Abstract：Abstract：This paper presents a fundamental definition of foreign language classroom research and its four types. Modern foreign language classroom research is governed by two contrasting philosophies: reductionism and complex systems. Under these two philosophies foreign language classroom research can be classified into four types in terms of intervention and structure. Based on this framework, the author reviews four studies published in this issue. These four studies, albeit limitations in their own right, have presented meaningful insights and findings for Chinese foreign language teaching circle.
Key words: foreign language classroom research; reductionism; complex systems
