Lauren - Independent Study Reflection

In the Independent Study module, my investigation into the Manchester accent and the attitudes towards it was successful as interesting results were found. Particular strong points of mine include transcribing, in order to highlight specific features of the Manchester accent and also I was able to compose a list of findings using results from answers to a questionnaire. During this module, I developed useful skills such as learning what a literature review is and how to write one. I also developed the ability to include findings from readings into my investigation in order to provide back-up for my own results. These skills will be particularly beneficial to me in the coming year because they will provide me with the ability to improve my investigations in the future because I am now able to use methods such as quesitonnaires and transcriptions. I would like to improve on the extent of my reading because by reading more on the subject at hand, my own results will hopefully become more valid.

GROUP REFLECTION

By collecting our various strengths together, it is clear that the gathering and processing of primary data will be a strong area in our project. We also have a good group knowledge of how to avoid ethical challenges and how to keep questionnaires effective. One area that our group have collectively decided will be difficult is becoming familiar with working almost solely using online resources, and the lack of face-to-face time may make organisation a little more difficult. However, to prevent this from happening, we have agreed to have fortnightly meeting to keep each other up-to-date.

Independent Study Reflection - Jordyn

By using my questionnaire to gather genuine, primary data from volunteers, I learnt a good deal about the issues that can arise during such studies, which might affect their validity and reliability, such as the Observer's Paradox and the necessity for questionnaires to be short and concise. This means I will be more aware of such issues in future projects. My experience with transcription will allow me to look in greater detail at texts, and in particular, conversations, to see how context affects the language used. I hope to improve my confidence in using the BNC this year.

Jodie's Independent Study Task

During the Independent Study module, I completed the transcription/questionnaire assessment. I found this to be rather enjoyable and thought that I did particularly well in the transcription task. I learned about Labov’s idea of the ‘Observers Paradox’ and believe this skill will be useful in future projects. I also found it to be important to organise work and document data as we go along to make it easier to amalgamate for the final piece. As an improvement, I will try to be more concise with the documentation and believe that these blogs will help as we only include necessary points.

Independent Study Reflection - Olivia

For Independent Study last year, I carried out the transcription of spoken language/questionnaire task and the corpus data task. I believe my strongest point was being able to accurately gather my data especially with the transcription of spoken language task. I was pleased with how much wider research I carried out in the corpus data task to ensure I could analyse my data from several directions. To improve, I think I need to work on my ability to convey the point I am trying to make consicely yet effectively.

Independent Study Reflection - Meg

Independent Study Reflection - Meg

During the Independent Study module in the first year, I did particularly well in the questionnaire/transcription tasks - and I believe that one of my strongest points was my ability to collect and process primary data. Another skill that I developed during Independent Study was my ability to write a good analysis of my various findings. I intend to bring these skills forward and I think they will be beneficial to this group project. One thing I would like to improve on is my familiarity with the OED, which I have yet to become really confident with.