LG575-7-AU-CO:
Research Methods
PLEASE NOTE: This module is inactive. Visit the Module Directory to view modules and variants offered during the current academic year.
2023/24
Language and Linguistics
Colchester Campus
Autumn
Postgraduate: Level 7
Inactive
Thursday 05 October 2023
Friday 15 December 2023
15
17 May 2021
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
The module will first explain what research methods are and which methods (qualitative, quantitative or mixed) are appropriate for various types of research questions. The rest of the sessions will each introduce students to a specific research method.
Week 2
What are research methods? What are the differences between quantitative and qualitative research?
Week 3
From literature review to research questions (and hypotheses)
Introduction to mixed-methods research
Week 4
Experiments and quasi-experiments
Week 5
Surveys and Corpora
Week 6
Selecting participants for a quantitative study
Week 7
What is qualitative research? Introduction to qualitative approaches and methods.
Week 8
Ethnography, Case studies and Action research 1
Week 9
Ethnography, Case studies and Action research 2
Week 10
Classroom observation
Week 11
Think aloud
This module will introduce students to research methods relevant to Applied Linguistics and TEFL and, to a lesser extent, Psycholinguistics. This introduction to research methods will prove helpful when students plan and conduct their MA dissertation projects and perhaps other research projects later on. Students will learn about both quantitative (e.g., survey, experiment) and qualitative (e.g., classroom observation, diary study) research methods.
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
• understand the research process
• formulate viable research questions
• decide on which method(s) would be most appropriate for specific research questions
• go about preparing a research project in a principled manner
• discuss methodology and research findings of published studies
• use terminology related to research methods.
No additional information available.
10 2-hour lectures. There will be a fair number of classroom discussions and practical tasks done in groups.
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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. (2023)
How to design and evaluate research in education. Eleventh edition. New York, NY: McGraw Hill. Available at:
https://app.kortext.com/Shibboleth.sso/Login?entityID=https://idp0.essex.ac.uk/shibboleth&target=https://app.kortext.com/borrow/1832474.
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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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Denzin, N.K.
et al. (eds) (2023)
SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Research. 6th Revised edition. Thousand Oaks: SAGE Publications Inc. Available at:
https://app.kortext.com/Shibboleth.sso/Login?entityID=https://idp0.essex.ac.uk/shibboleth&target=https://app.kortext.com/borrow/2341380.
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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 |
Additional coursework information
Only basic computer literacy is required
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
N/A
Yes
No
Yes
Dr Vivienne Esther Rogers
Available via Moodle
Of 22 hours, 20 (90.9%) hours available to students:
2 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s).
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