Technology in experimental research

This module is designed to prepare the MA students to conduct experimental research analysis with the assistance of technology, i.e. the IBM SPSS version 20 software. The course initially discusses the basic components of experimental research, such as setting a hypothesis, spotting the variables involved, design a procedure for the collection of data, decide upon the tools to use and finally arrive at the analysis of the data. It is here that the SPSS software is presented and students learn how to input the variables and the data. Internal and external validity is examined. Further, various statistical descriptive analyses are conducted, such as, examining frequencies, central tendencies, graphs, distribution of means, correlations and so on.

Objectives

This module is designed to support those students who wish to proceed in primary quantitative research in topics related to language education. Thus it aims at: • offering the basic characteristics of experimental research, • presenting the operations of SPSS, • teaching how to input data into the program, • performing descriptive analyses, • other statistical analyses, • interpreting results, • creating graphs, • registering results in academic papers

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites.

Syllabus

The module is deployed in three chapters containing 5 units, each one ending with a quiz. The first and the last units are dedicated to inform students on topics related to the module (description, teaching methods, learning outcomes, assessment, and collaboration). The other units contain lectures, seminars and practice on topics related to the subject. Following, there is a detailed semester plan.