Students

APPL902 – Research Methods in Language Study

2017 – S1 External

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Mehdi Riazi
Melanie Moscatt
Credit points Credit points
4
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MAppLing or PGDipAppLing or MAppLingTESOL or MTransInter or MConfInt or MTransInterMAppLingTESOL
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
APPL701
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:

  • Identify a research topic or area of interest
  • Critically review and evaluate literature (published articles) related to the topic of your research
  • Describe the basic underlying principles of research paradigms (quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods)
  • Know the research methods related to each research paradigm
  • Synthesise and write up a literature review
  • Formulate and refine research questions and/or state relevant hypotheses
  • Propose a small-scale study with appropriate methodology for investigating specific research questions
  • Implement and report the results of a small-scale replication study

General Assessment Information

All the three assignments must be uploaded by 11:55 pm Sydney Time on March 26, April 23, and June 25 respectively. All students, including internal and external, must login into iLearn and upload their assignment files through “Turnitin” program. No need to use a coversheet. 

Please do NOT submit the assignment in hardcopy.

For each assignment, you must:

  • submit the assignment in Word or RTF format
  • add a footer to each page of the assignment, with page numbering, your name and student number, and “APPL902” clearly marked
  • use 1.5 line space for the main text, and single-spaced for references
  • use the appropriate file name for the attachment (see below).

Assignments submitted electronically will be marked and returned electronically.

Please submit assignments one time only.

Subject headers

When uploading assignments, please use the subject headings:

  • APPL902 ass1
  • APPL902 ass2
  • APPL902 ass3

Note:

Requesting an extension to assignment due date

Extensions are only given in special circumstances, by the unit convenor either by email before the due date, or by completing the Special Consideration request at ask.mq.edu.au. For more information on Special Consideration, see 

http://www.student.mq.edu.au/studentconnect/Special%20Consideration.html

Late submission of assignments

a) Unless students have negotiated an extension based on documented evidence of significant disruption to their studies, a penalty of 5% per day will apply to late submission of assignments. 

b) Again, unless otherwise negotiated, assignments will not be accepted at all AFTER the date on which the marked assignments are returned to all students in the unit. 

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Literature Review 25% No 26/03/2017
Research Proposal 30% No 23/04/2017
Replication Study 40% No 25/06/2017
Active Participation 5% No 25/06/2017

Literature Review

Due: 26/03/2017
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 should 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 (what problem was investigated using which methods and with what results?). The third part of the annotation should include your reflection (a critical evaluation of the study) and its relevance to the theme of the AB (your chosen topic or area of interest). Roughly, the summary and the evaluation of each stud should have a 70% to 30% proportion.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Identify a research topic or area of interest
  • Critically review and evaluate literature (published articles) related to the topic of your research
  • Know the research methods related to each research paradigm
  • Synthesise and write up a literature review

Research Proposal

Due: 23/04/2017
Weighting: 30%

Assignment 2 is a proposal for a small-scale replication project. Choose the article you suggested for replication in assignment 1 and write your proposal for a small-scale replication study. You may reduce the scope of the replication in terms of research questions, data collection instruments, sample, data collection and analysis procedures, etc. to cope with the time constraints you have.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Describe the basic underlying principles of research paradigms (quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods)
  • Know the research methods related to each research paradigm
  • Formulate and refine research questions and/or state relevant hypotheses
  • Propose a small-scale study with appropriate methodology for investigating specific research questions

Replication Study

Due: 25/06/2017
Weighting: 40%

Assignment 3 is a research report of the small-scale replication project you completed. Follow the structure of the original article you chose for replication. However, each section should be much shorter to meet the word limit of the assignment. You may import some of the sections from Assignment 2, but adjust them to fit the scope of the third assignment.  


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Implement and report the results of a small-scale replication study

Active Participation

Due: 25/06/2017
Weighting: 5%

Both internal (on-campus) and external (distance) students should take part in learning and teaching activities throughout the semester. For internal students, this include attending lectures, presentations, and participation in class discussion. If you are an internal student, participation in online discussion is optional (although you are most welcome do so). For external students, active participation will include the ‘topic’ presentation in Week 3, and at least three other initial postings in response to the discussion topics posted throughout the semester (review and reflections on quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods sample studies). This excludes your responses to other students’ postings and the initial introduction of yourself and your topics. 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Identify a research topic or area of interest
  • Describe the basic underlying principles of research paradigms (quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods)

Delivery and Resources

DELIVERY AND RESOURCES

The learning and teaching strategies used in this Unit include individual study, in-class face to face lectures and in-class and online discussion Forums. Face-to-face weekly lectures include two-hour lecture and one-hour tutorial.

The unit convenor will be monitoring the online discussion. If you have any general questions, concerns, and comments these may be posted on the Forum in iLearn. 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 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 urged to take part in online discussion as relate to weekly topics.

Required Textbook:

The following text is the “required” (you must have a copy) text for this unit.

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

The following books are “optional” (you’re urged to consult them). You may want to buy them, but you can also access them through library for further readings on research methods.

Riazi. A.M. (2016). The Routledge Encyclopedia of Research Methods in Applied Linguistics. London: Routledge.

Paltridge, B., & Phakiti, A. (eds.)(2015). Research methods in applied linguistics. NY: Bloomsbury Publications.

Riazi, A.M. (2017). Mixed methods research in language teaching and learning. London: Equinox.

These texts should be able to provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and to conduct research projects in (applied) linguistics. You might refer to the related chapters in the books as we proceed to different topics in the unit outline. Use table of contents and index of the books to find particular concepts and topics related to each week’s topic. 

Unit Schedule

Week

Topic

Lecturer

Required reading(s)

Recommended readings

Tasks & Assignments

1

27/02/17

Overview of the unit and assignments

 

Primary vs. Secondary research

Mehdi Riazi

 

 

 

Dornyei (2007) Chapter 1

 

Check Part II of Paltridge & Phakiti (2015) for examples of areas of interest

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

Introduce yourself and your area of interest in “Forum”

2

06/03/17

 

 

 

Knowing about and searching databases

 

 

Mehdi Riazi

 

Overview of research databases in “Files” folder in iLearn

--

 

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

External students to do this activity in their leisure time]

 

3

13/03/17

 

 

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

Quality criteria: Issues of reliability & validity

Mehdi Riazi

Dornyei (2007)

Chapter 2 & 3

 

Dornyei (2007) Chapters 9 & 10

Riazi & Candlin (2014)

 

 

 

Paltridge & Phakiti (2015) Chapters 2 & 3

Brown (1991)

 

 

Presentation of research topics

 

Internal students (ISs) present in class

External students (ESs) present in “Forum”

4

20/03/17

Longitudinal vs. cross-sectional research

Mehdi Riazi

Dornyei (2007)

Chapter 4

--

Assignment 1 is due on Sunday March 26th at 23:55 Sydney time

 

 

5

27/03/17

 

Surveys and correlational studies

Mehdi Riazi

Dornyei (2007) Related parts in Chapters 5 & 9

 

Paltridge & Phakiti (2015) Chapter 5

 

 

 

 

 

Read sample survey study in “Files” folder in iLearn

ISs: Discuss in class

ESs: Post brief reflections in “Forum”

6

03/04/17

 

Experimental studies

Mehdi Riazi

Dornyei (2007) Related parts in Chapter 5 & 9

 

 

Paltridge & Phakiti (2015) Chapter 6

 

Read sample experimental study in “Files” folder in iLearn

ISs: Discuss in class

ESs: Post brief reflections in “Forum”

7

10/04/17

 

Discussion and elaboration on Assignments 2 & 3

Mehdi Riazi

Dornyei (2007) Chapters 12 & 13

 

--

Register your selected article for replication with unit convenor.

Draft your proposal for replication study

Mid-term Break (April 17 & 24) Assignment 2 is due on Sunday April 23rd at 23:55 Sydney Time

 

8

01/05/17

 

Classroom-based research

 

 

Mehdi Riazi

Dornyei (2007)

Chapter 8

Paltridge & Phakiti (2015) Chapter 11

 

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

 

ISs: Discuss in class

ESs: Post brief reflections in “Forum”

9

08/05/17

 

Case study and ethnographic research

 

Mehdi Riazi

Dornyei (2007) Chapter 6

 

Paltridge & Phakiti (2015) Chapters 7 & 8

 

Richards (2009)

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

 

ISs: Discuss in class

ESs: Post brief reflections in “Forum”

10

15/05/17

Discourse analysis and narrative inquiry

Mehdi Riazi

Norris (2013)

Pomerantz (2013)

Benson (2014)

 

Paltridge & Phakiti (2015) Chapters 10 & 12

 

Read sample discourse analysis and narrative inquiry in “Files” folder in iLearn

 

ISs: Discuss in class

ESs: Post brief reflections in “Forum”

11

22/05/17

Mixed-methods research-Part 1

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”

12

29/05/17

 

 

Mixed-methods research-Part 2

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”

13

05/06/17

 

 

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 Sunday June 25th 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_2016.html

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

Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html​

Disruption to Studies Policy (in effect until Dec 4th, 2017): http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html

Special Consideration Policy (in effect from Dec 4th, 2017): https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration

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://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources 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

  • Describe the basic underlying principles of research paradigms (quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods)
  • Formulate and refine research questions and/or state relevant hypotheses
  • Propose a small-scale study with appropriate methodology for investigating specific research questions
  • Implement and report the results of a small-scale replication study

Assessment tasks

  • Literature Review
  • Research Proposal
  • 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

  • Identify a research topic or area of interest
  • Describe the basic underlying principles of research paradigms (quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods)
  • Know the research methods related to each research paradigm
  • Synthesise and write up a literature review
  • Formulate and refine research questions and/or state relevant hypotheses
  • Propose a small-scale study with appropriate methodology for investigating specific research questions
  • Implement and report the results of a small-scale replication study

Assessment tasks

  • Literature Review
  • Research Proposal
  • 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

  • Critically review and evaluate literature (published articles) related to the topic of your research
  • Synthesise and write up a literature review
  • Propose a small-scale study with appropriate methodology for investigating specific research questions
  • Implement and report the results of a small-scale replication study

Assessment tasks

  • Literature Review
  • Research Proposal
  • 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

  • Formulate and refine research questions and/or state relevant hypotheses
  • Propose a small-scale study with appropriate methodology for investigating specific research questions
  • Implement and report the results of a small-scale replication study

Assessment tasks

  • Research Proposal
  • Active Participation

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

  • Critically review and evaluate literature (published articles) related to the topic of your research
  • Synthesise and write up a literature review
  • Formulate and refine research questions and/or state relevant hypotheses
  • Propose a small-scale study with appropriate methodology for investigating specific research questions
  • Implement and report the results of a small-scale replication study

Assessment tasks

  • Literature Review
  • Research Proposal
  • 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 outcomes

  • Formulate and refine research questions and/or state relevant hypotheses
  • Propose a small-scale study with appropriate methodology for investigating specific research questions
  • Implement and report the results of a small-scale replication study

Assessment tasks

  • Research Proposal
  • Active Participation

Changes from Previous Offering

There is now a change in assessment tasks. A replication study is now added which replaces the literature review in previous offerings of this unit.