Language program evaluation: Quantitative or qualitative approach?

Abstract

As in many other disciplines, research methodology in language program evaluation is classified into different paradigms by different scholars. No matter what classification each researcher follows, research in language program evaluation can be conducted according to two general approaches: positivistic/quantitative and naturalistic/qualitative. This article will attempt to review these two major paradigms by (i) giving the definition of each paradigm and presenting its logic of justification; (ii) outlining the major research methods employed in each paradigm; and (iv) critically evaluating each paradigm. The article will argue that program evaluators should appropriately combine the two approaches to maximize the effectiveness of their evaluation.