Overview

This module allows students who have received previous research methods training (by successfully completing either an Undergraduate Linguistics or English Language or Psychology degree at Bangor or an equivalent HEI institution) to further develop and refine their research skills and abilities. Students completing the module will be prepared to undertake a substantial independent research-based project so that they can start working on their dissertation proposals earlier in the academic year.

The module will include: 1. A review of the principles and properties of good research: (empirical methods, validity, falsifiability), aims, research questions and hypotheses, testing hypotheses (null & alternative hypothesis) – The empirical cycle 2. Constructs and operationalisation through variables; Sampling and validity 3. Types of methods: Quantitative, qualitative and mixed methodology 4. Experimental research design & basic statistical concepts (within- & between-subjects, power and effect size, parametric/non-parametric data) 5. Using the Library Services for research 6. Research methods (1): Interviews and questionnaires 7. Research methods (2): Experimental design 8. Research methods (3): Corpus approaches 9. Research methods (4): Discourse & Discourse Analysis 11. Statistical concepts 10. Writing a research proposal; academic writing style

Assessment Strategy

-Threshold - C (50%): The answer must address the question. The answer must show a basic knowledge and understanding of the relevant key areas and principles of the foundational theories, constructs and methodologies of Linguistics. The student must show evidence of being able to apply the principles to the analysis of language and linguistic examples and/or data. The answer must show evidence of some background study.

-Good - B: The answer must be focused and structured. The answer must show a better-than-average standard of knowledge and understanding of the foundational theories, constructs and methodologies of Linguistics. The linguistic examples used in the answer may be based upon examples from the literature but must also include original examples. The answer must show evidence of background study with at least some from primary sources.

-Excellent - A: The answer must be highly focused and well-structured. The answer must show comprehensive knowledge and detailed understanding. The answer must show some original interpretation, new links between topics and/or a new approach to a problem. The answer must show evidence of extensive background study using primary sources.

Learning Outcomes

• Critically analyse issues in linguistic research to generate relevant research questions and hypotheses.

• Evaluate a variety of linguistics research methodologies in order to identify a suitable method for a research question or questions.

• Evaluate and prioritise methodological and ethical issues pertaining to linguistic data collection and analysis.

• Evaluate, select and employ appropriate analytical tools, such as statistical procedures, for research in the domain of linguistics.