ABSTRACT
Most student research projects in English language studies involve the collection and analysis of data. Indeed, for students interested in topics related to applied linguistics, translation or education, the data component will likely be central to the study. For data collected in an educational institution, a letter of introduction from the university requesting access to classes or teachers will usually be required. Questionnaires are good for collecting specific information about large numbers of people. They are usually used to elicit short answers about a number of different topics; these often include some biographical information and topics relating to a person's opinions or habits. Collecting data through an interview rather than a questionnaire provides the opportunity to explore a topic in conversation with the interviewee; it is likely you don't know exactly how the conversation will develop and what topics will be raised. Collecting data through think-aloud protocols allows insight into students thought processes while completing an activity.
