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SPHL705 – Advanced Topics and Methods in Speech Perception Research

2019 – S1 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Convener
Titia Benders
Anita Szakay
Credit points Credit points
4
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MRes
Corequisites Corequisites
SPHL701 or SPHL703 or SPHL704
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
In this advanced unit we study speech perception as the mapping between the speech signal (be it auditory or otherwise) and mental/phonological representations. After providing an in-depth theoretical analysis and literature review of the key topic of choice, we will move towards designing, implementing, and analysing the results of a pilot study addressing a cutting-edge research question in this domain. This unit provides students with essential theoretical and practical learning experiences that develop the concepts and skills necessary for advanced research in speech perception, and phonetics and phonology more generally.

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:

  • Critically evaluate and articulate concepts, past and current theory, and empirical findings around speech perception topics
  • Create and conduct methodologically valid and feasible experiments to test cutting-edge research questions
  • Analyse the results of speech perception experiments
  • Clearly communicate in spoken and written academic contexts both the outcomes and the implications of speech perception experiments

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Written Theory and Literature 30% No Week 7
Written Research Report 50% No End of Term
Oral Research Presentation 20% No End of Term

Written Theory and Literature

Due: Week 7
Weighting: 30%

Students conduct a scoping review on a current or emerging topic in the area of speech perception. To this end students 1) formulate a broad research question; 2) conduct a targeted literature search; 3) synthesise the literature in a written review; and 4) identify the key gaps in the literature.

Target length: 3000 words


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Critically evaluate and articulate concepts, past and current theory, and empirical findings around speech perception topics

Written Research Report

Due: End of Term
Weighting: 50%

Students conduct a pilot speech perception experiment to address the key gap in the literature as identified in the scoping review. This pilot study includes creation of stimuli, implementation of the procedure, collecting data, and analysis of results. Students report on this study an the outcomes in a research report.

Target length: 6000 words


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Create and conduct methodologically valid and feasible experiments to test cutting-edge research questions
  • Analyse the results of speech perception experiments
  • Clearly communicate in spoken and written academic contexts both the outcomes and the implications of speech perception experiments

Oral Research Presentation

Due: End of Term
Weighting: 20%

Students present their pilot study, set in the context of the past literature, to an audience of experts. Answering audience questions is explicitly part of the assessment.

Target duration: 20 minutes presentation + 20 minutes discussion


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Clearly communicate in spoken and written academic contexts both the outcomes and the implications of speech perception experiments

Delivery and Resources

The readings and other materials for this unit are entirely dependent on the students' research topic, and will be set in consultation with the project supervisor.

The students will meet weekly or biweekly, depending on their needs and the stage of the project, with the project supervisor.

Participation in the Phonetics & Phonology lab meetings is an import resource for students taking this unit.

 

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/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/study/getting-started/student-conduct​

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) 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 or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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

If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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

  • Create and conduct methodologically valid and feasible experiments to test cutting-edge research questions
  • Analyse the results of speech perception experiments

Assessment task

  • Written Research Report

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

  • Critically evaluate and articulate concepts, past and current theory, and empirical findings around speech perception topics
  • Create and conduct methodologically valid and feasible experiments to test cutting-edge research questions
  • Analyse the results of speech perception experiments
  • Clearly communicate in spoken and written academic contexts both the outcomes and the implications of speech perception experiments

Assessment tasks

  • Written Theory and Literature
  • Written Research Report
  • Oral Research Presentation

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 evaluate and articulate concepts, past and current theory, and empirical findings around speech perception topics
  • Create and conduct methodologically valid and feasible experiments to test cutting-edge research questions
  • Analyse the results of speech perception experiments
  • Clearly communicate in spoken and written academic contexts both the outcomes and the implications of speech perception experiments

Assessment tasks

  • Written Theory and Literature
  • Written Research Report
  • Oral Research Presentation

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

  • Create and conduct methodologically valid and feasible experiments to test cutting-edge research questions
  • Analyse the results of speech perception experiments
  • Clearly communicate in spoken and written academic contexts both the outcomes and the implications of speech perception experiments

Assessment tasks

  • Written Research Report
  • Oral Research Presentation

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 evaluate and articulate concepts, past and current theory, and empirical findings around speech perception topics
  • Clearly communicate in spoken and written academic contexts both the outcomes and the implications of speech perception experiments

Assessment tasks

  • Written Theory and Literature
  • Written Research Report
  • Oral Research Presentation