Difficulties in collecting data from children aged 7-12

Abstract

Collecting data from children who learn a foreign language is a complex and problematic area when considering their lack of proficiency in the target language and their cognitive, psychological, and social development. In addition, research shows that the number of studies that focus on the problems related to scale administration to younger language learners is fairly limited, while studies on the foreign language context mainly concentrated on issues related to adult and proficient learners. Thus, this study aims to explore the difficulties in collecting data from Turkish children aged 7 - 12 in a foreign language context. The study was designed as a qualitative case study and involved reflections, an interview, and a diary kept by the subject. Findings indicated that the problems with data collection from children were related to time and space, the lack of coordination, children's cognition levels, teacher effect on children's behaviors, and physical environment. In light of the results, some practical recommendations were presented.