Language learning strategies used by Saudi Arabian EFL learners
The authenticity of research is encapsulated in the methodology approach adopted. The tools for data collection and analysis determine the effectiveness of the research in relation to the subject being investigated. This research is dedicated to determining the language learning strategies used by EFL learners in Saudi Arabia. In order to achieve this; the methodology chapter introduces the framework adopted in carrying out the research. The design considerations that are proposed in the study are defined, and the sampling methods used to gather data are analyzed. Furthermore, the methodology section provides an overview of the instruments used in the research. This include the data collection and analysis tools. Other than this, the merits, demerits and ethical issues of the approach used are discussed in detail.
The methodology chapter is structured chronologically to enhance understanding of the research to the reader and introduce the different concepts used in the design framework of the research. It starts by introducing the research method adopted for the research. Here, the researcher introduces the mixed method research approach which has been adopted in the entire research. The variables of the method are outlined and discussed in detail through the provision of a background information section. The proponents and paradigms that constitute the mixed method approach are evaluated since they acknowledge the controversies, crises and challenges that are to be encountered by the researcher. This augments the credibility of the research since there are limitations and challenges that accrue to every research method. The merits and demerits of the mixed method approaches adopted is also discussed to supplement the study. The researcher further introduces the research design to be adopted since it affects the discussion, conclusion and the recommendations of the research. This is further narrowed down to the sampling method used to explore the language learning strategies applied by students in Saudi Arabia. Here, the survey approach of the research is introduced. The Strategy Inventory for Language Learning (SILL) is introduced as the preferred survey approach. The participants of the research are introduced and the researcher makes known the environment of the research; Taif University. The sample size of the research participants is also introduced and the validity and reliability of the research is determined.
The researcher introduces a critical analysis of the research instruments and provides the definitions of the language learning strategies. The fundamentals of the strategy are discussed in detail and the merits and disadvantages of SILL evaluated. This is further synthesized through the psychometric qualities of the strategy that augment the relevance of adopting it for the research. Historical information on the participants of the research is elicited through the introduction of a background questionnaire. The semi-structured interviews are analyzed and described in detail as tools for the survey. They enhance the collection of data and analysis. The analytical approach adopted for the research provides a fit between the primary data sources and the results thereby cementing the credibility of the research method. The methodology framework cannot be termed as complete without an evaluation of the ethical considerations facing the research. The need to protect the participants of the research so that they can provide reliable information is essential to every research, and this has been implemented in the research methodology. Issues of confidentiality, privacy, anonymity, power, participation, justice, beneficence, respect for persons and avoiding conflict of interest are vital to any research and have been analyzed in detail in the methodology section and how they contribute to reliable research