研究方法讲座概要1.ppt

Introduction to Empirical Research Methodsin Language Studies Liu Yi Pre-writing Please write down your plan for your research. OUTLINE Definition of research. Categorization of research paradigms. Structure of a research report. Evaluation of a research project. Your research project. What Is Research Research: “a systematic approach to searching for answers to questions’ (Hatch and Lazarton, 1991: 9). ? what is meant by systematic? ? what is meant by questions? ? what is meant by answers? Different categorization Oppositional categorization. Four-parameter categorization (Van Lier, 1988) More specific/detailed categorization Empirical Research A specific and strict definition: “Research is a systematic process of inquiry consisting 3 elements: (1) a question, problem or hypothesis, (2) data, (3) analysis and interpretation of data.” (Nunan, 1992:3) It is generally agreed, however, that “empirical research” is data-driven, that is, the inquiry is based on systematic collection and analysis of data. 4 parameters in research design (Van Lier 1988) Chaudron (1988) Psychometric tradition Interaction analysis Discourse analysis Ethnography Grotjahn (1987) Two pure research paradigms: 1. exploratory-interpretive 2. analytical-nomological Five mixed forms. 1. Experimental-qualitative-interpretative 2. Experimental-qualitative-statistics 3. Exploratory-qualitatve-statistical 4. Exploratory-quantitative-statistical 5. Experimental-quantitative-interpretive Quantitative (or Positivist) orientations Objectivism: Assume that there is an objective Truth about social life that can be measured. (VS Subjectivism and experientialism) Questions: Start with Pre-formulated hypotheses, though these can be formed after observations of real behavior in real situations. Systematic: Are concerned largely with controlling variables’. Answers: Use statistical ways of measuring and quantifying these variables (Psychometric). Researche