Honours Linguistics Research Methods

This course introduces students to the range of research tools which are currently used in studies within the field of linguistics. The focus of the course is on the theoretical and empirical investigation of real-world problems in which language is central. Research is defined as a process of scientific investigation with the aim to create new knowledge. The process of research involves defining problems or issues which it may be useful to investigate more deeply or from an additional perspective or by using innovative resources. It involves collecting, organising, analysing and interpreting data, with the aim to contribute to an existing stock of knowledge. As part of the process of working with data students will be introduced to the broad field of research, differentiating between primary research, secondary research and the research paradigms of quantitative research and qualitative research. The course also introduces specific methodologies including observation, questionnaire, interview, focus group, ethnographic study, conversational analysis, text analysis and discourse analysis, all of which are currently used within Linguistics.