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79371-01 - Research seminar: Advanced Research Methods in English Second Language Acquisition (4 CP)
| Semester | fall semester 2026 |
| Course frequency | Irregular |
| Lecturers | Zeynep Köylü (zeynep.koylu@unibas.ch, Assessor) |
| Content | This course is designed to help emerging SLA scholars advance in data analysis methods in the quantitative paradigm using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The classes are designed in a workshop format to give you opportunities for guidance and feedback on performing a variety of quantitative analyses commonly used in SLA research. The topics covered include data types in SLA, correlations, t-tests, ANOVAs (one-way, factorial, and repeated-measures), MANOVAs, issues regarding power and effect sizes, multiple regression, ANCOVA, mixed effects modelling, and cluster analysis through the inspection of empirical studies which have employed such data analysis procedures. Students will be asked to complete applied tasks designed to help them gain first-hand experience with different sorts of datasets and statistical tests. A brief introduction to qualitative data analysis and mixed methodologies will also be provided in comparison to the quantitative paradigm. No research happens in isolation: as researchers, we always rely on help, support, and assistance from others. Thus, collegial collaboration is expected from all students. |
| Learning objectives | By the end of this course students will be able to (1) distinguish the data types in SLA, (2) understand the differences between quantitative and qualitative research paradigms, (3) become familiar with a variety of quantitative methods and statistical tests to analyze data, (4) gain hands-on experience in research design and conceptualization, and (5) write a fully-developed research proposal. |
| Bibliography | • Larson-Hall, J. (2016). "A guide to doing statistics in second language research using SPSS and R" (2nd ed.). Routledge. • Mackey, A., & Gass, S. M. (2016). "Second language research: Methodology and design" (2nd ed.). Routledge. All (core and supplementary) readings will be made available on ADAM. |
| Comments | Please also note that the required software for this class is SPSS, for which annual student subscription costs 30 CHF if you want to use your personal computers. You can get access to the software without any charges if you use the computer rooms in the Kollegienhaus (rooms Coco - 112 and Lychee -113) (please check if any pre-booking is required). Additional computer rooms might be arranged. |
| Weblink | ADAM |
| Admission requirements | This course is open to MA students of English and MSG Sprache und Kommunikation. |
| Course application | Please register for this course in Online Services. There is no separate ADAM registration for this research seminar. |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Use of digital media | Online, mandatory |
| Interval | Weekday | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| wöchentlich | Wednesday | 14.15-16.00 | Nadelberg 6, Grosser Hörsaal |
Dates
| Date | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday 16.09.2026 | 14.15-16.00 | Nadelberg 6, Grosser Hörsaal |
| Wednesday 23.09.2026 | 14.15-16.00 | Nadelberg 6, Grosser Hörsaal |
| Wednesday 30.09.2026 | 14.15-16.00 | Nadelberg 6, Grosser Hörsaal |
| Wednesday 07.10.2026 | 14.15-16.00 | Nadelberg 6, Grosser Hörsaal |
| Wednesday 14.10.2026 | 14.15-16.00 | Nadelberg 6, Grosser Hörsaal |
| Wednesday 21.10.2026 | 14.15-16.00 | Nadelberg 6, Grosser Hörsaal |
| Wednesday 28.10.2026 | 14.15-16.00 | Nadelberg 6, Grosser Hörsaal |
| Wednesday 04.11.2026 | 14.15-16.00 | Nadelberg 6, Grosser Hörsaal |
| Wednesday 11.11.2026 | 14.15-16.00 | Nadelberg 6, Grosser Hörsaal |
| Wednesday 18.11.2026 | 14.15-16.00 | Nadelberg 6, Grosser Hörsaal |
| Wednesday 25.11.2026 | 14.15-16.00 | Nadelberg 6, Grosser Hörsaal |
| Wednesday 02.12.2026 | 14.15-16.00 | Nadelberg 6, Grosser Hörsaal |
| Wednesday 09.12.2026 | 14.15-16.00 | Nadelberg 6, Grosser Hörsaal |
| Wednesday 16.12.2026 | 14.15-16.00 | Nadelberg 6, Grosser Hörsaal |
| Modules |
Modul: English Linguistics (Master's degree subject: English) Modul: Research in English Linguistics (Master's degree subject: English) Module: Language as System (Master's degree program: Language and Communication) Module: Research and Extension (Master's degree program: Language and Communication) |
| Assessment format | continuous assessment |
| Assessment details | • Participation to weekly data analysis tasks • Data analysis assignments (individual) • Research proposal (could be individual or pair-work) |
| Assessment registration/deregistration | Reg.: course registration; dereg.: not required |
| Repeat examination | no repeat examination |
| Scale | Pass / Fail |
| Repeated registration | as often as necessary |
| Responsible faculty | Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, studadmin-philhist@unibas.ch |
| Offered by | Fachbereich Englische Sprach- und Literaturwissenschaft |