learning

A review of recent publications in second-language teaching & learning research: (1) Research Design and Statistics for Applied Linguistics (Hatch, E., & Farhady, H., Newbury House, 1982); (2) Statistics in Linguistics (Butler, C., Blackwell, 1985); (3) Statistics in Language Studies (Woods, A., Fletcher, P., & Hughes, A., Cambridge U Press, 1986); (4) Understanding Research in Second Language Learning: A Teacher's Guide to Statistics and Research Design (Brown, J. D., Cambridge U Press, 1988); (5) Second Language Research Methods (Seliger, H. W., & Shohamy, E., Oxford U Press, 1990); & (6) Understanding Language Classrooms: A Guide for Teacher-Initiated Action (Nunan, D., Prentice Hall, 1989 [see listings in IRPL, this issue]). Ten criteria for desirable features in research methods manuals are outlined & applied to a discussion of these volumes. It is concluded that the Seliger & Shohamy volume provides the best introduction to the process of research, whereas Nunan provides numerous suggestions & an overview of classroom literature, & Hopkins provides the most exciting & positive approach to research & its implications for teaching. 9 References. B. Annesser Murray