Collaborative Mixed Methods Research in Applied Linguistics

Mixed-methods research (MMR) has emerged as a valuable approach for capturing the complexity and dynamics of language usage as well as its implications for communication and learning, identity and cognition. In addition to incorporating various data collection instruments, such as performance assessments, questionnaires, observations and interviews, it is essential to design a research project that explicitly defines how qualitative and quantitative data are integrated at both the conceptual and methodological levels. Furthermore, collaborative research – where multiple researchers contribute to design, data collection, analysis, and interpretation – adds an additional layer of complexity and richness, requiring explicit coordination, negotiation, and distributed expertise.

Consequently, the course will address the ontological and epistemological underpinnings of integrating qualitative and quantitative methods in research areas such as linguistic landscapes, classroom interaction, emotions in learning, etc. Students will be introduced to various mixed-methods research designs as well as methods to collect and analyze natural language data. Special attention will be given to how collaboration shapes research decisions, from framing research questions to negotiating divergent interpretations of the same dataset.

Through an intensive mix of online preparatory modules and readings, in-person workshops, and a collaborative research project, participants will critically examine how combining research paradigms can produce richer, more nuanced understandings of linguistic phenomena. The practical application of the concepts and techniques will be facilitated through the development and implementation of a small-scale mixed-methods research project in reapplication of already existing empirical studies.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Understand and describe the ontological and epistemological foundations of mixed-methods research, and explain their implications for conceptual, theoretical, and practical frameworks in the selected areas of linguistic research.
• Evaluate the appropriateness of different MMR designs for specific research questions and identify effective strategies for integrating quantitative and qualitative data.
• Collaboratively design and conduct a mixed-methods reapplication study that incorporates key theoretical and practical components of MMR, distributing tasks and responsibilities among team members while maintaining methodological coherence.

• Interpret mixed-methods datasets to draw meta-inferences and compare findings from different sources, identifying patterns or inconsistencies related to complex linguistic phenomena. In collaborative contexts, students will also learn to negotiate and reconcile divergent interpretations across researchers.

   

Admission to the course

Sign up by filling in the form below.

Attention : Application procedures vary from offer to offer. Regarding mobility and credit recognition, please note:

• Students may be eligible for mobility funding
• Selected participants are responsible for ensuring that the ECTS credits awarded for participation are recognised within their study programme.

You can find tailored information on the procedure to follow at your institution or the relevant contact for each partner university here.

Examination

This course will be taught in English and French. 

Assessment for this course is based on four components: a collaborative written report and oral presentation of the group research project, active participation in both online modules and on-site sessions, and completion of preparatory readings and exercises.

Participants will receive a grade.

For questions related to funding, ECTS recognition, mobility, or other course-related matters, please contact the Circle U. office at your home university:

• Aarhus University: aarhus@circle-u.eu

• University of Belgrade: Nikola Savić – nikola.savic@rect.bg.ac.rs

• Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin: circle-u.mobility@hu-berlin.de

• King’s College London: circle-u@kcl.ac.uk (Erasmus+ funding not available; internal funding may apply)

• UCLouvain: infocircleu@uclouvain.be

• University of Oslo: oslo@circle-u.eu

• Université Paris Cité: circleu.iro@u-paris.fr

• University of Pisa: circleU.erasmus@unipi.it

• University of Vienna: circle-u@univie.ac.at