Research in Applied Linguistics

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

170 hours

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

Introduction to the range of approaches to research as practised in applied linguistics. Topics to be covered focus on three main areas: research paradigms, or the philosophical assumptions concerning knowledge and inquiry and the ethical considerations in carrying out research. research strategies, or specific purposes and designs for research, such as experiments, quasi-experiments, ethnography, discourse and conversation analysis, action research and program evaluation. and data collection and analysis techniques, such as tests and surveys, observation, interviews, introspection, think-aloud protocols, and qualitative data analysis. These topics will be explored with the aim of preparing students to design research projects of their own and critique research of current importance in the field of applied linguistics.

On successful completion of this subject, students should:

• be able to demonstrate an understanding of various approaches to applied linguistics research;
• be able to develop a proposal for a research project;
• be able to discuss in detail and offer possible solutions to problems in research methodology;
• be able to critically review research studies.

Written work totalling 5000 words

• 5 homeworks totalling 2000 words due over the course of the semester [40%]
• A 3000 word research proposal due after the end of the semester [60%]

Students concurrently enrolled in the minor thesis should discuss the research proposal with the lecturer.

Second Language Research (Mackey, A. & Gas, S.) Routledge (Second edition) 2016.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Students who successfully complete this subject should:

• develop their research skills;
• develop their critical thinking and analytic skills;
• be able to communicate ideas through writing.

Subject offered as both online and on-campus. Some restrictions on student visa holders apply. Please contact the subject coordinator for more information.