This research paper reviews relevant literature concerning motivations for second language acquisition and possible research methods to this regard. This paper aims at exploring whether experimental research method could help discover Chinese students’ motivation for foreign language learning. It finds out that with semi-structured interview as the research method, it would be easier for the respondent to express his or her opinions freely on his or her personal feelings of motivation for foreign language learning. Thus, experimental research methods such as a semi-structured interview could complement research in motivations for foreign language acquisition.