With so many different types of research methods it is important to approach each research question by choosing a method that best suits the scenario.
Scenario 1: Ten students are available for in-depth interviews. Participants will be selected based on their involvement with the peer mediation program. They will be observed over three weeks. Analysis will attempt to determine issues concerning peer mediation.
- For scenario one the qualitative method would be the most suitable. The participants in this program are a case study and it describes the meanings of a lived experience, making it a phenomenology.
Scenario 2: Two classrooms of students are selected. There are 30 students in each class; each group will have similar demographics—age, sex, race, socio-economic background, etc. Classes will be randomly divided into two groups of 15 students. Of these two groups, one randomly selected group will get training on peer mediation and the other group will not. Thus in each classroom there will be one group that is trained in peer mediation and one that is not. Analysis will occur on which groups have the fewest office referrals.
- The experimental make up of scenario two makes this a quantitative research design. In this scenario “the investigator has some control over what will happen to the subjects by systematically imposing or withholding specified interventions, the researcher then makes comparisons,” about the two groups (McMillan & Schumacher, 2008, p. 23).
Scenario 3: A school counselor is interested in knowing how student attitudes affect the value of peer mediation to decrease the number of office referrals that are being filed for inappropriate interactions.
- For scenario three a mixed method would be the best. Since there is not a set up research and that the students are in their natural environment it is a qualitative design. Once, however, the referrals reach the office you can then look at that data as a quantitative design.
Scenario 4: Peer mediation has become widely used in many schools. The feelings of those involved in the process are little known—either from those doing the mediation or those receiving it. The ZASK-R Acceptance Preference Survey will be given as pre- and post-tests to 40 students participating in mediation. Follow-up interviews will be conducted on a bi-monthly basis.
- Scenario four also represents a mixed method of research. Since the researchers will be continually looking at the data on a bi-monthly basis, it makes it a case study. The use of the survey places this research into the quantitative research method.
With the ability to gather and review research so easily it is important to at least have a general understanding of how to use this information. Have the ability to conduct and review research can be a great tool for the classroom and building.
Resources
McMillian, J. H., & Schumacher, S. (2006). Research in Education: Evidence-based inquiry(6th Ed.). Boston, Massachusetts: Pearson Education, Inc.
Hello Paul,
ReplyDeleteI enjoy your concise interpertation of the different scenario. I agree that educational research can be misunderstood. Throughout this course we have discussed many different ways we have seen data skewed to better serve the researcher. I think as long as educators are critical when viewing research they will use it to the best interest of their students.
Keep up the great work Paul I have really enjoyed reading your post!
Dawn Bell
Hi Paul.
ReplyDeleteI agree that while information is so easy to find, sometimes it is hard to understand and use. It's also easy to sway the results to fit the idea you were hoping for. When I did my research for this class, I had to accept that my thoughts as to what the outcome of the research would be were wrong! As long as research is done is a good way, the results should be true and accepted!
Paul, I too found a vast amount of information regarding my research topic. I was apprehensive at first that it would be difficult. Back in my day, when I researched for a paper, I had to go to the basement of a library and scan through microfiche. Many times the topic revolved around the research that I could find instead of finding information on the topic that I am learning and writing about. Believe it our not but I purchased my first computer and cell phone in my middle 30's when they became affordable. Not too many people had them. Writing the literature review has been a challenge for me but I believe that I have come full circle. I am now very comfortable with the research, the design,the synthesizing and the writing of research papers. It has been a pleasure being your classmate. Good Luch with the rest of the program. Kristin
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