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Kiara, Cara, and Larissa (Part 1: Descriptive Research) Question # 3 and #4

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Kiara, Cara, and Larissa (Part 1: Descriptive Research) Question # 3 and #4

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Our focus was two types of Quantitaive research:  Descriptive research and Correlational.
Descriptive Research - (Survey research):
~ Determines  and reports the way things are.  Collect numerical data to test hypothesis OR answer questions about current status of the subject of the study.

Common types: Assessing preferences, attitudes, practices, concerns, or interests of a group pf people.
Collected through: questionaires, surveys, interviews or observations

This type of research sounds simple BUT not so much because you must develop a way to measure the questionnaire, not everyone will want to participate so validity may not be current, and not every will turn it in.

Two examples of descriptive research studies:
1. How do second grade teachers spend their time teaching?
2. How will citizens of your town vote in the next presidential election?

Correlation will be found on our next post

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*Causal-Comparative Research
2 variables-Independent is the cause and Dependent is the effect.
Negatives-The research can't control the independent variable.
Cause/Effect Relationships

Example: The effect of preschool attendance on social maturity at the end of the first grade

*Experimental Research
You can control the independent variable
Provides clear evidence for linking variables
Can offer generalizability

Example: The effect of positive reinforcement on attitude toward school.

*Single Subject Research
You look at small sample size (typically said to be 1) are looking at a behavior change based on an intervention or treatment.
The intervention or treatment would be the variable.

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Correlational Research
Definition:
Whether or not a relationship exists and to what degree does the relationship exist between two quantifiable variables
Vocabulary:
Variable= a concept that can assume any one of a range of values
Example of variables: height, intelligence,
Correlation= a quantitative measure of the degree of correspondence
Examples of correlational studies= the relationship between self-esteem and intelligence
Purpose: establish relationships or use existing relationship to make predictions
Example of Purpose:  Higher SAT Scores = First semester college grades
WARNING: Not cause and effect relationships!
Self-concept does not cause achievement
Can we use these two variable to make predictions on how self-concept may impact achievement?

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The major steps in conducting a research study:
1.  Selection and definiton of a problem:  Create hypothesis and/or question of interest that can be answered through the collection of data.
2. Execution of research procedures:  Collect the data related to the problem, and design the study.
3.  Analysis of data:  Analyze data using one or more statistical techniques.  Test hypothesis or answer research question.
4.  Drawing and stating conclusions:  State conclusions.  Support or refute the hypothesis. (For qualitative research conclusions are much more tentative.)

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When choosing the appropriate type of research method, you should always consider how the problem is defined.  Choose the type of research method after you know your topic or question.

There are limitations to the Scientific Method- "should" questions are not researchable. Research gives us a simplified version of reality. There are limits to our data collection based on human error. Lastly, one is dealing humans in research collection and has to consider ethical concerns and responsibilities.

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Qualitative vs Quantitative Research
Qualitative research involves interviewing subjects to gain information in various contexts. There is a smaller sample group and multiple perspectives gained shows that the world has many meanings.

Quantitative research involves collecting numerical data. There is generally a larger sample and it is based on the idea that the world is predictable and can be understood due to direct observations. There is little to no interaction with subjects, and the context is controlled. Data is used to prove or disprove a hypothesis.

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Sam, Georgina, Casey, Kevin - Question 3 and 4

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Sam, Georgina, Casey, Kevin - Question 3 and 4

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3.  Narrative Research -
* How different humans experience the world
* Focuses on a single person
* The researcher gives meaning to the experience
* Increases understanding of teaching and learning
Ethnographic Research -
* Examines cultural patterns and perspectives of people in their natural setting
* Researcher joins the community and builds rapport/relationships as they start observation process and collecting data
4.  An example of narrative research is the gender-bias of resources where an assistant professor of education raised a concern that male colleagues received more resources.  Her supervisor collected evidence and data and then identified important themes that were shared with the assistant professor who collaborated to establish accuracy with the findings of the research.
An example of ethnographic research is the study of Hispanic student culture in an urban community college where the researcher gained entry into a college and build trust/relationships with the participants in the study.  The researcher collected data to help focus the general resource question that was initially posed.

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Emily Bruning, Alyson Huston, and Shannon Wagner

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Emily Bruning, Alyson Huston, and Shannon Wagner

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The goal of all scientific endeavors is to explain, predict, and control phenomena.
Methods=direct applicability of the research to educational practice or settings.
1. Basic
- developing or refining a theory (practical educational application)
2. Applied
- solve educational problems
3. Evaluation
- monitor progress, judge impact, and made decisions
4. Research and Development
- consumer needs and develop products (supply and demand)
5. Action
- systematic inquiry (how schools operate, how teachers teach, how students learn)