Research on second language acquisition (SLA) and research on foreign language learning (FLL), often regarded as different and separate fields of inquiry, are compared in a brief review of literature. Perceptions about the scopes and characteristics of the research are examined. Concerns about the relationship between SLA research and theory and other fields of language study are also noted. The review is presented as the introduction to a group of four papers presented at a conference on the topic of this relationship, held at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (April 3-4, 1987), and focuses on the questions addressed by two of the papers: "What is FLL Research?" (Claire J. Kramsch) and "Theory and Research in SLA and FLL: On Producers and Consumers" (Bill VanPatten). The other papers are: "In Second Language Acquisition/Foreign Language Learning, Nothing Is More Practical than a Good Theory" (Sandra J. Savignon) and "Models, Processes, Principles, and Strategies: Second Language Acquisition In and Out of the Classroom" (Roger W. Anderson). Each of the papers is briefly summarized and all are recommended as points of departure for further analysis and discussion. (MSE)