Methods in linguistic research

obligatory courses

Classroom

This course surveys methodology employed in contemporary linguistic research. It demonstrates how experimental techniques can be employed to test predictions drawn from theoretical models and how empirical data can inform linguistic theory. The course provides a theoretical overview of quantitative and qualitative research, introduces data collection methods, experimental design and analysis. Topics in experimental design include standard techniques such as rating tasks, lexical decision tasks, matched guise and priming, and the measures include response times, eye-tracking, pupillometry, and event-related potentials They will be presented based on examples of studies, in a proper context, which will prepare students for independent research decisions in their subsequent work.

Knowledge: the graduate knows and understands:

-in depth, the complex structure of language as a system

-in-depth, specialized terminology in the fields of theoretical linguistics, corpus linguistics, neuroscience

-in-depth, the main directions of development and contemporary research trends in linguistics (theoretical, computational, cognitive, corpus, social/text linguistics) and knows where the most important linguistic research centers in Europe and the world are located

-in-depth, research methods used in: psycholinguistics, neurolinguistics, corpus linguistics, digital linguistics and text linguistics, as well as statistical models

-in-depth, the relationship of linguistics (theoretical, computational, cognitive, corpus linguistics) with other fields of (neuro)science

Skills: the graduate is able to:

-use in-depth theoretical and practical knowledge to carry out research work and solve complex problems in linguistics (theoretical, computational, cognitive, corpus, social/text linguistics) using appropriate methodology

-to an in-depth degree, search, analyze, evaluate and select information in the native language and foreign languages

-use advanced research tools of linguistics (theoretical, computational, cognitive, corpus-based) and select research methods appropriately to the problems undertaken

-use in-depth knowledge of linguistics (theoretical, computational, cognitive, corpus-based, social/text linguistics) through the selection and appropriate application of modern information and communication technology (including statistical, corpus, eye-tracking and EEG analysis software) when working with research data

-use in-depth knowledge of research methodologies (acoustic analysis, eye-tracking, EEG, corpus analysis, data analysis: R, Python) used in modern linguistics to plan and carry out a methodologically correct scientific study, as well as to analyze its results and identify implications

-use a foreign language to an advanced degree (C2 level) in specialized terminology in the field of linguistics (theoretical, computational, cognitive, corpus, social/text linguistics)

-communicate in native and foreign language in various professional situations with specialists, using various channels and communication techniques and strategies

-express one's own views and opinions orally and in writing in foreign languages and the native language, and present the views and arguments of third parties in foreign languages and the native language

-independently acquire knowledge in the field of linguistics (theoretical, computational, cognitive, corpus, social/text linguistics) and evaluate the usefulness of the learned methods, practices and procedures in their own professional activity

Social competences: the graduate is ready to:

-recognize the importance of the latest linguistic knowledge and critically evaluate research in linguistics (theoretical, computational, cognitive, corpus, social/text linguistics), especially those published in scientific journals and monographs and popular science sources

-recognize the importance of linguistic knowledge in solving cognitive and practical problems and to consult with experts

-adequately identify and resolve problems of interlingual, intercultural and social communication

-initiate and carry out linguistic research, in particular to improve accessibility in the dimensions of language, information and communication