Theory and Research in Second Language Learning: An Emerging Paradigm 1

The answers we give to the questions we ask are limited by the methods we use The argument of this paper is that theory and research in second language learning are leading us to ask questions for which we need a new research paradigm–one that focuses on the interaction of person and situational factors. This paradigm has been used in some areas of research in education and psychology, although only recently has the application of regression analysis allowed adequate testing of the model. Advantages and problems in the use of the interaction research paradigm are discussed and implications are drawn for research on second language learning.