This course is designed to explore the nature of research in Second Language Acquisition (SLA) and to help situate students theoretically and methodologically in this research domain. We will investigate both qualitative and quantitative approaches, with slightly more emphasis on quantitative research design. The course will cover processes of conducting research, from identifying problems, formulating research questions, collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data, to writing up research for presentation and publication.
Course Objectives include:
1. Build awareness of practical and ethical issues in doing second language research
2. Read, analyze, and synthesize literature related to SLA
3. Understand the key concepts and vocabulary frequently used by SLA researchers and applied linguists
4. Examine issues of data collection, data analysis, research design, and writing for publication in relation to SLA and applied linguistics research
5. Compare and contrast research designs and methods and identify examples of each
6. Explore various research strategies used in qualitative and quantitative research
7. Write a research proposal or research paper