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
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in the classroom is governed by the rules set forth in Resolution No. 16 of the Teaching Council for the programs English Studies, English Studies – Linguistics, and English Studies – Literature and Culture of 9 December 2025
https://ia.uw.edu.pl/fileadmin/ilustracje/dokumenty/2026/RD_IA_2025_UCHWALA_nr16_narzedzia_AI_nowelizacja_ZAL2_EN.pdf
Course coordinators
Type of course
Mode
Learning outcomes
Knowledge: the graduate has familiarity with
K_W01. advanced terminology, theory and research methods corresponding to the state of the art in the discipline of linguistics, in accordance with their chosen specialization (and educational path) within the domain of English Studies
K_W05. advanced principles of linguistic research design, in particular, the principles of selecting methods and instruments in formulating research problems and testing hypotheses
K_W08. advanced structures, lexis and conventions of spoken and written English to describe research methods in linguistics
Abilities: the graduate is able to
K_U01. apply advanced terminology, theory and research methods corresponding to the state of the art in the discipline of linguistics, in accordance with their chosen specialization (and educational path) within the domain of English Studies
K_U05. apply advanced principles of linguistic research design, in particular, the principles of selecting methods and instruments in formulating research problems and testing hypotheses
K_U08. use structures, lexis and language conventions appropriate to the communicative situation (e.g. describing design of a study, giving an academic presentation, etc.) in spoken and written English at the minimum level C1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
Social competences: the graduate is ready to
K_K01. critically appraise their knowledge and content obtained from various sources
K_K02. recognize the importance of knowledge in solving cognitive and practical problems; consult experts when required
Assessment criteria
The final grade is based on:
- 3-4 assignments during the semester (verification of learning effects: W, U)
- completing short assignments during classes (verification of learning effects: W, U, K).
- a written or oral test (verification of learning effects: W, U).
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.
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.
Notes
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Term 2026Z:
Attendance is obligatory. Two absences are allowed. |