Combining Quantitative and Qualitative Methods in a Study on Dictionary Use

Page 101-112
Author Sascha Wolfer, Martina Nied Curcio, Idalete Maria Silva Dias, Carolin Müller-Spitzer, María José Domínguez Vázquez
Title Combining Quantitative and Qualitative Methods in a Study on Dictionary Use
Abstract Many studies on dictionary use presuppose that users do indeed consult lexicographic resources. However, little is known about what users actually do when they try to solve language problems on their own. We present an observation study where learners of German were allowed to browse the web freely while correcting erroneous German sentences. In this paper, we are focusing on the multi-methodological approach of the study, especially the interplay between quantitative and qualitative approaches. In one example study, we will show how the analysis of verbal protocols, the correction task and the screen recordings can reveal the effects of intuition, language (learning) awareness, and determination on the accuracy of the corrections. In another example study, we will show how preconceived hypotheses about the problem at hand might hinder participants from arriving at the correct solution.
Session RESEARCH INTO DICTIONARY USE
Keywords research into dictionary use, observation study, language learners, quantitative and qualitative methods, online lexicographic resources
BibTex
@InProceedings{ELX2018-008,
author={Sascha Wolfer, Martina Nied Curcio, Idalete Maria Silva Dias, Carolin Müller-Spitzer, María José Domínguez Vázquez},
title={Combining Quantitative and Qualitative Methods in a Study on Dictionary Use},
pages={101-112},
booktitle={Proceedings of the XVIII EURALEX International Congress: Lexicography in Global Contexts},
year={2018},
month={jul},
date={17-21},
address={Ljubljana, Slovenia},
editor={Jaka Čibej, Vojko Gorjanc, Iztok Kosem, Simon Krek},
publisher={Ljubljana University Press, Faculty of Arts},
isbn={978-961-06-0097-8}, }
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