The aim of this course is to introduce students to research methods currently employed within the field of Applied Linguistics. Students will learn about the ontological and epistemological foundations that underpin research conducted under various paradigms. They will examine the strengths and weaknesses of the methods under discussion and develop a comprehensive understanding of the types of knowledge claims that can be made when adopting different research methodologies. Students will plan, conduct, and write up an original research study and thereby gain first-hand experience of utilizing diverse research methods. They will become familiar with a variety of analytic frameworks for examining various forms of data such as discourse analysis, interview analysis and narrative analysis.

 

Required text: Paltridge, B., & Phakiti, A. (Eds.). (2015). Research methods in applied linguistics: A practical resource. Bloomsbury Publishing. (Additional readings will be provided.)