Students
APPL701 – Designing and Conducting Language-related Research
2017 – S1 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Mehdi Riazi
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| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MRes
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
APPL902
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| Unit description |
Unit description
Acquiring advanced research knowledge and developing research skills is integral to and a core element in master of research program. In this unit students will be exposed to main research methodologies including quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods; they will also be involved with research activities through learning and assessment tasks. By completing this unit, it is anticipated that students master critical concepts in research and be able to apply different research methods by preparing research proposals on topics of their interest.
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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 areas of interest and express appropriate research questions
- Demonstrate a coherent knowledge of the principles and concepts of research
- Explain various processes and procedures that are integral to language-related research
- Conduct advanced searching of different databases and critically evaluate the relevance of the sources
- Apply advanced skills in research proposal writing
- Demonstrate the ability to collect and analyse data
- Apply ethical issues in research
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. You must login into iLearn and upload your assignment files through “Turnitin” program.
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).
Subject headers
When uploading assignments, please use the subject headings:
- APPL701 ass1
- APPL701 ass2
- APPL701 ass3
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Searching Literature | 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 |
Searching Literature
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 areas of interest and express appropriate research questions
- Conduct advanced searching of different databases and critically evaluate the relevance of the sources
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:
- Identify areas of interest and express appropriate research questions
- Demonstrate a coherent knowledge of the principles and concepts of research
- Explain various processes and procedures that are integral to language-related research
- Conduct advanced searching of different databases and critically evaluate the relevance of the sources
- Apply advanced skills in research proposal writing
- Apply ethical issues in research
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:
- Demonstrate a coherent knowledge of the principles and concepts of research
- Explain various processes and procedures that are integral to language-related research
- Demonstrate the ability to collect and analyse data
- Apply ethical issues in research
Active Participation
Due: 25/06/2017
Weighting: 5%
Students should take part in learning and teaching activities throughout the semester and contribute to the discussions. Participation in online discussion is optional (although you are most welcome do so).
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Identify areas of interest and express appropriate research questions
- Explain various processes and procedures that are integral to language-related research
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.
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
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Week |
Topic |
Lecturer |
Required reading(s) |
Recommended readings |
Tasks & Assignments |
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1 27/02/17 |
Overview of the unit and assignments
Primary vs. Secondary research |
Mehdi Riazi |
Dornyei (2007) Chapter 1
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Check Part II of Paltridge & Phakiti (2015) for examples of areas of interest
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Identify your area of interest (topic) to be discussed in class & online
Introduce yourself and your area of interest in “Forum” |
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2 06/03/17
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Knowing about and searching databases
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Mehdi Riazi
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Overview of research databases in “Files” folder in iLearn |
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[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]
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3 13/03/17
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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)
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Presentation of research topics
Internal students (ISs) present in class External students (ESs) present in “Forum” |
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4 20/03/17 |
Longitudinal vs. cross-sectional research |
Mehdi Riazi |
Dornyei (2007) Chapter 4 |
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Assignment 1 is due on Sunday March 26th at 23:55 Sydney time
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5 27/03/17
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Surveys and correlational studies |
Mehdi Riazi |
Dornyei (2007) Related parts in Chapters 5 & 9
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Paltridge & Phakiti (2015) Chapter 5
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Read sample survey study in “Files” folder in iLearn ISs: Discuss in class ESs: Post brief reflections in “Forum” |
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6 03/04/17
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Experimental studies |
Mehdi Riazi |
Dornyei (2007) Related parts in Chapter 5 & 9
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Paltridge & Phakiti (2015) Chapter 6
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Read sample experimental study in “Files” folder in iLearn ISs: Discuss in class ESs: Post brief reflections in “Forum” |
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7 10/04/17
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Discussion and elaboration on Assignments 2 & 3 |
Mehdi Riazi |
Dornyei (2007) Chapters 12 & 13
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Register your selected article for replication with unit convenor. Draft your proposal for replication study |
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Mid-term Break (April 17 & 24) Assignment 2 is due on Sunday April 23rd at 23:55 Sydney Time
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8 01/05/17
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Classroom-based research
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Mehdi Riazi |
Dornyei (2007) Chapter 8 |
Paltridge & Phakiti (2015) Chapter 11
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Read sample classroom & action research in “Files” folder in iLearn
ISs: Discuss in class ESs: Post brief reflections in “Forum” |
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9 08/05/17
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Case study and ethnographic research
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Mehdi Riazi |
Dornyei (2007) Chapter 6
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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” |
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10 15/05/17 |
Discourse analysis and narrative inquiry |
Mehdi Riazi |
Norris (2013) Pomerantz (2013) Benson (2014)
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Paltridge & Phakiti (2015) Chapters 10 & 12
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Read sample discourse analysis and narrative inquiry in “Files” folder in iLearn
ISs: Discuss in class ESs: Post brief reflections in “Forum” |
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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” |
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12 29/05/17
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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” |
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13 05/06/17
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Ethical issues in research* |
Mehdi Riazi |
Dornyei (2007) Chapter 3 Section 3.2 Handout: Ethical issues in human sciences |
Thomas (2009)
Rieschild (2003)
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Assignment 3 due on Sunday June 25th at 23:55 Sydney Time
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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
- Explain various processes and procedures that are integral to language-related research
- Conduct advanced searching of different databases and critically evaluate the relevance of the sources
- Apply advanced skills in research proposal writing
- Demonstrate the ability to collect and analyse data
Assessment tasks
- Research Proposal
- Replication Study
- 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 areas of interest and express appropriate research questions
- Demonstrate a coherent knowledge of the principles and concepts of research
- Explain various processes and procedures that are integral to language-related research
- Conduct advanced searching of different databases and critically evaluate the relevance of the sources
- Apply advanced skills in research proposal writing
- Demonstrate the ability to collect and analyse data
Assessment tasks
- Searching Literature
- Research Proposal
- Replication Study
- 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
- Demonstrate a coherent knowledge of the principles and concepts of research
- Conduct advanced searching of different databases and critically evaluate the relevance of the sources
- Apply advanced skills in research proposal writing
- Demonstrate the ability to collect and analyse data
Assessment tasks
- Searching Literature
- Research Proposal
- Replication Study
- 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
- Explain various processes and procedures that are integral to language-related research
- Conduct advanced searching of different databases and critically evaluate the relevance of the sources
- Apply advanced skills in research proposal writing
- Demonstrate the ability to collect and analyse data
Assessment tasks
- Research Proposal
- Replication Study
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
- Identify areas of interest and express appropriate research questions
- Demonstrate a coherent knowledge of the principles and concepts of research
- Explain various processes and procedures that are integral to language-related research
- Conduct advanced searching of different databases and critically evaluate the relevance of the sources
- Apply advanced skills in research proposal writing
- Demonstrate the ability to collect and analyse data
Assessment tasks
- Research Proposal
- Replication Study
- 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
- Apply advanced skills in research proposal writing
- Demonstrate the ability to collect and analyse data
- Apply ethical issues in research
Assessment tasks
- Research Proposal
- Replication Study
Changes from Previous Offering
A change has been made in the assessment tasks. A replication study and its report is now added as a new assignment. A