Quantitative Methods in Language Studies

Subject 175-507 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Graduate/Postgraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 2-hour seminar per week
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: Admission to the postgraduate diploma or fourth-year honours in linguistics and applied linguistics.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Dr Carsten Roever
Subject Overview:

This is an introductory subject designed to enable students to acquire the basic tools necessary for critically reading about and carrying out quantitative empirical research in applied linguistics. Students will be given practice in the application of statistics in the analysis of data obtained from research and will be introduced to the use of computers with statistical packages to analyse data. Throughout, there will be a focus on the practicality and usefulness of the skills developed for the tasks of understanding research literature in applied linguistics, and of carrying out research in settings relevant to students. No prior knowledge of mathematics or of statistical procedures will be assumed.

Assessment: Six short homework assignments of 250 words each 30% (over the course of the semester), a 90-minute take-home test 30% (at the end of the semester) and a data analysis paper of 2000 words 40% (due after the end of the semester).
Prescribed Texts: Prescribed Texts:Understanding research in second language learning (J D Brown), Cambridge University Press 1988
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • develop skills in critical thinking and analysis;

  • develop skills in analysing data;

  • develop their computer skills.

Related Course(s): M.A.Applied Linguistics (Advanced Seminars and Shorter Thesis)
Master of Applied Linguistics (Computer-Assisted Language Learning)
Master of Applied Linguistics (English Language)
Master of Applied Linguistics (Language Test&Language Program Evaluation
Master of Applied Linguistics(TESOL)
Master of Arts in Linguistics (Advanced Seminars and Shorter Thesis)
Postgraduate Certificate in Arts(Lang.Testing & Lang.Program Evaluation)
Postgraduate Certificate in Arts(Linguistics and Applied Linguistics)
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Linguistics & Applied Linguistics)

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