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
• carry out basic statistical analysis of quantitative data and present findings
• analyse and interpret basic qualitative 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 module is assessed by 100% coursework (Essay 50%, Data Collection and Coding 10%, Data Analysis 40%).

One coursework assignment is an essay on the principles of research design, with a focus on qualitative research methods.  The essay assesses the ability to compare and contrast theoretical and methodological frameworks and discuss and evaluate research methodologies.  It also assesses the ability to formulate research problems and questions and the ability to think flexibly and make connections between different types of data.

The other coursework assignment is an empirical analysis of language variation using 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, including some basic principles of data preparation and running statistical tests, 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.  This analysis assignment is split into two phases, the first of which carries 20% of the assignments mark and is based on the completion of weekly research tasks that create the data to be analysed in the second phase.  The remaining 80% of the mark for this assignment is determined by the written presentation of the analysis of this data, using relevant statistical tests and comparison with other relevant research literature.

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 according to the Assessment Criteria set out in the English Language Undergraduate Student Handbook. The requirement that students demonstrate an ability to understand the research methodologies taught in the module and apply these in evaluating data, may 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

1) The set text/ reader for this module is Litosseliti, L. (2012) Research Methods in Linguistics.  There will also be a reading pack available to buy.

2)  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.

3) 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.

Litosseliti, L. (2010) Research Methods in Linguistics. London: New York: Continuum (core text)

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