Research Methods in Linguistics II 3305-MBJ2-1U
The course is designed to support students in preparing their master’s thesis on a linguistics topic of their choice. During the classes, we will discuss selected empirical research methods used in linguistic studies, as well as the various stages of the research process.
The THEORETICAL component of the course will cover topics such as research design, including the identification and analysis of dependent and independent variables, and the procedures typically employed. It will also introduce the basics of descriptive and inferential statistics, along with methods used in applied linguistics.
In the PRACTICAL component, students will take part in:
• a detailed analysis of the methodology used in published linguistic studies, assessing its alignment with the theoretical foundations discussed in class;
• preparing individual presentations based on their chosen master’s thesis topic, selected in consultation with their supervisor.
These classes will help students to prepare a well-informed literature review for their master’s thesis and to plan the outline of their own research project.
Prerequisites
Prerequisites (description)
Course coordinators
Type of course
Mode
Learning outcomes
KNOWLEDGE
Upon completing the course, the student knows and understands:
• the specific subject matter and methodologies relevant to Iberian studies, and is able to creatively develop and apply this knowledge in professional contexts, and is familiar with linguistic research terminology, especially the most recent developments in the field (K_W01);
• the connections between modern linguistics and other areas of the humanities and social sciences (K_W02);
• the basic concepts and principles related to intellectual property protection and copyright law, as well as the importance of managing intellectual property assets (K_W03);
• scientific and cultural phenomena in Spanish- or Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly regarding how new linguistic research trends intersect with broader humanistic discourses (K_W04);
• the terminology, theories, and methodologies relevant to linguistic studies (K_W05);
• the latest achievements of linguistic research centers and schools (K_W06);
• the basic principles of starting and developing different forms of entrepreneurship (K_W07).
SKILLS
Upon completing the course, the student is able to:
• apply research skills, including critical analysis of linguistic methodologies, selection of appropriate methods, creation of research tools, and the development and presentation of findings — enabling original solutions to complex linguistic problems (K_U01);
• independently acquire linguistic knowledge, expand research abilities, and take autonomous steps to develop their skills and manage their career as a linguistics researcher (K_U02);
• use their language skills to understand and produce both spoken and written texts, employing specialized linguistic terminology (K_U03).
SOCIAL COMPETENCES
Upon completing the course, the student is prepared to:
• collaborate effectively in a team, taking on various roles as required by the nature of linguistic research (K_K01).
Assessment criteria
Final Grade Composition:
• Presentation on the Master’s thesis topic (40%)
• Test grade (30%)
• Class participation (30%)
In accordance with Resolution No. 98 of the University Council for Education (dated December 8, 2023), the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in coursework and thesis preparation is permitted only with the instructor’s approval and must align with the objectives of the course. The purpose, scope, and method of using AI must be clearly defined and explicitly acknowledged in the submitted work, including a clear indication of where AI tools were used. Students are fully responsible for the content of their work, including compliance with copyright laws, accuracy and reliability of sources, avoidance of bias, and adherence to academic integrity standards.
Bibliography
The reading list is tailored to the individual research interests of the proseminar participants and corresponds to the topics they choose for their projects.
In addition, the classes will draw on the following works (made available by the lecturer during the course):
• Babble, E. (2000). Fundamentos de la investigación social. México, D.F.: International Thomson Editores.
• Bień, J., Brzozowska-Zburzyńska, B., López González, A. & Nowikow, W. (2018). Lingüística hispánica en Polonia: tendencias y direcciones de investigación. Łódź: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Łódzkiego.
• Dörnyei, Z. (2003). Questionnaires in Second Language Research: Construction, Administration, and Processing. Mahwah, N. J.: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
• López González, A. (2014). Disponibilidad léxica: teoría, método y análisis. Łódź: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Łódzkiego.
• McEnery, T. y Hardie, A. (2011). Corpus Linguistics: Method, Theory and Practice. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
• Perlin, J. (2004). Metodologia językoznawstwa diachronicznego. Warszawa: Dialog.
• Perry, F. L. (2017). Research in Applied Linguistics: Becoming a Discerning Consumer. London: Routledge.
• Rojo, G. (2021). Introducción a la lingüística de corpus. Londres: Routledge.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: