Research Methods in Linguistics CLIL 1 3301-L2RML-CLIL1
During classes, students are introduced to the foundational concepts underlying scientific reasoning and empirical research design. They practice the basic rules of a scientific investigation, starting from the formulation of the research problem and questions, through the choice of research methods and techniques, ending with data collection, their analysis, interpretation and presentation. They also acquire basic knowledge of research tools used in various domains of linguistic study (e.g. usage-based linguistics, sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, and language acquisition). The course will help students make informed decisions about their future paths of study.
Classes are divided into two modules. In each module, students learn about the practical aspects of doing research in selected areas of linguistics: how to plan and conduct a study, what tools to use, and how to effectively gather and analyse data.
The classes contain a linguistic component: they involve extensive practice in the use of spoken and written English for academic purposes.
Module 1 - Basic elements of language research
1.The scientific method and the practice of science. Looking for resources.
- handbooks, textbooks, journals, different types of monographs
- evaluating sources
2. Structure of research. From general problems to research questions and hypotheses
- literature review
- how to read a scientific paper
- selected problems in linguistic categorization
3. Elementary distinctions in linguistic research methods
- using introspective criteria to analyse linguistic data
- problem areas in semantics: polysemy, idiomatic meaning
- elicitation, interview, survey
4. Operationalization of theories.
- datasets and corpora
- units and categories of analysis
- identifying linguistic phenomena by protocol
- exercises with Sketch Engine
5. Linguistics and the social world. Exercises in discourse analysis
- approaches to the analysis of discourse
- press language analysis from a functional perspective.
6. Multimodal data analysis
- language and visual semiotics
- iconicity in co-speech gesture, gesture analysis
- exercises in annotation, description and analysis
Module 2 - Basic elements of psycholinguistic research
1. Types of research into language acquisition and use
- choosing research types to match research aims (exploratory/confirmatory; basic/applied; qualitative/ quantitative; cross-sectional/ longitudinal)
- analysing abstracts
2. The research process
- forming research questions and hypotheses
- identifying how variables are operationalized in research papers
3. The research process: basic designs
- understanding research design based on examples (experimental, quasi-experimental, correlational)
- variable control in research and criticising research design
4. Correlational and causal-comparative studies
- exploring data graphically (histograms, box-plots)
- interpreting correlation coefficients and p-values
- understanding correlational research based on papers
5. Experimental and quasi-experimental studies
- designing a well-planned experiment in applied linguistics
- understanding experimental research based on papers
6. Experimental research: between- and within-subject designs.
- comparing experiment designs in applied linguistics
- qualities of a good abstract
7. Qualitative research & triangulation
- comparing types of qualitative research.
- understanding how to analyse qualitative data quantitatively
Type of course
Mode
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Knowledge
Students will be able to:
K_W01 identify the place and specificity of Linguistics against the background of other academic disciplines within the humanities
K_W04, describe the relation between language, literature, and historical and cultural processes on an advanced level
K_W07 explain principles of designing linguistic studies, with special focus on selecting appropriate methods and tools in formulating research questions and testing research hypotheses and related fields of study within the humanities and social sciences
Abilities
Students will be able to:
K_U01 employ the terminology and methodological tools from linguistics, especially in relation to data collection and analysis
K_U02 employ the methodology of linguistics within English studies, respecting the ethical norms and copyright law
K_U04 implement knowledge to describe a problem and identify means to solve it, thereby completing a project in linguistics. Specifically they should be able to collect and analyse linguistic data
K_U05 collect information from various sources, critically assess a source and usefulness of information; analyse and draw generalizations on the basis of information so obtained, especially in the field of linguistics
K_U08 Participate in group projects, related to the collection and analysis of linguistic data; collaborate with others and be a team leader in conducting collaborative research, presentations and other tasks included in the curriculum
K_U09 present knowledge and communicate in a cohesive, precise and linguistically correct manner in the English language at level C1 as defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
K_U011 design their own development
Social competences
Students will be ready to:
K_K02 undertake life-long learning and personal development, applying skills and competences to select subjects and projects optimally suiting one’s personal interests
K_K03 value responsibility for one’s own work and respect the work of others, adhering to the professional and ethical norms in science, and various forms of professional work involving linguistic skills
K_K04 apply the skill to critically assess communicated content to think and act independently in various social situations, especially in relation to the collection, analysis, and interpretation of linguistic data
K_K05 function effectively in social and cultural interactions, through various forms and media, thanks to the ability to express oneself in a cohesive and lucid manner
Assessment criteria
The final grade is based on 3-4 assignments throughout the semester.
Partial written and oral assignments, and tests on the content of the classes. Both knowledge and language components are assessed.
The teaching and assessment of the language component concerns specific tasks (e.g. completing activities on an online platform, written assignments for credit) and constitutes 25% of the overall assessment. The assessment takes into account:
a) the variety and adequacy of grammatical structures used
b) the variety and adequacy of vocabulary used, including collocations
c) coherence and cohesion, including the use of linking devices, etc.
Attendance is obligatory. Two absences are allowed.
Bibliography
Cameron, L., & Maslen, R. (Eds.). (2010). Metaphor analysis: Research practice in applied linguistics, social sciences and the humanities. Equinox Pub.
Dörnyei, Z. (2007) Research Methods in Applied Linguistics. Oxford: OUP.
Evans, V., & Green, M. (2011). Cognitive linguistics: An introduction. Edinburgh Univ. Press.
Lakoff, G. (1987). Women, fire, and dangerous things: What categories reveal about the mind. University of Chicago Press.
Loewen, S. & Plonsky, L. (2016) An A-Z of Applied Research Methods. London: Palgrave.
Mackey, A. Gass, S. (eds.) (2012) Research Methods in Second Language Acquisition. A practical Guide. Wiley-Blackwell.
Perry Jr, F. L. (2011). Research in applied linguistics: Becoming a discerning consumer. Routledge.
Taylor, J. (2002). Cognitive Grammar. Oxford University Press.
Wallace, M., & Wray, A. (2011). Critical reading and writing for postgraduates (2nd ed). SAGE Publications.
Wray, A. & Bloomer, A. (2006) Projects in Linguistics. A Practical Guide to Researching Language. London: Hodder Education.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: