Chapter 4.1 Expanding Multi-Dimensional analysis with qualitative research techniques
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Susan Conrad
Abstract
This research describes a case study from engineering education that explores the potential for integrating Multi-Dimensional (MD) analysis into mixed methods research so that MD analyses can address more specific educational problems. The study investigates a specific problem in civil engineering: the mismatch between students’ writing skills and the demands of writing in the workplace. An MD analysis compares a small number of registers of student and practitioner writing, applying the dimensions of variation in English from Biber (1988). Data from interviews with students, faculty, and practitioners are used to interpret the MD findings more fully, assess the importance of the findings, and refine the teaching applications. The two methods together result in a stronger study than either would alone.
Abstract
This research describes a case study from engineering education that explores the potential for integrating Multi-Dimensional (MD) analysis into mixed methods research so that MD analyses can address more specific educational problems. The study investigates a specific problem in civil engineering: the mismatch between students’ writing skills and the demands of writing in the workplace. An MD analysis compares a small number of registers of student and practitioner writing, applying the dimensions of variation in English from Biber (1988). Data from interviews with students, faculty, and practitioners are used to interpret the MD findings more fully, assess the importance of the findings, and refine the teaching applications. The two methods together result in a stronger study than either would alone.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents vii
- List of contributors ix
- Preface xi
- Acknowledgments xiii
- Introduction xv
- Opening. Multi-Dimensional analysis xxix
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1. Multi-Dimensional Analysis and synchronic analyses
- Chapter 1.1 A Multi-Dimensional analysis of regional variation in American English 3
- Chapter 1.2 Dimensions of register variation in Brazilian Portuguese 35
- Chapter 1.3 25 years later 81
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2. Multi-Dimensional Analysis and diachronic analyses
- Chapter 2.1 Dimensions of variation in North American movies 109
- Chapter 2.2 Multi-Dimensional analysis of pop songs 149
- Chapter 2.3 Dimensions of variation in TIME magazine 177
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3. Multi-Dimensional Analysis and language learning
- Chapter 3.1 A Multi-Dimensional analysis of essay writing 197
- Chapter 3.2 A Multi-Dimensional analysis of advanced written L2 Spanish 239
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4. Multi-Dimensional Analysis: exploring the methodology
- Chapter 4.1 Expanding Multi-Dimensional analysis with qualitative research techniques 273
- Chapter 4.2 Conducting Multi-Dimensional analysis using SPSS 297
- Appendix 317
- Name index 323
- Subject index 325
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents vii
- List of contributors ix
- Preface xi
- Acknowledgments xiii
- Introduction xv
- Opening. Multi-Dimensional analysis xxix
-
1. Multi-Dimensional Analysis and synchronic analyses
- Chapter 1.1 A Multi-Dimensional analysis of regional variation in American English 3
- Chapter 1.2 Dimensions of register variation in Brazilian Portuguese 35
- Chapter 1.3 25 years later 81
-
2. Multi-Dimensional Analysis and diachronic analyses
- Chapter 2.1 Dimensions of variation in North American movies 109
- Chapter 2.2 Multi-Dimensional analysis of pop songs 149
- Chapter 2.3 Dimensions of variation in TIME magazine 177
-
3. Multi-Dimensional Analysis and language learning
- Chapter 3.1 A Multi-Dimensional analysis of essay writing 197
- Chapter 3.2 A Multi-Dimensional analysis of advanced written L2 Spanish 239
-
4. Multi-Dimensional Analysis: exploring the methodology
- Chapter 4.1 Expanding Multi-Dimensional analysis with qualitative research techniques 273
- Chapter 4.2 Conducting Multi-Dimensional analysis using SPSS 297
- Appendix 317
- Name index 323
- Subject index 325
