Linguistics—Inquiry Project Directions
Introduction
For your final project in Linguistics, you are to explore a genuine language-related question you
raise out of curiosity, a question whose answer you do not know or know fully. On the final due
date, you will submit a report of your findings: what you discovered in the process of your inquiry.
Your inquiry topic should be one that is related to language study—think “circle diagram,” unit
topics, AIL Chapters, your future profession and language issues, etc. You need to be able to
locate where your topic fits in the layer of circles on the diagram and/or the topics of our 5 Units.
Linguistics uses APA manuscript/documentation for research papers and reports final drafts.
Topic: Student choice
Should be related to an aspect of our course units, in some respect; it should be a topic related in
some way to our AIL text and/or readings, and it must have instructor approval.
Should raise a genuine question for inquiry, one whose answer you do not know or you would
like to confirm through research.
Focus the exploration as needed to formulate 3 central inquiry questions to search—e.g., not
the entire realm of or not every historical aspect of Middle English development
Consider a topic related to your professional program (optional but might be good for
education, psychology, Technical/Professional Communication, editor/publishing, etc.)
Audience –instructor and our class members
Methods of Inquiry
(exploring and gathering answers to your 2-3 central inquiry questions)
1. Secondary reading research—critical, published scholarly sources relevant to your inquiry topic; only authoritative and/or purposeful Internet sites.
2. Primary research/exploration – original research (Typically an interview; for other desigms
design, please consult with the instructor -EX: survey, field observation, etc.).
NOTE all designs must be approved design.
Format: Research Documented Report (APA)
Manuscript and Layout: academic research report format with subheadings APA–refer to
content/headings below; models of format options will be provided on Canvas
Content –Written Product
Part 1—Introduction—introduction to topic, rationale, & your 2-3 central questions(1-1.5pages)
Part 2—Reading Research Findings (Answers to your key inquiry questions—as found in your
reading/research; secondary resources; this part will sound like a traditional research paper 4-5 pages)
Part 3—Primary Research Findings (interviews, surveys, text analysis, field
observations, etc. –1.5- 2 pages)
Part 4—Analysis and Conclusions (see Canvas “Inquiry Project” link for sample questions 1.5 pages)
Part 5—Projections (what would you do next if you were to continue this project? 1 page)
Appendix—length/type will vary (visuals, survey sample, diagrams, stats charts, graphs, etc.)
Sources pages—APA=References. MINIMUM of 6 secondary sources (may include your textbook as one). NOTE—you may use anecdotal or “non-academic” websites, but these are considered “extra” sources—not part of the required six. (If you think a website is justified as a scholarly or authoritative source, be sure to evaluate it and justify it as such; ask me if you are uncertain).
NOTE: PARTS 2, and 3, will be the more “formidable” and substantial parts of the written inquiry report. Student models will be provided
on continued next page
Length: Standard Research Paper: aim for 10-12 pages (about 2500 words; 5000 max.) Includes source pages and may include appendixes, visuals, charts, glossary, etc.
Due Date: FINAL Deadline to submit: See “At a Glance Weekly Schedule” for the due date
Evaluation:
120 points (75 content; 10 edited final draft; 20 for APA Documentation; 15
format/manuscript). Any incidence of plagiarism will result in a failing grade and possibly
course failure.
Grading Criteria: generally, the above guidelines/directions. Must contain linguistic
aspects and connections in the paper (for example, morphology, semantics,
language acquisition, etc.). Provides evidence of significant research, writing,
support, and primary research design/effort. Supporting materials provided
(appendices, bibliography, etc.)
For a more specific breakdown of points, a rubric for evaluation will be provided. If you
have questions or need any clarifications, check with me.
I add in the Prospectus, and the directions in the uploaded fill as well as two papers that my professor gave us as examples.