Group Reflection

Group Reflection

Independent study has taught us valuable research and analytical skills which we can carry forward into this 2^nd year Module “Research Skills in English Language”.

Some of the tasks which we completed – for example, questionnaires and transcription of spoken language-  were about building on and expanding existing skills that we had acquired at a lower level in previous study. This new level of competence means we are confident to lead our own investigations that are designed and executed in a manner so as to potentially uncover new, valid and reliable data.

Other tasks – such as the literature review and corpus study- were completely new and unfamiliar territory to us. This meant we were acquiring completely new skills and gaining a new perspective about ways of studying English Language.

Anxieties about the group project – We will be trying to ensure that we all fully understand the task and what it is we are trying to achieve so that we can be sure that as a group, we are maintaining the same focus of study.

Independent study evaluation

Independent study helped me to gain knowledge and skills in data collection and analysis. Some of these were corpus analysis, questionnaires, data transcription and literature review.

The corpus analysis knowledge I obtained helped me to understand how words used in language can carry different meanings and are used in different ways. Before Independent studies I had no knowledge of corpus data so it has helped me understand what it is, how it is used and why. 

The questionnaire helped me to gather primary information quickly. It taught me a way of gathering data for analysis informally and anonymously. It helped to gather information from a wider range of people. It was an easy way to get information from the public without consuming too much of their time. 

The literature review was also completely new to me and I didn't understand it at first. It showed me how to collate different opinions and facts on a subject and then analyse them and create my own opinion or argument. 

Transcription of spoken language has taught me how to transcribe a conversation using layout conventions. My knowledge of this was very little before independent studies so this was helpful. 

Overall independent study has given me a lot of understanding and skills on data analysis and collection which will be helpful for my continuing studies

Evaluation of Independent Study Module

Throughout the Independent Study module last year I not only gained new skills but also refined existing skills. This was a very useful module, as it encouraged creativity and to a certain extent encouraged the participating students to think out of the box.

Use of the corpus and the analysis of corpus linguistics opened many doors in terms of potential future linguistic projects. This will allow for more research opportunities as the course continues, which would not be available without this skill. The most difficult thing about grasping this skill was the technical aspect of the corpus queries and sorting the data, the module ensured that learning the corpus was a smooth progression.

Also the module helped me to progress with critically reading academic material with the Literature Review, an area which I had participated with at A level but to a lesser degree. This module helped to build on these skills and critically review a relevant linguistic debate surrounding the 'ownership' of the English Language.

Other skills gained from the module also include designing a questionnaire and transcribing data, both of these skills were relatively new to me and I see them as highly significant.

On the whole this module provided a basis of skills that will continue to be helpful throughout my academic future, the skills gained will also be built on as this degree course continues.

Independent Study Reflection – Kerry Conway

During ‘Independent Study’ I undertook four tasks. These being: Questionnaires, Transcription of spoken language, Corpus Analysis and Literature Reviews.

- By designing, distributing and analysing a Questionnaire to answer my own question, I learnt how to gather primary data that was reliable and valid. One thing I found was the choice of language you use as the researcher can have an influence on the data you receive (leading questions). I feel I can now effectively lead my own investigation and research into a field of interest that may not already have sufficient research.
- The Transcription of spoken language has shown me the complexities of conversation and how spoken language differs from the written.
- Whilst words may have the same meaning, they can be ideologically loaded and have different connotations, which affect their use in society. The Corpus Analysis allowed me to investigate why this might be. I also looked at their frequency and the type of sentence they were found and the words they were used with.
- When writing my own Literature Review I found that there can be many different, but equally valued opinions on the same issue, from which I was able to evaluate and use to form my own opinion and a sufficient conclusion.  From this I learnt how to summarise and draw appropriate points to form an argument and answer a question effectively.
In conclusion, I feel that Independent Study has in essence taught me to be independent. I feel I am more able to conduct my own research and use existing data alongside my findings.