1. Chapter 1: What is Educational Research? Menetra D. Wilson EDCI 695 Fall 2015

2. Learning Objectives: 1. Name and describe 4 methods that can be used to seek outanswers to important questions. 2. Describe the scientific method and how it can be appliedto educational research topics. 3. Summarize characteristics that define what educationalresearch is and is not. 4. Identify and define key terms associated with educationalresearch. 5. Identify various methods for conducting educationalresearch. 6. List and describe the major steps of the educationalresearch process. 7. Articulate the importance of exploring research in yourspecific discipline. 8. Evaluate the perceived importance of educator’sconducting their own research.

3. Finding Answers to Questions Tradition Refers to how we have historically sought answers to questions. Breeds the “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mentality. Common Sense Human reasoning; figuring things out on your own Can be effective when coupled with tradition and authority. Authority Refers to how we seek answers and opinions from individuals who have substantial expertise in our field who may know what is best for us. Can be highly effective Lends to bandwagon mentality Must be “customized” to fit specific needs of schools

4. The Scientific Method is a specific strategy used to answer questions and resolve problems. 1.Specify the topic about which a concern exists. 2.Clarify the specific problem on which the research will focus. 3.Formulate research questions and/or hypotheses concerning the specific problem or topic. 4.Conduct procedures by which data are collected, analyzed, and interpreted. 5.State the findings that are generated as a result of the analysis of data. 6.Draw conclusions related to the original research questions and/or hypotheses.

5. EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH: WHAT IT IS... Educational research is scientific. Educational research begins with a question or problem, which serves as the purpose or goal of a study. Educational research requires the formulation of a specific plan for conducting the research:  Who will you study?  What information will you collect?  How and when will you collect this information?  What will you do with it once you have it?  How do you plan to interpret the results of those analyses?

6. Educational Research: What It Is… Educational research requires the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data as a means of answering the inherent question or problem under investigation. In most cases, educational research tends to be cyclical or helical, as opposed to linear. Educational research is, by its very nature, inquisitive, objective, and original. Educational research should be beneficial, meaningful, and significant.

7. Educational Research: What It Is Not… Research is not simply gathering information. Educational research does not have outcomes that are predetermined. Educational research is not trivial. Educational research is not conclusive.

8. Key Terms Activity Each person has a bag of key, research terms. Your task is to match the term with its definition. Everyone will read their key terms and definitions aloud to the class.

10. Educational Research Process Step 1: Identification of an Existing Problem Step 2: Clarification of the Specific Problem Step 3: Formulation of the Research Question(s) Step 4: Development of Procedures by Which Data Are Collected Step 5: Specification of Procedures by Which Data Are Analyzed Step 6: Statement of the Findings Resulting From the Analyses Step 7: Development of Conclusions/Recommendations Related to Question(s)

11. Knowing Your Specific Discipline Be a researcher and a critical consumer of research. Read articles and other relevant publications. Relevant can be: subject specific, age or grade level, general education, education policy, educational leadership, technology in education, etc. Look for peer reviewed/refereed reports.

12. EN TU OPINIÓN… The author concludes the chapter with the statement “Thus, be assured that not only can you involve yourself successfully in meaningful educational research, but any investigation you conduct likely will be more beneficial than formal research to your work in education, and probably more beneficial to other educators as well.