This module explores a range of issues in Language and Communication research. Students will learn to identify, read, understand and critique existing research, formulate their own research questions, conduct literature searches and summaries, and execute a small-scale empirical project.  Students will work with qualitative and quantitative data, and basic numerical skills will be assumed. The aims of the module are to develop research knowledge, understanding and skills to enable students to undertake small projects in Language and Communication. Students will be able to identify different genres and traditions of research, and develop their ability to read, discuss and critique a wide range of research texts. Students will gain skills in designing, analysing, presenting and evaluating their own research project. Students will gain basic skills in data analysis.

Knowledge and Understanding

Upon completion of this module, students should be able to:

• analyse and synthesise new research-derived data and information
• think flexibly and make connections between different types of data
• compare and contrast theoretical explanations and different research methodologies
• sustain a logical argument in relation to an empirical project and reach a conclusion that can be defended as reasonable
• write clearly and effectively in reporting research
• understand some basic qualitative and quantitative methodologies.

Skills

Successful completion of this module will enable students to:

• follow basic research methodology for conducting small-scale research projects
• read and understand different types of research texts
• formulate research problems and questions
• compare and contrast theoretical and methodological frameworks
• collect, sample, code and present some language and communication data
• analyse and interpret basic qualitative and quantitative data
• write more clearly and effectively in presenting research
• discuss and evaluate research methodologies.

Timetabled sessions include 2 lectures and 1 seminar per week. During seminars, you may be required to make presentations and/or lead discussion, as well as take an active part in discussions. Lectures are usually supplemented with PowerPoint slides and handouts summarising content at a reasonable level of detail. These are usually made available on Learning Central. Students are encouraged to discuss any specific access needs with staff in advance of taking this module.  

In addition to the skills above, students will:

- further develop their abilities to put forward arguments in a small group environment

- further develop discussion skills

- the module is also relevant to all the employability pathways.

The coursework is an analysis of quantitative data, which will develop the student’s ability to collect, sample, code and present some language and communication data, and follow basic research methodology for conducting a small-scale research project. The coursework will demonstrate the student’s ability to understand basic quantitative methodology, and analyse and synthesise new research-derived data and information. The ability to sustain a logical argument in relation to an empirical project and reach a conclusion that can be defended as reasonable will also be assessed.

The examination presents a choice of eight essay questions with a focus on qualitative research, and requires four responses. The exam assesses the ability to compare and contrast theoretical and methodological frameworks and discuss and evaluate research methodologies. It also assesses the abilities to formulate research problems and questions and think flexibly and make connections between different types of data. Both assessment modes give the student the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of basic research methodologies (either qualitative or quantitative), their ability to analyse and interpret basic qualitative and quantitative data, read and understand different types of research texts, and to write clearly and effectively in presenting or reporting research.

 The module is assessed by coursework and exam.       

The module is assessed according to the Assessment Criteria set out in the English Language and Communication Course Guide. The requirement that students demonstrate an ability to understand the research methodologies taught in the module and apply these in evaluating data, will restrict the availability of alternative forms of assessment as an adjustment for students with disabilities. Otherwise there are no academic or competence standards which limit the availability of adjustments or alternative assessments for students with disabilities.

Topics covered in the module include:

·       Qualitative and quantitative research methods in language and communication

·       Formulating research problems and questions

·       Research ethics

·       Designing a study

·       Reviewing research literature

·       Collecting, sampling and analysing language and communication data

·       Presenting results and interpreting findings

·       Writing up and discussing research findings

The set text/ reader for this module will be announced at the beginning of the semester.

Journal articles: Some of your core readings for this module will be journal articles, which will be available through the Cardiff University Portal (click on Library, then the relevant e-journals).

Recommended further reading: Each week, you will be provided with short reading lists related to the topic. You will be expected to read journal articles and books both in printed copy and online.

Your own research: If you want to do well in your assessment tasks, you will also need to find your own relevant readings not mentioned in the above sources.

Indicative Reading

Babbie, E. (2007) The Practice of Social Research. Wadsworth: AU.

Wray, A. et al. (1998) Projects in Linguistics. Oxford: Oxford University Press.