Summer Research Program: 2020-2021

Project duration:

8 weeks
30 November to 18 December 2020 
4 January to 8 February 2021

Project profile:

COVID-19 considerations:  The project can be completed under a remote working arrangement but with occasional face to face meetings by arrangement. 

Description:

Overview:

The goal of this study is to develop and validate two proficiency measures for second language (L2) Japanese. To this end, we will develop these test batteries, and conduct data collection and analysis. In this Summer Research Project, we will work on a subset of this larger-scale project.

Background:

In studies in L2 acquisition, measuring proficiency is crucial and plays an important role in the interpretation of results. However, selecting a proficiency measure that is valid and reliable is not a simple matter; the proficiency measures most frequently used in the previous L2 studies are the number of semesters in language programs, standardized test scores, and in-house or study-internal measures that have not been tested for reliability or validated independently. The absence of a valid proficiency indicator casts limitations to language program administrations and future SLA research.

Approaches:

The goal of this project is to provide efficient and reliable measures of L2 Japanese proficiency. To this end, we develop and validate a C-Test (Klein-Braley, 1981) and an Elicited Imitation task (Bley‐Vroman & Chaudron, 1994) in Japanese. We will examine the sensitivity of these measures to discriminate learners with varying proficiency levels, correlations between scores on the C-test and the Elicited Imitation task; and key features that moderate the sensitivity of these two instruments.

Number of hours per week: 

36 hours per week

Expected outcomes and deliverables:

Skills and knowledge:

Student Scholars can gain a wealth of knowledge in terms of technical and analytical skills necessary in conducting research in the field of second language acquisition and applied linguistics. Specifically, applicants will work closely with supervisors to learn the data collection procedures and data analysis techniques commonly utilized in language testing and assessment.

Networking opportunities:

Student Scholars will make contacts with other postgraduate students and academic staff members who work in surrounding research agendas. 

Expected work:

Student Scholars are expected to complete the primary data collection serving as a pilot study, and analyse the collected data, which will ultimately support in finalizing the test batteries.

Suitable for:

We look for someone with a positive attitude in research and is willing to put in the work.

Criteria:

• UQ enrolled students only
• Have postgraduate-level training in Applied Linguistics
• Native, near native level proficiency in Japanese
• Highly organized and with a strong attention to details
• Responsible and have a good communication skill

Number of participants required: 

2

Primary Supervisor: 

Dr. Sanako Mitsugi 

Further info: 

Please contact Dr Sanako Mitsugi via email