Quantitative Methods in Language Studies

Subject 175-507 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

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: 2 contact hours/week , 7 additional hours/week. Total of 9 hours per week.
Prerequisites: None
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

Contact

Dr Ute Knoch

uknoch@unimelb.edu.au

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.
Objectives:
  • be able to read research in applied linguistics critically and with understanding, including research which involves quantitative analysis of data;
  • design, conduct and analyse data from a small scale research project relevant to their professional interests;
  • develop skills in the use of statistical packages on the computer.
Assessment: 6 homework assignments (30%) due over the course of the semester; a take-home examination(30%) due in the final week of semester; a 2000 word paper (40%) due two weeks after the end of the semester.
Prescribed Texts: A subject reader will be available from the Bookroom at the beginning of semester
  • Understanding Research in Second Language Learning: A Teacher's Guide to Statistics and Research Design (Brown, JD) Cambridge: CUP
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • develop their research skills;
  • develop their critical thinking and analytic skills;
  • be able to communicate ideas through writing.
Related Course(s): M.A.Applied Linguistics (Advanced Seminars and Shorter Thesis)
Master of Applied Linguistics (English Language)
Master of Applied Linguistics (Language Test&Language Program Evaluation
Master of Applied Linguistics (Technology in Language Learning)
Master of Applied Linguistics(TESOL)
Master of Arts in Linguistics (Advanced Seminars and Shorter Thesis)
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Language Testing and Language Program Evaluation
Linguistics && Applied Linguistics
Linguistics and Applied Linguistics
Linguistics and Applied Linguistics

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