Modiwl QXL-4432:
Linguistics Research Methods

Overview

The module will introduce various types of quantitative, qualitative and mixed research methods used across areas in Linguistics. By reviewing different experimental designs and data, statistical concepts and analyses will be made accessible. We will review basic concepts of empirical research design, and provide an introduction as to how research can be presented in the form of a dissertation.

Students will also be introduced to how the library can help in research, referencing and to issues surrounding research ethics and the need for ethics approval. Assessments will prepare students for advanced research at postgraduate level, such as a Master's dissertation, through practice tasks such as reviewing publications and dissertations, as well as through writing a relevant Research Proposal.

Students in this module, depending on assessment topics, research question(s) and methodologies will have to opportunity to utilize the department labs, specialized software and resources, when carry out their assessments. This can include access to and the use of; dedicated lab facilities for experiments, a direct brain activity measurement (ERP) and eye tracking systems, a professional grade sound isolation booth and high-end recording equipment setup, high-level statistical modelling and analysis software, behavioural experiment software systems, acoustic and phonetic analysis software, clinically-recognised standardised psychometric and language tests and a wide range of concordance software and specialised corpora for many languages.

A wide range of research is being conducted by staff in Linguistics and English Language, using different research methods. For this reason, the module will be taught by various lecturers, with each lecturer covering a topic within their own area of expertise. Staff will also present their own research interests and topics suitable for an MA/MSc dissertation, with the aim of helping students to choose a dissertation topic but also allowing them to engage with a wide range of approaches and topics, aiming for a broad perspective on research methods in linguistics.

Students in this module, depending on assessment topics, research question(s) and methodologies will have to opportunity to utilize the department labs, specialized software and resources, when carry out their assessments. This can include access to and the use of; dedicated lab facilities for experiments, a direct brain activity measurement (ERP) and eye tracking systems, a professional grade sound isolation booth and high-end recording equipment setup, high-level statistical modelling and analysis software, behavioural experiment software systems, acoustic and phonetic analysis software, clinically-recognised standardised psychometric and language tests and a wide range of concordance software and specialised corpora for many languages.

Aims: - to help students to plan and undertake research projects in various topics within Linguistics, English Language and Bilingualism. - to enhance students’ knowledge of how to analyse and present data by using diagrams, charts, graphs, etc., and also to introduce students to basic statistical tests and concepts. - to introduce students to important theoretical research concepts such as the scientific method, hypothesis testing, research questions, etc. - to introduce students to the methodological and ethical issues involved with linguistic research. - to provide practice and knowledge in finding, reading, summarising and critically commenting on research articles, reports and presentations.

Assessment Strategy

-Threshold - C (50%): The answer must address the question. The answer must show a basic knowledge and understanding of the relevant key areas and principles of the foundational theories, constructs and methodologies of Linguistics. The student must show evidence of being able to apply the principles to the analysis of language and linguistic examples and/or data. The answer must show evidence of some background study.

-Good - B: The answer must be focused and structured. The answer must show a better-than-average standard of knowledge and understanding of the foundational theories, constructs and methodologies of Linguistics. The linguistic examples used in the answer may be based upon examples from the literature but must also include original examples. The answer must show evidence of background study with at least some from primary sources.

-Excellent - A: The answer must be highly focused and well-structured. The answer must show comprehensive knowledge and detailed understanding. The answer must show some original interpretation, new links between topics and/or a new approach to a problem. The answer must show evidence of extensive background study using primary sources.

Learning Outcomes

• Critically analyse issues in linguistic research to generate relevant research questions and hypotheses.

• Evaluate a variety of linguistics research methodologies in order to select a suitable method for a research question or questions.

• Evaluate and prioritise methodological and ethical issues pertaining to linguistic data collection and analysis.

• Evaluate, select and employ appropriate analytical tools, such as statistical procedures, for research in the domain of linguistics.