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Dissertation in Experimental Linguistics - LAN00128M

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  • Department: Language and Linguistic Science
  • Credit value: 60 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25
  • Notes: This is an independent study module

Module summary

This module allows you to design, implement and carry out a research project in Experimental Psycholinguistics. You will conduct your research independently under supervision. Research projects will typically involve experimental research, or may include investigation of existing corpus data, depending on your interests and the skills and knowledge you have developed through your module choices over the programme.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2024-25

Module aims

The module provides the opportunity to:

  • work with current theoretical and research-based knowledge in one area of Psycholinguistics

  • select and apply research methods as appropriate

  • demonstrate ability to design, code and implement experimental work in psycholinguistics

  • select appropriate statistical tests and models for making predictions and evaluating hypotheses, and apply these to linguistic data;

  • present quantitative results following established conventions in the field of linguistics.

  • demonstrate awareness of ethical issues in working with experimental linguistics data

  • demonstrate independent research skills

  • manage a complex project

  • seek and reflect on feedback, and use it effectively to inform the project

  • develop academic communication skills

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

  • design and independently conduct a research project in a chosen area of Psycholinguistics

  • apply current theoretical and research-based knowledge as relevant to the project

  • generate novel empirical results in a chosen domain of psycholinguistics

  • be aware of and able to articulate any ethical issues in working with applied linguistic data

  • acquire and apply additional methodologies and techniques in adjacent areas if necessary

  • work autonomously, and identify their own development needs

  • seek, reflect on, and apply feedback effectively

  • engage confidently in academic communication

Module content

The majority of work for this module takes place in the summer semester. However, preparation work commences in Semester 2, when a number of training workshops are timetabled. These workshops prepare students for formulating a project proposal, design, code and implement experiments in Psycholinguistics. Topics include statistical analysis, using online experiment building and data collection software (e.g. Ibex Farm), and data analysis. The dissertation proposal is submitted during Semester 2 as formative work for the Dissertation. A 1500 words description of the final project together with a pilot study and sample analysis (worth 30% of the final mark) is submitted in the RA period.

Based on the project proposal submitted in Semester 2, students will be assigned an individual project supervisor before the start of the summer semester. The supervisor will offer five supervision meetings, to offer advice on the project. Additional general training (such as linguistics dissertation writing skills) is also provided through timetabled workshops.

During the course of the summer semester, students will conduct their research and write it up.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 30
Graduate/Postgraduate Dissertation 70

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information

Reassessment.
This module is reassessed at the module level. However, as per University policy for independent study modules:

  • If you fail a Masters ISM with a mark below 40, then no reassessment is permitted.

  • If you are given a ‘marginal fail’ mark of between 40 and 49, then you will have the chance to make amendments (minor corrections) which will enable a minimum threshold to be reached, with the mark after resubmission capped at 50. Details of the sort of revisions that would be expected are given in the Guide to Assessment, Standards Marking and Feedback, but you would not expect to need access to the University’s physical facilities, to collect further data or to need any further supervision, and it should be possible to complete the work with no more than the equivalent of two weeks’ full-time effort.

Indicative reassessment

None

Module feedback

Feedback on formative work.
Oral feedback on the dissertation proposal will be provided at a meeting to be scheduled within three semester weeks of submission. Written feedback will also be given.

Summative assessment and feedback.
Written feedback and a mark on the university marking scale will be given within 25 working days.

Indicative reading

Not provided, because the reading depends on each student’s individual project.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.