Key facts
UNE unit code: LING561
*You are viewing the 2027 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information

Research skills are crucial when you are engaging in academic studies and having the ability to support your own views with evidence will benefit you in any future career.
This unit will help you to acquire ‘research literacy’ with regard to the basic principles of qualitative and quantitative methodologies in the field of applied linguistics. You will develop an ability to understand and assess actual research studies, becoming aware of the strengths and weaknesses of various research-model options.
You will also have opportunities to get hands-on experience of the research procedure with practical exercises in the online environment. Some of the issues considered include research techniques and procedure, and a view of different methodologies, such as case study, classroom observations, ethnographic and experimental research.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate 'research literacy' with regard to the basic principles of both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, in the context of second language acquisition studies;
- examine the strengths and weaknesses of various research-model options, in the context of applied linguistics;
- independently identify which methodologies are appropriate to study particular areas of concern, as well as the ways in which they are applied to some of these main areas; and
- critically evaluate the credibility of published research articles using several different research methodologies.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online Quizzes | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Online quizzes with weekly learning activities No. Words: 2000 (equivalent) |
| Worksheet with Oral Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Students must pass the Assurance Task in order to pass the unit. No. Words: 3000 (equivalent) |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Research Methods in Language Learning
ISBN: 9780521429689
Nunan, D., Cambridge University Press 1992
Text refers to: Trimester 1 (Online)
Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
The Research Methods Knowledge Base
ISBN: 9781592602919
Trochim, W. and Donnelly, J., Atomic Dog Publishing Inc. 3rd ed. 2006
Text refers to: All offerings
Projects in Linguistics and Language Studies
ISBN: 9781444145366
Wray, A. and Bloomer, A., Routledge 3rd ed. 2012
Text refers to: Trimester 1 (Online)
Second Language Research: Methodology and Design
ISBN: 9781032036632
Mackey, A. and Gass, S., Routledge 3rd ed. 2021
Text refers to: Trimester 1 (Online)
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