We use cookies on this website to improve the experience we provide. By continuing to use our site you agree to this, or visit our cookie policy to manage your settings.
Saved courses
Search website

Data, Theory and Method in Linguistics

Level: 7
Credit Rating: 20
Code: EGL7105
Tutor: Richard Ingham

Module Aims:

  1. To enable students to reflect on the nature of language data
  2. To consider some of the theoretical frameworks used in the study of language
  3. To consider methodolgical issues in language study and research

Module Description

Research methodology; definitions of language and linguistics; types of linguistic data; nature of statements and hypotheses made in social sciences; testing theory by observation; case studies.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the module students should be able to:

  1. understand what is meant by scientific method
  2. be able to criticise and evaluate the ways in which hypotheses are formulated and tested in linguistics
  3. conduct a literature search and produce a bibliography

Learning and Teaching Strategy

For all the modules on this programme, the module handbook guides the student through relevant topics in conjunction with recommended reading. The handbook includes many exercises, which encourage the students to reflect on and interact with the knowledge they are acquiring. Students may contact the module tutor at any point for support during their learning experience, using post, email or telephone as appropriate.

Assessment Strategy

Students will be expected to undertake:

(a) a research methods exercise, including a literature search, and producing an annotated bibliography (LO 3)
(b) two ‘case studies’, which may be either chosen from those that are presented in the module booklet, or designed by the student in consultation with tutors (LOs 1 & 2).

Each element of assessment should not exceed 3000 words (or equivalent).

Assessment Criteria

The research methods exercise should produce an up-to-date and critical bibliography of the chosen area of language study (LO 3).
In each case-study, the student is expected to assess critically the way in which some item of accepted knowledge about language is validated: each case study may specialise in one aspect of method – e.g. definitions, assumptions, method of data-collection, or analysis and inference (Los 1-2).

Assessment Dates

as specified in the module booklet

Method of Feedback To Students

individual written feedback on students' work

Learning Resources

In this module, little new reading is required: the focus of attention is the methods and assumptions involved in all the previous modules, and the sources are those of the previous modules. Students may also find the following useful in preparing for the dissertation:

Wray, A. et al. (1998) Projects in Linguistics, Arnold (ISBN: 0340652101)
Grix, J. (2004) The Foundations of Research, Palgrave (ISBN: 1403921458)
Wisker, G. (2001) The Postgraduate Research Handbook, Palgrave (ISBN: 0333747771)
Trask, R.L. (1998) Key Concepts in Language & Linguistics, Routledge (ISBN: 0415157420)
Malmkjaer, K. ed. (2004) The Linguistics Encyclopedia, Second Edition, Routledge (ISBN: 0415222109)