Quantitative Research in Linguistics

Quantitative Research in Linguistics presents a comprehensive introduction to analysing quantitative linguistic data.

The author examines what the student linguist is trying to find out through analysing data, and how quantitative techniques can help arrive at meaningful and accurate conclusions. Now fully updated and revised, the third edition includes more complex examples in the form of case studies allowing for a more in-depth exploration of the concepts and tools discussed and a glossary of key terms and concepts. A companion website allows readers to download crib sheets and Excel templates for the main statistical tools.

The book focuses on introducing readers to the fundamentals of quantitative research and systematic approaches to data analysis and covers:

- using statistics

- variables

- reliability of data

- describing data

- analysing data

- testing hypotheses

- dealing with problematic data.

Using robust pedagogic scaffolding, the tasks and discussion questions increase in complexity and nuance as each chapter unfolds. Each chapter includes graphs and figures explaining theory through worked examples, chapter summaries, and exercises to aid student understanding, as well as suggestions for further reading to enable students to explore the topics in more depth. An appendix containing a summary of statistical formulae, excel commands and statistical tables is included.

Presenting a down-to-earth and readable introduction to quantitative research, this book is an essential how-to guide for students encountering quantitative data for the first time, or for postgraduates embarking on linguistic research projects.