This article investigates research approaches used in traditional classroom-based interaction studies for identifying a suitable research method for studies in three-dimensional virtual learning environments (3DVLEs). As opportunities for language learning and teaching in virtual worlds emerge, so too do new research questions. An understanding of research design benefits and limitations is timely for those exploring how interaction occurs between users, and users and the virtual space, and how these interactions make sense within a broader theoretical framework. As a first step, the article describes the types of interaction that are significant to classroom-based research studies, such as learner–learner. This is followed by a historical overview of research approaches and methods used in interaction studies, from early quantitative, to descriptive and qualitative, to mixed-method approaches. Following this overview, the author critically surveys research approaches, methods, analytical tools, and data collection techniques used in physical and virtual second language classroom interaction studies. The article concludes by highlighting the implications and research considerations for the design of new research studies in 3DVLEs.

中文翻译：

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调查研究方法：在物理和虚拟环境中基于课堂的交互研究

本文调查了传统的基于课堂的互动研究中使用的研究方法，以确定在 3D 虚拟学习环境 (3DVLE) 中进行研究的合适研究方法。随着虚拟世界中语言学习和教学的机会出现，新的研究问题也出现了。对于那些探索用户、用户和虚拟空间之间如何发生交互以及这些交互如何在更广泛的理论框架内有意义的人来说，了解研究设计的好处和局限性是及时的。作为第一步，本文描述了对基于课堂的研究具有重要意义的交互类型，例如学习者-学习者。接下来是对交互研究中使用的研究方法和方法的历史概述，从早期的定量，描述性和定性，混合方法。在此概述之后，作者批判性地调查了物理和虚拟第二语言课堂互动研究中使用的研究方法、方法、分析工具和数据收集技术。文章最后强调了在 3DVLE 中设计新研究的意义和研究考虑。