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What is Research?
What is Research?
Research can be defined as collecting data, information, and facts to gain knowledge. Research can be used as a tool to engage an efficient approach to one’s practice and provide them with effective data to make changes based on what a person may have learned from the research.
All educational research and the application of the scientific method to educational events of the problems or phenomena or some questions that need answers."Traditional research is often conducted by individuals who are somewhat removed from the environment they are studying".( Mertler, Craig A. 2012) .
"A cyclical process of steps that typically begins with identifying a research problem or issue of study. It then involves reviewing the literature, specifying a purpose for the study, collecting and analysing data, and forming an interpretation of information. This process culminates in a report, disseminated to audiences that is evaluated and used in the educational community" (Creswell, 2002, p. 87)
Traditional Research
Traditional Research
Traditional (educational) research involves providing "sound understanding and explanations that can become knowledge" (McMillan, 2016). It is structured to include participants, data collection, procedures, and interventions if applicable. The ultimate goal is for the transferability of the research (McMillan, 2016). There are four basic steps:
Question:
Proposal for the research study
Methods:
Qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods
Results:
Summarise the results found
Conclusions:
Interpret the results
Action Research
Action Research
Action research involves research that is primarily relevant locally. The focus is on solving or determine a solution to a problem in the classroom or school/district level. The research is applied with the local audience, and possibly to broader audiences and applications down the line. There are four stages:
Planning:
Identifying and limiting the topic
Gathering information
Reviewing the related literature
Developing a research plan
Action:
Implementing the plan and collecting data
Analysing the data
Developing:
Developing action plan
Reflecting:
Sharing and communicating the results
Reflecting on the process
Action Research
Action Research is a fancy way of saying let's study what's happening at our school and decide how to make it a better place (Emily Calhoun (1994).
Action Research is a method of systematic way of enquiry that educators undertake as researchers of their own practice. The enquiry involved in Action Research is a process involving the following key steps.
Research Method:
Research Method:
There are 3 research methods are used that are:
1) Quantitative Method
2) Qualitative Method
3) Mixed Method
Quantitative Method
Quantitative Method
This type of research methods requires quantifiable data involving numerical and statistical explanations. Quantitative Research is used to quantify the problem by way of generating numerical data or data that can be transformed into usable statistics. It is used to quantify attitudes, opinions, behaviours, and other defined variables – and generalise results from a larger sample population. Quantitative Research uses measurable data to formulate facts and uncover patterns in research. Quantitative data collection methods are much more structured than Qualitative data collection methods. Quantitative data collection methods include various forms of surveys – online surveys, paper surveys, mobile surveys and kiosk surveys, face-to-face interviews, telephone interviews, longitudinal studies, website interceptors, online polls, and systematic observations.
This type of research methods requires quantifiable data involving numerical and statistical explanations. Quantitative Research is used to quantify the problem by way of generating numerical data or data that can be transformed into usable statistics. It is used to quantify attitudes, opinions, behaviours, and other defined variables – and generalise results from a larger sample population. Quantitative Research uses measurable data to formulate facts and uncover patterns in research. Quantitative data collection methods are much more structured than Qualitative data collection methods. Quantitative data collection methods include various forms of surveys – online surveys, paper surveys, mobile surveys and kiosk surveys, face-to-face interviews, telephone interviews, longitudinal studies, website interceptors, online polls, and systematic observations.
Qualitative Method
This type of research methods involve describing in details specific situation using research tools like interviews, surveys, and Observations. Qualitative Research is primarily exploratory research. It is used to gain an understanding of underlying reasons, opinions, and motivations. It provides insights into the problem or helps to develop ideas or hypotheses for potential quantitative research. Qualitative Research is also used to uncover trends in thought and opinions, and dive deeper into the problem. Qualitative data collection methods vary using unstructured or semi-structured techniques. Some common methods include focus groups (group discussions), individual interviews, and participation/observations. The sample size is typically small, and respondents are selected to fulfil a given quota.
Mixed Method
Mixed methods research is more specific in that it includes the mixing of qualitative and quantitative data, methods, methodologies, and/or paradigms in a research study or set of related studies. One could argue that mixed methods research is a special case of multi-method research. Another applicable, but less often used label, for multi or mixed research is methodological pluralism. All of these approaches to professional and academic research emphasise that mono-method research can be improved through the use of multiple data, methods, methodologies, perspectives, standpoints, and paradigms.
The term 'multi-methodology' was used starting in the 1980s and in the 1989 book Multi-method Research: A Synthesis of Styles by John Brewer and Albert Hunter (Sage Publications). During the 1990s and currently, the term 'mixed methods research' has become more popular for this research movement in the behavioural, social, business, and health sciences
Syed-ETEC-6430 Action Research Project.docxReferences:
Creswell, J.W., (2002). Educational Research: Planning, Conducting, and Evaluating Quantitative and Qualitative Research. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Education, p. 87.
Mertler, C. A. (2012). Action Research: Improving School and Empowering Educators. (3rd ed.)
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