[计算机软件及应用]SPSS课件.ppt

Empirical Research Methodsin Language Studies 1. A General Introduction Content Definition of Research Types of Empirical Research Approaches to Empirical Research Components of a Research Report Empirical Research Language Studies Assignment 1 I. Definition of Research 1.1 A specific and strict definition 1.2 A general and flexible definition 1.3 A definition of empirical research 1.1 A 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) 1.2 A Flexible Definition “Research by teachers is systematic self-conscious inquiry with the purpose of understanding and improving their practice.” (Hopkins, 1993: 9) 1.3 An Empirical Research It is generally agreed, however, that “empirical research” is data-driven, that is, the inquiry is based on systematic collection and analysis of data. II. Two Types of Empirical Research Quantitative Positivism Controlled “Objective” Removed from data, etic view Verification oriented Test hypothesis Outcome oriented Hard replicable data Qualitative Phenomenologism Naturalistic “Subjective” Close to data, emic view Discovery oriented Generate hypothesis Process oriented Rich deep data III. Approaches to Empirical Research 3.1 Descriptive research 3.2 Historical research 3.3 Correlational research 3.4 Causal-comparative research 3.5 Experimental research 3.1 Descriptive Research Descriptive research involves collecting data in order to answer questions concerning the current status of the subject of the study. A descriptive study reports the way things are. Descriptive research includes self-report research (e.g., survey developmental studies) and observational research (e.g., case study ethnography). Survey It is an attempt to collect data from members of a population in order to determine the current status of that population with respect to one or more variables (e.g., opinion poll