2. The scientific method in morphosyntax
In this chapter, we will consider how we use the scientific method in morphology and syntax. We will look more closely at how the scientific method applies in morphology and syntax and which methods we should use. We will also consider the genre of scientific writing in morphosyntax, how to identify academic sources, and how to cite in linguistics.
Learning objectives
By the end of this chapter, you should be able to:
- Apply the scientific method to simple morphosyntactic questions, including formulating a falsifiable hypothesis.
- Describe the difference between prescriptive and descriptive approaches to grammar and explain why we use the descriptive approach in linguistics.
- Identify which information about a word would be encoded in the mental lexicon.
- Identify academic sources.
- Apply the conventions of scientific writing within the field of morphosyntax.
- Write in-text citations and bibliography entries according to convention in linguistics where appropriate.
The method of inquiry used in science whereby researchers observe data, and then formulate, test, and revise hypotheses based on their observations.
A hypothesis which is possible to be proven wrong by some test.
A proposed analysis or explanation made based on the observation of data, to be tested over the course of scientific investigation.
A set of rules that describe someone's opinion of how language should be used.
A set of rules that describe how language is used based on observation.
