LG575-7-SP-CO:
Research Methods
2025/26
Language and Linguistics
Colchester Campus
Spring
Postgraduate: Level 7
Current
Monday 12 January 2026
Friday 20 March 2026
15
11 April 2022
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
MA Q11012 Applied Linguistics,
MA Q110JS Applied Linguistics,
MA QX1312 Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL),
MA QX13JS Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL),
MPHDQ1XK48 English Language Teaching,
MPHDQ1XKJS English Language Teaching,
PHD Q1XK48 English Language Teaching,
PHD Q1XKJS English Language Teaching,
MPHDQ10K48 Linguistics,
MPHDQ10KJS Linguistics,
PHD Q10K48 Linguistics,
PHD Q10KJS Linguistics,
MPHDQ91K48 Translation Studies (Translation, Interpreting and Subtitling),
MPHDQ91KJS Translation Studies (Translation, Interpreting and Subtitling),
PHD Q91K48 Translation Studies (Translation, Interpreting and Subtitling),
PHD Q91KJS Translation Studies (Translation, Interpreting and Subtitling),
MLINQA15 English Language and Lingistics (Including Placement Year),
MLINQA16 English Language and Linguistics (Including Year Abroad),
MLINQQ14 English Language and Linguistics
This module will introduce research methods in language and linguistics and will cover a range of quantitative, qualitative and mixed-method tools and approaches. It will introduce you to different data collection techniques and analyses. It will help you plan and conduct MA dissertation or other large research projects.
This module will introduce you to some of the main ways in which research is conducted with language and linguistics. The module will help you to understand the differences between quantitative, qualitative and mixed-method tools and approaches and will help you to critically evaluate approaches taken in your and others’ research. The module will introduce you to some of the different techniques for collecting and analysing data. The module aims to provide you with practical experiences of working with different ideas and techniques and to enable you to understand more about the work done by colleagues within the different fields of linguistics.
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
• understand the research process
• formulate viable research questions
• decide on which methods would be most appropriate for specific research questions
• discuss the methodology and research findings of published studies
• use terminology related to research methods
This module is made up of 10 one-hour lectures and 10 one-hour seminar slots. The lectures are designed to cover the different content for each week with the seminars designed to be more practical. These practical sessions will provide opportunities to explore and work with the approaches/methods/tools covered in the lectures. Some of the seminar sessions will be led by other colleagues working in specific areas of linguistics. Some seminars may require students to work with data and analytical tools, all of which will be available online.
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Dörnyei, Z. (2007a) Research methods in applied linguistics: quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methodologies. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
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Mackey, A. and Gass, S.M. (2012b)
Research methods in second language acquisition: a practical guide. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell. Available at:
https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/universityofessex-ebooks/detail.action?docID=822647.
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Fraenkel, J.R., Wallen, N.E. and Hyun, H.H. (2022) How to design and evaluate research in education. 11th edition. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education.
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Corbin, J.M. and Strauss, A.L. (2015) Basics of qualitative research: techniques and procedures for developing grounded theory. Fourth edition. Thousand Oaks, California: SAGE.
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Mann, S. (2016)
The research interview: reflective practice and reflexivity in research processes. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. Available at:
https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&scope=site&db=nlebk&db=nlabk&AN=1218587.
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Dörnyei, Z. (2007b) Research methods in applied linguistics: quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methodologies. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
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Dörnyei, Z. (2007c) Research methods in applied linguistics: quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methodologies. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
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Cohen, L., Manion, L. and Morrison, K. (2018c)
Research methods in education. Eighth edition. London: Routledge. Available at:
https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&scope=site&db=nlebk&db=nlabk&AN=1614634.
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The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's
reading list.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Coursework |
Summative Assessment- Essay |
|
|
Additional coursework information
N/A
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Nasser Jabbari, email: n.jabbari@essex.ac.uk.
Nasser Jabbari
4.342; n.jabbari@essex.ac.uk
Yes
No
Yes
Available via Moodle
Of 520 hours, 0 (0%) hours available to students:
520 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s).
* Please note: due to differing publication schedules, items marked with an asterisk (*) base their information upon the previous academic year.
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