Research Methods in Applied Linguistics

Singapore University of Social Sciences

Research Methods in Applied Linguistics (TSL573)

Synopsis

TSL 573 Research Methods in Applied Linguistics provides students with insights into the process of research from the initial stage of conceptualisation and hypothesis formation to the design, execution, analysis and review stage. Different methods of quantitative, qualitative and mixed research in Applied Linguistics are examined in detail to appraise their purpose and use in a variety of classroom and educational contexts.

Level: 5
Credit Units: 5
Presentation Pattern: Every January

Topics

Research ethics, plagiarism and collusion
Research log, data management, keeping track of sources and taking notes
Formulation of research questions and hypotheses
Sampling, collection, transcription, coding and analysis of data
Discussion and presentation of data
Quantitative methods: Questionnaire surveys, experimental versus quasi-experimental studies
Statistical analysis and SPSS; computer text corpora
The issue of research validity and reliability
Qualitative methods: Ethnography, observations, interviews, introspection, case studies, diary studies, research journals
The issue of inter-coder and intra-coder reliability
Mixed methods: Classroom research, action research and intervention studies
The issue of research triangulation

Learning Outcome

Examine the issues of research ethics and academic integrity
Discuss the process of research from the initial stage to the final stage
Appraise the use of quantitative methods in research in different contexts
Critique the use of qualitative methods in research in different contexts
Analyse a small set of data using computer-mediated means (e.g., SPSS, computer text corpora)
Design and execute a small-scale research project using quantitative, qualitative or mixed research methods