ISE How to Design and Evaluate Research in Education

Cover
Title
Copyrights
About the Author
Contents in Brief
Contents
List of Features
Preface
PART 1 Introduction to Research
1 The Nature of Research
Interactive and Applied Learning
Some Examples of Educational Concerns
Why Research Is of Value
Ways of Knowing
Types of Research
General Research Types
Critical Analysis of Research
A Brief Overview of the Research Process
Main Points
Key Terms
For Discussion
References
Research Exercise 1
Problem Sheet 1
PART 2 The Basics of Educational Research
2 The Research Problem
Interactive and Applied Learning
What Is a Research Problem?
Research Questions
Characteristics of Good Research Questions
Main Points
Key Terms
For Discussion
Research Exercise 2
Problem Sheet 2
3 Locating and Reviewing the Literature
Interactive and Applied Learning
The Definition and Value of a Literature Review
Types of Sources
Steps Involved in a Literature Search
Doing a Computer Search
Writing the Literature Review Report
Main Points
Key Terms
For Discussion
References
Research Exercise 3
Problem Sheet 3
4 Ethics and Research
Interactive and Applied Learning
Some Examples of Unethical Practice
A Statement of Ethical Principles
Protecting Participants from Harm
Ensuring Confidentiality of Research Data
When (If Ever) Is Deception of Subjects Justified?
Three Examples Involving Ethical Concerns
Research with Children
Regulation of Research
Academic Cheating and Plagiarism
Main Points
Key Terms
For Discussion
References
Research Exercise 4
Problem Sheet 4
5 Variables, Hypotheses, and Propositions
Interactive and Applied Learning
The Importance of Studying Relationships
Variables
Hypotheses and Propositions
Main Points
Key Terms
For Discussion
References
Research Exercise 5
Problem Sheet 5
6 Sampling
Interactive and Applied Learning
What Is a Sample?
Random Sampling Methods
Nonrandom Sampling Methods
A Review of Sampling Methods
Sample Size
External Validity: Generalizing from a Sample
Main Points
Key Terms
For Discussion
Research Exercise 6
Problem Sheet 6
7 Instrumentation
Interactive and Applied Learning
What Are Data?
Means of Classifying Data-Collection Instruments
Examples of Data-Collection Instruments
Norm-Referenced Versus Criterion-Referenced Instruments
Measurement Scales
Preparing Data for Analysis
Main Points
Key Terms
For Discussion
References
Research Exercise 7
Problem Sheet 7
8 Validity and Reliability
Interactive and Applied Learning
The Importance of Valid Instrumentation
Validity
Reliability
Main Points
Key Terms
For Discussion
References
Research Exercise 8
Problem Sheet 8
9 Internal Validity
Interactive and Applied Learning
What Is Internal Validity?
Threats to Internal Validity
How Can a Researcher Minimize These Threats to Internal Validity?
Main Points
Key Terms
For Discussion
References
Research Exercise 9
Problem Sheet 9
PART 3 Data Analysis
10 Descriptive Statistics
Interactive and Applied Learning
Statistics Versus Parameters
Two Fundamental Types of Numerical Data
Types of Scores
Techniques for Summarizing Quantitative Data
Techniques for Summarizing Categorical Data
Main Points
Key Terms
For Discussion
Research Exercise 10
Problem Sheet 10
11 Inferential Statistics
Interactive and Applied Learning
What Are Inferential Statistics?
The Logic of Inferential Statistics
Hypothesis Testing
Practical Versus Statistical Significance
Inference Techniques
Main Points
Key Terms
For Discussion
Research Exercise 11
Problem Sheet 11
12 Statistics in Perspective
Interactive and Applied Learning
Approaches to Research
Comparing Groups: Quantitative Data
Relating Variables Within a Group: Quantitative Data
Comparing Groups: Categorical Data
Relating Variables Within a Group: Categorical Data
A Recap of Recommendations
Main Points
Key Terms
For Discussion
Research Exercise 12
Problem Sheet 12
PART 4 Quantitative Research Methodologies
13 Experimental Research
Interactive and Applied Learning
The Uniqueness of Experimental Research
Essential Characteristics of Experimental Research
Control of Extraneous Variables
Group Designs in Experimental Research
Control of Threats to Internal Validity: A Summary
Evaluating the Likelihood of a Threat to Internal Validity in Experimental Studies
Control of Experimental Treatments
An Example of Experimental Research
Analysis of the Study
Main Points
Key Terms
For Discussion
References
Research Exercise 13
Problem Sheet 13
14 Single-Subject Research
Interactive and Applied Learning
Essential Characteristics of Single-Subject Research
Single-Subject Designs
Threats to Internal Validity in Single-Subject Research
An Example of Single-Subject Research
Analysis of the Study
Main Points
Key Terms
For Discussion
References
15 Correlational Research
Interactive and Applied Learning
The Nature of Correlational Research
Purposes of Correlational Research
Basic Steps in Correlational Research
What Do Correlation Coefficients Tell Us?
Threats to Internal Validity in Correlational Research
Evaluating Threats to Internal Validity in Correlational Studies
Main Points
Key Terms
For Discussion
References
16 Causal-ComparativeResearch
Interactive and Applied Learning
What Is Causal-Comparative Research?
Steps Involved in Causal-Comparative Research
Threats to Internal Validity in Causal-Comparative Research
Evaluating Threats to Internal Validity in Causal- Comparative Studies
Data Analysis
Associations Between Categorical Variables
Main Points
For Discussion
Reference
17 Survey Research
Interactive and Applied Learning
What Is a Survey?
Why Are Surveys Conducted?
Types of Surveys
Survey Research and Correlational Research
Steps in Survey Research
Nonresponse
Problems in the Instrumentation Process in Survey Research
Evaluating Threats to Internal Validity in Survey Research
Data Analysis in Survey Research
Main Points
Key Terms
For Discussion
References
PART 5 Introduction to Qualitative Research
18 The Nature of Qualitative Research
Interactive and Applied Learning
What Is Qualitative Research?
General Characteristics of Qualitative Research
Philosophical Assumptions Underlying Qualitative as Opposed to Quantitative Research
Postmodernism
Steps in Qualitative Research
Approaches to Qualitative Research
Qualitative Data Analysis
Generalization in Qualitative Research
Internal Validity in Qualitative Research
Ethics and Qualitative Research
Qualitative and Quantitative Research Reconsidered
Main Points
Key Terms
For Discussion
References
19 Observation and Interviewing
Interactive and Applied Learning
Observation
Interviewing
Validity and Reliability in Qualitative Research
An Example of Qualitative Research
Analysis of the Study
Main Points
Key Terms
For Discussion
References
20 Content Analysis
Interactive and Applied Learning
What Is Content Analysis?
Some Applications
Categorization in Content Analysis
Steps Involved in Content Analysis
An Illustration of Content Analysis
Using a Computer in Content Analysis
Advantages of Content Analysis
Disadvantages of Content Analysis
Main Points
Key Terms
For Discussion
References
PART 6 Qualitative Research Methodologies
21 Ethnographic Research
Interactive and Applied Learning
What Is Ethnographic Research?
The Unique Value of Ethnographic Research
Ethnographic Concepts
Sampling in Ethnographic Research
Do Ethnographic Researchers Use Hypotheses?
Data Collection in Ethnographic Research
Data Analysis in Ethnographic Research
Roger Harker and His Fifth-Grade Classroom
Advantages and Disadvantages of Ethnographic Research
An Example of Ethnographic Research
Analysis of the Study
Main Points
Key Terms
For Discussion
References
22 Historical Research
Interactive and Applied Learning
What Is Historical Research?
Steps Involved in Historical Research
Data Analysis in Historical Research
Generalization in Historical Research
Advantages and Disadvantages of Historical Research
An Example of Historical Research
Analysis of the Study
Main Points
Key Terms
For Discussion
References
PART 7 Mixed-Methods Studies
23 Mixed-Methods Research
Interactive and Applied Learning
What Is Mixed-Methods Research?
Why Do Mixed-Methods Research?
Drawbacks of Mixed-Methods Studies
A (Very) Brief History
Types of Mixed-Methods Designs
Other Mixed- Methods Research Design Issues
Steps in Conducting a Mixed-Methods Study
Evaluating a Mixed-Methods Study
Ethics in Mixed-Methods Research
Summary
An Example of Mixed-Methods Research
Analysis of the Study
Main Points
Key Terms
For Discussion
References
PART 8 Research by Practitioners
24 Action and Teacher Research
Interactive and Applied Learning
What Is Action Research?
Types of Action Research
Steps in Action Research
Similarities and Differences Between Action Research and Formal Quantitative and Qualitative Research
The Advantages of Action Research
Hypothetical Examples of Practical Action Research
An Example of Action Research
Main Points
Key Terms
For Discussion
References
PART 9 Writing Research Proposals and Reports
25 Preparing Research Proposals and Reports
Interactive and Applied Learning
The Research Proposal
The Major Sections of a Research Proposal or Report
Sections Unique to Research Reports
A Sample Research Proposal
Main Points
Key Terms
For Discussion
References
Appendixes
APPENDIX A: Portion of a Table of Random Numbers
APPENDIX B: Selected Values from a Normal Curve Table
APPENDIX C: Chi-Square Distribution
APPENDIX D: Using Microsoft Excel
Glossary
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
Z
Index
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
Z