Language Research
Module 1
I. Objectives: At the end of this module, students are expected to:
A. Determine the nature of research
B. Distinguish scientific rsearch from commonsense
C. identify and distinguish the different sources of knowledge
D. Differentiate the different types of research.
II. Topic: The Nature of research
. A. MEANING OF RESEARCH
Study the following defections of research:
1. Research is the formalization of natural processes we all carry from birth in
dealing with the environment (Selinger and Shohamy, 1989). It begins with a
curiosity about a phenomenon and it attempts to seek the truth or facts about the
relationships about the variables that influence the observed phenomenon.
2. Research involves the scientific process; it requires systematic procedure in
investigating observable phenomenon. The researcher studies the data
objectively and examines critically the findings of his/her own investigation
against those conduced by others, after which he, she identifies the weaknesses
and strengths of his/her own study.
3. According to the American sociologist Earl Robert Babbie, “research is a
systematic inquiry to describe, explain, predict, and control the observed
phenomenon.
(phenomenon: a fact or situation that is observed to exist or happen, especially one whose cause or
explanation is in question.
"glaciers are unique and interesting natural phenomena")
Principles and conclusions are not simply based on common sense which
may tend to be incorrect but based on a carefully well planned systematic inquiry.
Science is different from common sense because common sense beliefs
arenot subjected to established principles and to a systematic inquiry. On the
other hand, science involve a thorough and an objective study of observable
events based on a tested theoretical framework.
According to Kerslinger (1972 as quoted by the authors) Common sense is
simply an initial stage in testing a theory in a systematic, controlled , empirical
and critical investigation of a hypothesis based on existing theories related to the
problem.
Research then follows certain steps such as:
1. Identification of the problem
2. Formulating hypothesis based on existing theories and principles
3. Data gathering
4. Integration of the findings and conclusions into the stream of knowledge.
For example as a teacher you discovered a problem that your students do
not spell some words with the /ei/ combinations correctly. (Identifying a
problem). Then you remember the behaviorist theory of language learning which
says that like behavior, language can be learned through constant repetition and
practice. (existing theory) Then you form your theory that if you frequently drill
the students on words which have the same spelling, they might learn or get over
this specific problem. (Formulating hypothesis) so you gather data by applying
your theory and record how many students are learning because of your new
method of repeating and drilling the students. (data gathering .) Then you make
your conclusion based on the data that you gathered.
However, research concerns obtaining knowledge which may come from
four different types of sources:
1. Knowledge as belief- when knowledge is based on belief, , this I s only
common sense, therefore should be not basis for conclusion. They should only be
used for formulating hypothesis .
2. Knowledge as authority –These are conclusions based on educated
judgement of people who are authorities in their own fields. Examples of these
are strategies that have become popular on the basis of authority such as the
Silent Way, Suggestopedia, and Community language Learning.
3. A priori knowledge –This knowledge source resembles belief but it is
based on previous systematic investigation. Example: roughly tuned input may
facilitate or hasten language learning. This theory begins with a priori knowledge.
4. Empirical knowledge- When knowledge is a result of the process of
observation and experiment.
B. KINDS OF RESEARCH (according to Purpose)
1. Basic or pure research-is directed toward the development of scientific
knowledge rather than its practical application
Examples in Language
1. How does the Language Acquisition Device work on
children?
2. How does the human retentive memory work?
3. How do teaching methods affect student's concentration in
class?
Examples in Science
1. A research to determine the chemical composition of
organic molecules.
2. A research to discover the components of the human
DNA.
Examples in psychology
1. Do stress levels make individuals more aggressive?
2. To what extent does caffeine consumption affect
classroom concentration?
3. A research on behavioral differences between children
raised by separated families and children raised by
married parents.
4. To what extent do gender stereotypes trigger
depression?
Examples in Health
1. An investigation into the symptoms of Coronavirus.
2. An investigation into the causative factors of malaria
3. An investigation into the secondary symptoms of high
blood pressure.
2. Applied research (or action research) is directed towards the application of the
scientific knowledge.
A study on how to improve illiteracy in teenagers
A study looking for ways to market products for millennials
A study trying to decrease fraud on social media platforms
A study searching for ways to encourage high school graduates to
attend college
A study to find ways to make car tires last longer
A study exploring ways to cook gluten-free meals with a limited budget
A study on how to treat patients with insomnia
A study looking for ways to improve patient retention at a dentist's office
A study on methods for diagnosing patients with schizophrenia
A study providing solutions for how to train dogs to stay in their yard
A study on how to prevent mosquito bites from itching
A study to find what marketing strategies to use on college campuses
3. Practical research is directed towards materials development from practical
knowledge or experience.
It involves anything collecting information that can be applied to something to
improve the design or the situation.
Examples:
How to improve the efficiency of an engine.
How to reduce medical problems by eating better diets.
How to invest in education for future job needs.
Reducing climate damage by changing building design.
Write your answers to the following in a separate piece of paper. Please do not
forget to write the module number, the subject and your name as student.
Discussion points:
1. How does common sense differ from research?
2. What are the different sources of knowledge?
3. Think of a linguistic theory that might have influenced the development of
language teaching.
Activities.
1. Get a list of at least 10 language researches in the library or in the internet.
Classify them a basic, applied or practical researches. Justify your identifications.
2. Select and read three journal articles on language acquisition /learning
research, cite a linguistic theory and tell in what way can they be used as basic,
applied or practical research.
3. Based on your readings or studies about language acquisition and linguistics,
and child and adolescent development, discuss how the three kinds of research
interact.
4. Study the following research titles. Which concept of knowledge (knowledge as
belief, as authority, as a priori knowledge ) empirical knowledge is each obtained?
a. Competence of teaching in teaching kindergarten children to read.
b. Non linguistic factors affecting students’ communicative competence
c. Collaborative strategies in teaching mathematics
This is due on January 14, [Link] be punctual in submission as I give e a low
grade for late submissions.
Prepared by Dr. Cecilia r. Avellana
References:
Posecion, Ofelia T. et al. language Research: Principles and Appliction 2011.
Quezon City: Lorimar Publishing..
Internet sources:
Basic Research vs. Applied Research: Definition and Examples
[Link]
applied-research