Universidad de Jaén

1. What is research?

1.1. What do we understand by research?

            1.1.1. Basic components

            1.1.2. Four types of knowledge

                        1.1.2.1. Knowledge as belief

                        1.1.2.2. Knowledge as authority

                        1.1.2.3. A priori knowledge

                        1.1.2.4. Empirical knowledge

            1.1.3. A working definition

1.2. Requisites of valid research

            1.2.1. General requirements

            1.2.2. Reliability

            1.2.3. Validity

            1.2.4. Data triangulation

            1.2.5. Requisites for research to be considered scientific

 2.  Research methods in Applied Linguistics

2.1. Types of research

            2.1.1. General framework: basic or theoretical, applied, and practical

            2.1.2. Source of information: primary and secondary

            2.1.3. Approach: synthetic or global, and analytic

            2.1.4. Purpose: heuristic or inductive, and deductive

            2.1.5. Data format: qualitative and quantitative

2.1.6. Method of data collection: non-experimental, quasi-experimental, and experimental

2.1.7. Time of data collection: longitudinal or diachronic, and cross-sectional or synchronic

2.1.8. Data analysis: interpretive and statistical

2.2. Qualitative research

            2.2.1. Definition

2.2.2. Main features

2.3. Quantitative research

            2.3.1. Frequencies

            2.3.2. Central tendency measures

            2.3.3. Variability

 3.  Research design

3.1. Starting the project

            3.1.1. Suggested steps

            3.1.2. A possible model of a research outline

3.2. The literature review: some useful suggestions

3.3. Data collection procedures

3.3.1. Classroom observation

            3.3.1.1. Spontaneous observation

            3.3.1.2. Structured observation

3.3.2. Questionnaires

            3.3.2.1. General features

            3.3.2.2. Types: closed-ended, open-ended, and mixed

            3.3.2.3. Some useful recommendations for administration

3.3.3. Interviews

            3.3.3.1. Spontaneous or non-structured interviews

            3.3.3.2. Semi-structured interviews

            3.3.3.3. Structured interviews

3.3.4. Diaries: general aspects

3.3.5. Surveys

3.3.6. Tests: main types and formats

3.3.7. Protocols: definition and types

3.3.8. Verbal reports: different taxonomies

3.4. Data analysis tools

            3.4.1. Qualitative analysis

            3.4.2. Quantitative analysis

3.4.3. Basic statistical techniques

            3.4.3.1. Central tendency measures: mean, mode, and median

            3.4.3.2. Variability measures: standard deviation

            3.4.3.3. Correlational techniques

            3.4.3.4. Multivariate procedures

            3.4.3.5. Experimental procedures

 4. PRESENTING RESEARCH

4.1. Introductory aspects to be taken into account

4.2. Possible formats according to different purposes

4.3. In-text citation conventions

4.4. Citing bibliographical references

 5.  Writing an MA Dissertation

5.1. Deciding on your research project: practical considerations to help you.

5.2. Main sections in a research project:

5.2.1. Introduction

5.2.2. Literature review

5.2.3. Methodology

5.2.4. Results and discussion

5.2.5. Limitations of the study

5.2.6. Lines for future research

5.2.7. Conclusion

5.2.8. References

5.3. Critical analysis of some sample research

5.4. Planning your own research project: useful suggestions

 6.  Preparing and delivering the viva voce

6.1. Common pitfalls in oral presentations and how to overcome them

6.2. Structuring oral presentations

6.3. When and how to rehearse

6.4. Presentational aids

6.5. Involving and responding to your audience

6.6. Verbal and non-verbal communication: useful language, fluency, accuracy, and the importance of gestures and eye-contact

6.7. Responding to questions  

M5 Group/Individual tutorials on the virtual platform and through e-mail: supervision of tutored assignments.

M7 Group/Individual tutorials through video recordings: Debates.

M8 Collective/individual tutorials through video recordings and e-mail: clarification of doubts.

M9 Collective/Individual tutorials through video recordings: comments on individual assignments.

Students with special educational needs should contact the Student Attention Service (Servicio de Atención y Ayudas al Estudiante) in order to receive the appropriate academic support

S8 Active participation in the virtual debates in the Group Forum within the allocated dates (debates, case studies or tasks). 40%

S10 Submission of a written assignment evincing that the student masters the main concepts in the subject. 60%

EVALUATION CRITERIA FOR THE PARTICIPATION IN THE VIRTUAL DEBATES (GROUP FORUM):

- Degree of participation.

- Active involvement in the topics for debate.

- Degree of interaction with the other members of the group in the forum.

- Originality in the debate contributions.

EVALUATION CRITERIA FOR THE WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT:

- Adequacy to the assigned topic.

- Organization and structural clarity.

- Grammar accuracy.

- Lexical richness and appropriacy.

- The use of academic register.

- Application of specific terminology related to the subject.

- Appropriate use of  bibliographical references and citation conventions.

- Originality and critical stance.

It does not apply, since the subject is taught entirely online.

This subject is taught entirely online.

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