摘要
Research in applied linguistics, like research in other fields, is usually carried out by two approaches： quantitative approach and qualitative approach. It is agreed ＂both approach are needed, since no one methodology can answer all questions and provide insights on all issues＂. The two approaches follow different procedures and inevitably have respective advantages and drawbacks. Three general types of quantitative methods are experiments, quasi-experiments and surveys. Three general types of methods concerning qualitative approach used in linguistics are case study, action research and ethnographic research. Different types of research questions can be studied through various research methods. It is important to recognise the distinction between quantitative approach and qualitative approaches. It is up to the researcher to choose the specific approach in accordance with the suitability of the method for the particular research. It can be a single approach, or combination of the two, providing it allows maximal reliability and validity of the study.
与其他领域的研究一样，应用语言学的研究通常通过两种方法完成：定量与定性研究方法。人们的共识是进行研究时需要同时采用两种方法，因为没有任何一种单一的研究方法能够解决所有的问题。这两种方法要求的研究步骤不尽相同，也不可避免的有着各自的优势与弊端。定量研究方法的三种常见类型包括：实验、准实验研究、调查。语言学通常使用的三种定量研究方法包括：案例研究、行动研究和人种志研究。不同类型的研究课题可采用不同的研究方法，辨明这两种方法的差别尤为重要。选用哪种研究方法需由研究者根据具体的研究课题的特点以及方法的适用性做出选择。可以只采用某一种方法，也可以两种方法相结合，但原则是要保证研究的可靠性和有效性得到最大程度的体现。
