Prospectus

nl en

Statistics in Linguistics

Course
2022-2023

Admission requirements

Basic mathematics and analytical abilities assumed.
No prior knowledge of R is assumed.

Description

This course provides an introduction to basic concepts and methods of descriptive and inferential statistics that are needed for the analysis of quantitative data in linguistics.
In particular, we will focus first on data exploration and the understanding of which method to apply to the different types of data sets in linguistics. We will explore specific methods necessary for the analysis of experimental designs covering among others linear and logistic regression, ANOVA, linear mixed models and non-parametric tests. The methods will be illustrated with practical examples in linguistics using varied research designs and data. Practical bi-weekly exercises will be done using the statistical analysis software R.

Course objectives

1.Students are able to understand basic concepts and terminology of statistics.
2. Students are able to recognize advanced statistical methods for the analysis of linguistic data.
3. Students are able to identify appropriate statistical analysis methods for a given data set.
4. Students obtain hands-on experience with the statistical analysis software R.
5. Students learn to report experimental results in written form.
6. Students learn to interpret the output resulting from statistical analyses of experimental results.

Timetable

The timetables are available through My Timetable.

Mode of instruction

  • Lecture

Course Load

Total course load 5 EC x 28 hours total 188 hours
Attendance seminars: 26 hours
Preparation of bi-weekly assignments: 44 hours
Study of compulsory literature: 34 hours
Preparation of final exam: 34 hours
Exam: 2 hours

Assessment method

Assessment

The final mark will be determined based on the weigthed average of (i) bi-weekly assignments to be conducted using R and (ii) a written final exam consisting of closed questions and short open questions.

Weighing

The final grade will be a weighted average of the bi-weekly assignments (40%) and the final exam (60%). Completion of all the assignments is mandatory and a pre-requisite to be eligible for the final exam.
Each of the components above (exams, assignments average) needs to be sufficient to pass.

Resit

Students who fail the course may resit the written exam.

Inspection and feedback

How and when an exam review will take place will be disclosed together with the publication of the exam results at the latest. If a student requests a review within 30 days after publication of the exam results, an exam review will have to be organized.

Reading list

This course will cover material covered in different chapters out of the following books:

  • Field, A., Miles, J. & Field, Z. (2012). Discovering Statistics Using R. SAGE Publications Ltd.

  • Winter, B. (2020). Statistics for linguists: An introduction using R. Routledge. (available electronically via the

Brightspace will be used for:
*Uploading class content.
*Specifiying readings and Assignment Guidelines.
*Creating Assignments and uploading their solutions.
*Announcements regarding lecture updates and assignments.

Registration

Enrolment through My Studymap is mandatory

Contact

For substantive questions, contact the lecturer listed in the right information bar

For questions related to the content of the course, please contact the lecturer, you can find their contact information by clicking on their name in the sidebar.

For questions regarding enrollment please contact the Education Administration Office Reuvensplaats E-mail address Education Administration Office Reuvensplaats: osz-oa-reuvensplaats@hum.leidenuniv.nl

For questions regarding your studyprogress contact the Coordinator of Studies

Remarks