2. Research Methodologies
The study is focused on the advantages and disadvantages of the language training programs between the UK and China.
The purpose of this research is to describe and interpret the events of the project and to share the findings with teachers
and others who may have an interest in this area. The project may be described as interpretative and is built around the
collection of qualitative data. Because of the small sample size it will not be possible to generalize findings, but the
information gathered would be useful to inform the tutors and students who are considering participation in an English
language course. This research uses questionnaires and interviews as its main strategies. Eighteen Chinese students who
have English language training experiences both in the UK and China are selected for the questionnaires and interviews.
Both English and Chinese versions were provided to the students in case these students have language problems in
understanding the questions. And they were told they could choose either English or Chinese to answer the questions in
the questionnaire and the interview.
The strengths of using questionnaires relate to their ease of application. They are easily sent out and can provide access
to both quantitative and qualitative data. Their weakness resides in the fact that it is not possible to push the respondent
for further information and that it is possible for the researcher to misinterpret the information provided. (Robson, 1995)
So it is important to follow up the questionnaires with interviews which would enable the research to probe and prompt
for further information. The same questions were asked of all respondents, although the emphasis was different for each
one. However, interviews also have their limitations, such as, particularly, the translation and interpretation from
mandarin to English, and the transcription and analysis process can be time demanding and requires the careful
production of coding procedures.
The documents, such as teaching materials, practice materials, tapes and so on, which related to the English language
training program in the UK and China were examined to get the view of teaching and learning in the programs.
In order to conduct this study a number of ethical factors were taken in to account. The purpose of the study was
explained to all students who were sent a questionnaire. The students selected for interview were informed about the
purpose of the interview and asked of they were willing to be interviewed. The data collection process did not begin
until this informed consent had been obtained. All the students were surveyed and interviewed remain anonymous. No
students are named in this report and all have been provided with an opportunity to examine this work prior to
submission.