Methodological Approaches and Triangulation in ESP Needs Analysis: A Systematic Review from Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Conducting needs analysis is essential for designing effective English for Specific Purposes (ESP) programs, as it identifies learners’ specific linguistic requirements. This systematic review examines the methodological approaches used in ESP needs analysis research, using the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a case study over the period 2014–2024. Following systematic review procedures, 57 studies were initially identified through comprehensive keyword searches across multiple databases, and 21 studies met the inclusion criteria for detailed analysis. A structured framework was applied to code and evaluate study designs, data-collection instruments, and analytic procedures. The findings show a growing reliance on mixed methods designs, with questionnaires and interviews as the most frequently used instruments, alongside a recent increase in document analysis and digitally mediated data collection. Across the reviewed studies, English for Academic Purposes (EAP) contexts were most common. The review synthesizes key methodological strengths and limitations and proposes recommendations to strengthen transparency and triangulation in international ESP needs analysis research.