1. Chapter 1 Educational Research: Its Nature and Rules of Operation
Introduction to Educational Research (7th ed.) Craig A. Mertler & C.M. Charles
Chapter 1
Educational Research:
Its Nature and Rules of Operation
This ppt has been adapted by Anne René Elsbree to meet the needs of EDUC 622.
Please read this as a tool to understand Chapter 1 of Intro to Educational Research.
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Mertler & Charles Intro. to Ed'l. Research -- Chapter 1

2. Seeking Answers to Questions
Familiar sources of information:
Tradition—relying on past behaviors
Authority—seek out opinions of experts
Common sense—logical human reasoning
Familiar sources often prove to be unsuccessful…why?
Less familiar sources of information:
Science—study and theoretical explanation
Scientific method—systematic discovery of facts and relationships
Research—systematic investigation
Research Basics
Copyright © 2011 Pearson Allyn & Bacon
Mertler & Charles Intro. to Ed'l. Research -- Chapter 1

3. The Scientific Method
Definition—strategy used to determine facts and relationships; then used to answer questions and resolve problems
Facts—agreements made by people knowledgeable in the field
Relationships—cause-and-effect associations among facts
Common sense—logical human reasoning
Scientific method is a procedure for thinking and making decisions objectively
See page 5-6.
Copyright © 2011 Pearson Allyn & Bacon
Mertler & Charles Intro. to Ed'l. Research -- Chapter 1

4. The Scientific Method (cont’d.)
Steps involved in the process:
(1) Identify a problem
(2) State the main question inherent in the problem
(3) State a hypothesis
(4) Collect information related to the question
(5) Analyze and interpret information
(6) Form conclusions derived from analysis/interpretation
(7) Use conclusions to verify/reject hypothesis
Steps may not be followed in precise order; dependent on specific type of research being used
Scientific method is just one model for consideration.
Copyright © 2011 Pearson Allyn & Bacon
Mertler & Charles Intro. to Ed'l. Research -- Chapter 1

5. Educational Research
The application of the scientific method to educational phenomenon
Steps involved in the process:
(1) Identify a problem
(2) State the main question inherent in the problem
(3) State a hypothesis
(4) Review pertinent and related literature
(5) Collect information related to the question
(6) Analyze and interpret information
(7) Form conclusions derived from analysis/interpretation
(8) Use conclusions to verify/reject hypothesis
Not all educational research includes a hypothesis.
Copyright © 2011 Pearson Allyn & Bacon
Mertler & Charles Intro. to Ed'l. Research -- Chapter 1

6. Rules of Operation
Necessary to credibly obtain reliable/valid information from which to draw conclusions
Legal Principles (for the use of human subjects):
National Research Act of 1974
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (1974)
College/school district institutional review boards
See page 9-10.
Copyright © 2011 Pearson Allyn & Bacon
Mertler & Charles Intro. to Ed'l. Research -- Chapter 1

7. Rules of Operation (cont’d.)
Ethical Principles (moral aspects of research):
Principle of beneficence
Principle of honesty
Principle of accurate disclosure
Consent and assent
Philosophical Principles (anticipated value of investigation):
Principle of importance
Principle of generalizability
Principle of replicability
Principle of probability
See page
Copyright © 2011 Pearson Allyn & Bacon
Mertler & Charles Intro. to Ed'l. Research -- Chapter 1

8. Rules of Operation (cont’d.)
Procedural Principles:
Principle of researchability
Principle of parsimony: Simpler a theory is the better
Principle of credibility:
1. Significant and researchable topic
2. Follow operating principles
3. Reliable and valid data gathered
4. Appropriate methods
5. Findings supported by data
6. Logical conclusions
Principle of rival explanations: Anticipate scrutiny
A few words about the benefits of practically-oriented research…EDUCATORS AS RESEARCHERS
See pages
Copyright © 2011 Pearson Allyn & Bacon
Mertler & Charles Intro. to Ed'l. Research -- Chapter 1