In order to understand language acquisition processes in foreign language classrooms, empirical research is necessary. Often, students would like to carry out such empirical research studies in the classroom for their master theses but find it difficult to deal with the statistics needed for their data analyses.
Quantative data can be gathered via standardized or not standardized tests, from questionnaires or observation studies, or can be derived from qualitative data. To answer specific research hypotheses data needs to be analyzed using statistical parameters and tests.
This course will cover second language research methodology with a specific focus on quantative approaches. The focus will be set on the main basis measures needed for the analysis of classroom data, i.e. descriptive statistical parameters and univariate analyses such as t-test, ANOVA, correlation and linear regression. Data sets from your own projects (e.g. master theses) can be used as examples to practice the statistical analyses covered in class.
The goal of this course is that students will be able to formulate research hypotheses, transfer them into statistical hypotheses and test them using suitable statistical tests. That way, you will be prepared to carry out your own research studies for your master projects.
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