A quantitative approach to linguistic model validation
The thesis is an attempt to identify a method of statistical analysis whereby theoretical linguistic models can be validated, to some degree, via analysis of language user perception of text structure. Such a tool of validation is indispensible but has yet to be identified. There are two areas of linguistic model validation where the proposed method of analysis can make a substantial contribution: a - in validating linguistic models, qua descriptive models, as explanatory models, and b - in establishing grounds for comparison among competing and/or conflicting linguistic models in the same area of linguistic investigation. The study has a clear methodological emphasis and explores new empirical procedures of text analysis. The statistical technique for such a validation study is repertory grid analysis (Kelly 1955, Slater 1977). This technique is widely used in psychotherapy but is used for the first time in linguistic investigation. Repertory grid analysis offers two very important contributions. It is, on the one hand, one of the most rigorous quantitative methods for the study of human perception; at the same time, it allows for qualitative analysis of the data, which is very desirable in the study proposed.
Pang, Lee Yick
A quantitative approach to linguistic model validation. The thesis is an attempt to identify a method of statistical analysis whereby theoretical linguistic models can be validated, to some degree, via analysis of language user perception of text structure. Such a tool of validation is indispensible but has yet to be identified. There are two areas of linguistic model validation where the proposed method of analysis can make a substantial contribution: a - in validating linguistic models, qua descriptive models, as explanatory models, and b - in establishing grounds for comparison among competing and/or conflicting linguistic models in the same area of linguistic investigation. The study has a clear methodological emphasis and explores new empirical procedures of text analysis. The statistical technique for such a validation study is repertory grid analysis (Kelly 1955, Slater 1977). This technique is widely used in psychotherapy but is used for the first time in linguistic investigation. Repertory grid analysis offers two very important contributions. It is, on the one hand, one of the most rigorous quantitative methods for the study of human perception; at the same time, it allows for qualitative analysis of the data, which is very desirable in the study proposed.
quantitative linguistic_model validation attempt_identify method statistical_analysis whereby theoretical linguistic_model validate degree via analysis language_user perception text_structure tool validation yet identify two_area linguistic_model validation propose method analysis make_substantial validate linguistic_model qua descriptive model explanatory_model establish ground comparison among compete and conflict linguistic_model area linguistic investigation study clear methodological emphasis explore new empirical procedure text_analysis statistical_technique validation study repertory grid analysis kelly technique widely_use psychotherapy use first_time linguistic investigation repertory grid analysis offer two_important contribution one_hand rigorous quantitative_method study human perception time allow qualitative_analysis data desirable study propose