Research methods

At CIP, we work with both basic language research and with several disciplines within applied linguistics. In other words, we combine linguistic analyses with psycho-and sociolinguistic studies of language teaching, testing, attitudes and ideologies. What we are basically seeking to do is establish an empirical knowledge base to support linguistic competency development, language choice and language-based university pedagogy. In this context, we set great store by analysing actual language use, the importance of language for teaching and learning, and the interplay between language and local teaching practices. We use both qualitative and quantitative methods to achieve this, including various types of needs analysis, intervention studies, observations and recordings of language use in teaching and working groups, interviews with participants, and questionnaire-based surveys. These are often combined with analyses of key documents such as strategies, study plans, curricula, job descriptions, etc.

One of our key values at CIP is that should be a continuous exchange of experiences between research and teaching/consultancy, so that theoretical knowledge is systematically combined with practical experience and adjusted accordingly.