Unit Guide

General Information

Unit convenor and teaching staff	Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convener and Lecturer Mehdi Riazi mehdi.riazi@mq.edu.au Contact via email C5A 575 With appointment Margaret Wood margaret.wood@mq.edu.au
Credit points	Credit points 4
Prerequisites	Prerequisites Admission to MAppLing or PGDipAppLing or MTransInterMAppLing or MAppLingTESOL or MTransIntStudies or MAdvConfInt or MTransInterMAppLingTESOL
Corequisites	Corequisites
Co-badged status	Co-badged status
Unit description	Unit description This unit focuses on general principles of research and the use of research methods in language studies. It covers the whole process of research from choosing a topic, searching the related literature on the topic, and formulating research questions, to collecting and analysing data and writing up research reports. The exploration of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method research methodologies develops students' research literacy to understand research reports and to design research projects. Research ethics and writing research proposals are two other topics that are discussed in this unit.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

1. Identify a research topic or area of interest
2. Critically review & evaluate literature (published papers) related to the topic of your research
3. Describe the basic underlying principles of research paradigms (quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods) and research methods
4. Synthesise and write up a literature review with the goal of showing gaps
5. Formulate and refine research questions and/or state relevant hypotheses
6. Propose a study with appropriate methodology for studying the specific research questions with an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of alternative methods and analysis of ethical issues

General Assessment Information

Assessment at a Glance

Assignments	Weight	Due Date/time
Annotated bibliography	25%	Sunday March 22 at 23:55 Sydney Time
Review paper (Literature review)	30%	Sunday April 19 at 23:55 Sydney Time
Research Proposal on a gap you identified in Assignment 2	40%	Friday June 12 at 23:55 Sydney Time
Active participation (classroom and online discussion and presentations)	5%	Semester wide

Assessment Tasks

Name	Weighting	Due
Assignment 1	25%	22/03/2015
Assignment 2	30%	19/04/2015
Assignment 3	40%	12/06/2015
Active Participation	5%	Semester wide

Assignment 1

Due: 22/03/2015
Weighting: 25%

An annotated bibliography is a list of sources and annotations (summary and evaluation) on a selected topic arranged in alphabetical order. Each annotation will have three parts. The first part is the bibliographic information of the source which should strictly follow APA style. The second part of each annotation includes a concise summary of the content and methodology of the study. Third part of the annotation is a critical evaluation of the study and its relevance to the theme of the AB (your chosen topic or area of interest). Given your annotated bibliography will be used as the basis for writing your second assignment, the review paper (literature review), it is worth preparing it as carefully as possible. Roughly, the summary and the evaluation of each stud should have a 60:40 proportion.

More details in the Unit Guide.

On successful completion you will be able to:

1. Identify a research topic or area of interest
2. Critically review & evaluate literature (published papers) related to the topic of your research

Assignment 2

Due: 19/04/2015
Weighting: 30%

This assignment requires you to change your AB (Assignment 1) into a review paper. Use your AB (the introduction, the annotations and reflections, and the conclusion) and write an essay to discuss and highlight the major themes related to your chosen topic. The AB should provide you with enough content to write the review paper, however, you may want to do further search in the databases and add more content if necessary to enhance your review paper. Attend to the comments you received on your AB to improve your second assignment. The structure of the review paper will follow an introduction, body and conclusion as elaborated below.

Further details in the Unit Guide.

On successful completion you will be able to:

1. Identify a research topic or area of interest
2. Critically review & evaluate literature (published papers) related to the topic of your research
4. Synthesise and write up a literature review with the goal of showing gaps
5. Formulate and refine research questions and/or state relevant hypotheses

Assignment 3

Due: 12/06/2015
Weighting: 40%

Assignment 3 is a proposal for a research project and is based on Assignments 1 and 2 with some additional sections. Use assignments 1 and 2 and the comments and feedback you received to prepare your proposal.

Details of how to prepare Assignment 3 can be found in the Unit Guide.

On successful completion you will be able to:

1. Identify a research topic or area of interest
5. Formulate and refine research questions and/or state relevant hypotheses
6. Propose a study with appropriate methodology for studying the specific research questions with an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of alternative methods and analysis of ethical issues

Active Participation

Due: Semester wide
Weighting: 5%

Both internal (on-campus) and external (distance) students should take part in
learning and teaching activities throughout the semester. For internal students, these will include
attending lectures (for internal students), presentations, and participation in face-to-face in-class, and possibly online discussion.

For external students, active participation will include group presentation in Week 3, and at least 3 other postings related to review of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research. You are encouraged to post a brief report of the papers identified for reading on any of these research paradigms. This excludes your responses to other students’ postings and the initial introduction of yourself and your topics. Also, use the “Glossary” part to define (briefly) and describe research concepts and terms. This will help you to consolidate your understanding of key terms and will give others a chance to read and understand those concepts. There is also a Wiki where you can post more lengthy definitions as well as useful sources you come across. Glossary and Wiki contributions are not included in the active participation but will enhance your learning.

On successful completion you will be able to:

1. Identify a research topic or area of interest
2. Critically review & evaluate literature (published papers) related to the topic of your research
3. Describe the basic underlying principles of research paradigms (quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods) and research methods

Delivery and Resources

Teaching and Learning Strategies

The learning and teaching strategies used in this Unit are individual study, in-class face to face lectures and in-class and online discussions through Forum.

The unit convenor will be monitoring the online discussions. If you have any general questions, concerns, and comments these may be posted on the Forum facility. However, should you have any personal issues (e.g. requests for extensions etc.) then these should be addressed directly to the unit convenor at mehdi.riazi@mq.edu.au

Online discussion provides students (especially distance/external students) the opportunity to interact and exchange ideas with other classmates to consolidate their understanding of theoretical concepts. Both internal and external students are therefore urged to take part in online discussion of different topics.

Resources

We use the following texts in this unit. The first one is “required” (you must have a copy), and the other ones are “optional” (you may or may not have a copy) for further reading.

Dornyei, Z. (2007) Research methods in applied linguistics. Oxford: Oxford University Press. (Required)

Kumar, R. (2014)(4^th ed.). Research methodology: A step-by-step guide for beginners. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. (Optional)

Paltridge, B., & Phakiti, A. (eds.)(2010). Continuum companion to research methods in applied linguistics. London: Continuum International Publishing Group. (Optional)

Other recommended texts and articles can be found in the Unit Guide.

Unit Schedule

Week

Topic

Lecturer

Required reading(s)

Recommended readings

Tasks & Assignments

24/02/15

Overview of the unit

Conceptualising research: What is research & why we do it?

Research process

Primary vs. Secondary research

Mehdi Riazi

Dornyei (2007) Chapter 1

Check Part II of Paltridge & Phakiti (2010) for examples of areas of interest

Kumar (2014). The Research Process: A Quick Glance

Identify your area of interest to be discussed in class & online

Introduce yourself and your area of interest in “Forum”

03/03/15

Knowing about and searching databases

Literature review

Mehdi Riazi

Overview of research databases in “Files” folder in iLearn

Kumar (2014). Reviewing the Literature

Randolph (2009)

[Internal students may bring their Laptop to do some hands-on research activities in class]

10/03/15

Overview of three research paradigms: quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods

Quality criteria: Issues of reliability & validity

Mehdi Riazi

Dornyei (2007)

Chapter 2 & 3

Riazi & Candlin (2014)

Group presentations: Each group to present on three features of each research paradigm

Internal students (ISs) present in class

External students (ESs) present in “Forum”

17/03/15

Longitudinal vs. cross-sectional research

Mehdi Riazi

Dornyei (2007)

Chapter 4

Assignment 1 is due on Sunday March 22^nd at 23:55 Sydney time

24/03/15

Surveys and correlational studies

Mehdi Riazi

Dornyei (2007) Related parts in Chapters 5 & 9

Paltridge & Phakiti (2010) Chapter 3

Read sample survey study in “Files” folder in iLearn

ISs: Discuss in class

ESs: Post brief reflections in “Forum”

31/03/15

Experimental studies

Mehdi Riazi

Dornyei (2007) Related parts in Chapter 5 & 9

Paltridge & Phakiti (2010) Chapter 2

Read sample experimental study in “Files” folder in iLearn

ISs: Discuss in class

ESs: Post brief reflections in “Forum”

Mid-term Break (April 03-19) Assignment 2 is due on Sunday April 19^th at 23:55 Sydney Time

21/04/15

Classroom-based research

Mehdi Riazi

Dornyei (2007)

Chapter 8

Paltridge & Phakiti (2010) Chapters 7 & 19

Read sample classroom & action research in “Files” folder in iLearn

ISs: Discuss in class

ESs: Post brief reflections in “Forum”

28/04/15

Case study and ethnographic research

Mehdi Riazi

Dornyei (2007) Chapter 6

Paltridge & Phakiti (2010) Chapters 5 & 6

Richards (2009)

Read sample case study and ethnography research in “Files” folder in iLearn

ISs: Discuss in class

ESs: Post brief reflections in “Forum”

05/05/15

Quantitative & qualitative data analysis

Mehdi Riazi

Dornyei (2007) Chapters 9 & 10

Paltridge & Phakiti (2010) Chapters 4 & 8

Brown (1991)

Familiarize yourself with SPSS & NVivo

12/05/15

Mixed-methods research

Mehdi Riazi

Dornyei (2007) Chapter 7

Riazi & Candlin (2014)

Teddlie & Tashakkori (2006)

Read sample mixed-methods study in “Files” folder in iLearn

ISs: Discuss in class

ESs: Post brief reflections in “Forum”

19/05/15

Summing up: How to choose the appropriate research method

Mehdi Riazi

Dornyei (2007) Chapter 14

26/05/15

Research as argument

Writing academically (Writer/researcher’s voice)

Mehdi Riazi

Dornyei (2007) Chapers 12 & 13

Handouts:

1.Features of academic writing

2.Relating to sources and expressing your own voice

3.Organising your argument

The following two “Online Writing Labs” are also very useful:

http://www.roanestate.edu/owl/

https://owl.english.purdue.edu/

Kumar (2014). STEP VIII: Writing a research report

Go to: http://www.ling.mq.edu.au/support/policies_plagiarism.htm

Make yourself familiar with all the information contained on this link

02/06/15

Ethical issues in research*

Mehdi Riazi

Dornyei (2007) Chapter 3 Section 3.2

Handout:

Ethical issues in human sciences

Thomas (2009)

Rieschild (2003)

Assignment 3 due on Friday June 12^th at 23:55 Sydney Time

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html

Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html

Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html

Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html

Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.

In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/

Results

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/.

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative

Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

3. Describe the basic underlying principles of research paradigms (quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods) and research methods
5. Formulate and refine research questions and/or state relevant hypotheses
6. Propose a study with appropriate methodology for studying the specific research questions with an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of alternative methods and analysis of ethical issues

Assessment tasks

Assignment 2
Assignment 3
Active Participation

PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills

Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

1. Identify a research topic or area of interest
2. Critically review & evaluate literature (published papers) related to the topic of your research
3. Describe the basic underlying principles of research paradigms (quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods) and research methods
4. Synthesise and write up a literature review with the goal of showing gaps
5. Formulate and refine research questions and/or state relevant hypotheses
6. Propose a study with appropriate methodology for studying the specific research questions with an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of alternative methods and analysis of ethical issues

Assessment tasks

Assignment 1
Assignment 2
Assignment 3
Active Participation

PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

1. Identify a research topic or area of interest
2. Critically review & evaluate literature (published papers) related to the topic of your research
3. Describe the basic underlying principles of research paradigms (quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods) and research methods
4. Synthesise and write up a literature review with the goal of showing gaps
5. Formulate and refine research questions and/or state relevant hypotheses
6. Propose a study with appropriate methodology for studying the specific research questions with an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of alternative methods and analysis of ethical issues

Assessment tasks

Assignment 1
Assignment 2
Assignment 3
Active Participation

PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability

Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

5. Formulate and refine research questions and/or state relevant hypotheses
6. Propose a study with appropriate methodology for studying the specific research questions with an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of alternative methods and analysis of ethical issues

Assessment tasks

Assignment 2
Assignment 3

PG - Effective Communication

Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

3. Describe the basic underlying principles of research paradigms (quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods) and research methods
4. Synthesise and write up a literature review with the goal of showing gaps
6. Propose a study with appropriate methodology for studying the specific research questions with an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of alternative methods and analysis of ethical issues

Assessment tasks

Assignment 2
Assignment 3
Active Participation

PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens

Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

6. Propose a study with appropriate methodology for studying the specific research questions with an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of alternative methods and analysis of ethical issues

Assessment task

Assignment 3