1. Cari-Ana, Alexis, Sean, Matt
Research Methods
Cari-Ana, Alexis, Sean, Matt

2. Different Types of Research
Basic Research
Applied Research
Evaluation Research
Action Research

3. Additional Types of Research
Historical Research
Descriptive Research
Correlational Research
Causal Comparative Research/ Quasi-Experimental Research
True Experimental Research

4. Research Methods/Instruments
Developer Created vs. Externally Developed
Standardized Tests/Testing
Things to look for:
Validity: Define Validity
Construct, Content, Item, Concurrent, Sampling Face, Predictive
Reliability: Define Reliability
test-retest, equivalent forms, split half
Observation
Questionnaires, Surveys
Focus Groups

5. When performing focus group research it is important to set up a safe environment? TRUE
National Research Act of 1974
– Approval of the study by an external organized group prior to implementation of the study (IRB)
» No harm
» Informed consent
» Parental or guardian permission(signatures)
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
(Buckley)
– Privacy of educational records of students
» e.g. recording student id numbers
» Masking direct access to student records

6. Focus Groups aim to? Encourage a range of responses.
Using a select group with similar experiences or social/cultural backgrounds, you gain a deeper understanding and interpretations of a specific issue.

7. Why are surveys popular methods in research?
Can cover a range of contexts and subgroups
Generally quick and cost efficient
Ability to measure multiple variables

8. Why Conduct Descriptive Research...
Test Hypotheses and answer questions
Develop an appropriate instrument for gathering information
Self Reports may include:
Questionnaires, interviews, standardized attitude scales (likert)

9. What issues may you have doing survey research?
Questions are not written or presented in a way to get best results
Poor Sampling Frame
Non-Responses can distort sample

10. What is the independent variable in a study examining if TV violence increases aggression in children?
Independent Variable: TV Violence

11. Independent Variables
An independent variable is an input variable, that which causes, in part or in total, a particular outcome; it is a stimulus that influences a response, an antecedent or a factor which may be modified (e.g. under experimental or other conditions) to affect an outcome.

12. Researcher Power over Independent Variables
Direct Manipulation
Manipulation of at least one independent variable. Intentional and Direct
Direct Control
Direct control over what is provided to each group
Control of Subject Variables
Pretest scores, pretest performance
Control of Environmental Variables
Curriculum materials, length of exposure, etc.

13. Dependent Variable: People’s reaction time
What is the dependent variable in a study predicting that drinking alcohol will decrease a driver’s reaction time?
Dependent Variable: People’s reaction time

14. Dependent Variables
A dependent variable, is the outcome variable, that which is caused, in total or in part, by the input, antecedent variable. It is the effect, consequence of, or response to, an independent variable.

15. Independent Variable: Changes in Work Space
What is the independent variable in a study that measures how changes in work space affect employee reaction?
Independent Variable: Changes in Work Space

16. What are the proper characteristics of a quality research question?
Analytical in nature - seeking to answer a question or problem
Specific in scope - focused on the issue, research question will frame the scope of study
Answerable in a reasonable amount of time - realistically studied and answered

17. What are the benefits of keeping a research journal?
Allows for reflection on the research process. Keeping a research journal can be very effective for assessing strengths and weaknesses during the project. It is also a good place to keep evidence and can inform future changes to process or project itself.