- "Educational research refers to the systematic collection and analysis of data related to the field of education."
The understanding of research methods and data analysis, and how to use research to inform and improve educational practice.
Research design: This is the process of planning and structuring research studies, including selecting appropriate research methods, data collection, and analysis techniques.
Sampling techniques: Sampling is the process of selecting a subset of individuals or groups from a larger population. Different sampling techniques are used depending on the research question, and the type of data required.
Data collection methods: This includes different techniques for collecting data such as surveys, questionnaires, focus groups, and interviews.
Quantitative data analysis: This includes statistical data analysis techniques such as frequency distribution, descriptive statistics, and inferential statistics.
Qualitative data analysis: This involves analyzing data through coding and thematic analysis to identify patterns of meaning and themes emerging from the data.
Ethics in research: This involves ensuring that research is conducted ethically, protecting the privacy and rights of research participants, and avoiding any harm or negative consequences.
Literature review: This involves reviewing and synthesizing existing research literature related to the research question to inform the research study.
Program evaluation: This involves assessing the effectiveness of social programs, initiatives or services, and involves setting up clear criteria, and analyzing the impact of the program.
Data visualization: This involves presenting data in a visual form such as tables, graphs, or charts to facilitate understanding and communication of research findings.
Writing research reports: This includes writing up the research study findings, including how the research was conducted, the results, and conclusions drawn from the data.
Descriptive Research: Research that aims to describe a particular phenomenon objectively by exploring its key features, characteristics, and relevant components. This type of research is non-invasive and non-experimental, and often involves surveys, interviews, observations, and case studies.
Experimental Research: Research that involves manipulating one or more variables to evaluate their impact on a particular outcome. This type of research involves randomization of participants into control and experimental groups to compare outcomes.
Correlational Research: Research that aims to identify the relationship between two variables without manipulating any variables. This type of research is useful in establishing associations between variables, but cannot establish a cause-and-effect relationship between variables.
Cross-sectional Research: Research that compares different groups at a single point in time. This type of research is useful in identifying differences and similarities between groups, but cannot identify changes or trends over time.
Longitudinal Research: Research that follows a group of subjects over time, observing changes and trends in multiple variables. This type of research is useful in identifying patterns and trends over time.
Case Study Research: Research that focuses on a single individual or small group of individuals, often describing unique or atypical situations. Case studies are commonly used in social work to understand individual experiences and context.
Participatory Action Research: Research conducted in collaboration with community members to address social issues. This type of research emphasizes community cooperation and action, and engages stakeholders in research design, implementation, and interpretation.
Program Evaluation Research: Research that assesses the effectiveness of social programs and interventions. This type of research is used to help programs understand their impact and improve their services.
Needs Assessment Research: Research that identifies the needs of a particular population or community, and informs the development of intervention programs. This type of research often involves conducting surveys, interviews, focus groups, and analyzing secondary data.
Outcome Research: Research that examines the outcomes of various interventions, including education and social work programs, and evaluates their impact on various populations. This type of research measures changes in behavior, attitudes, and knowledge resulting from interventions.
- "...various aspects of education including student learning, interaction, teaching methods, teacher training, and classroom dynamics."
- "Educational researchers generally agree that research should be rigorous and systematic."
- "However, there is less agreement about specific standards, criteria, and research procedures. As a result, the value and quality of educational research has been questioned."
- "Educational researchers may draw upon a variety of disciplines including psychology, economics, sociology, anthropology, and philosophy."
- "Methods may be drawn from a range of disciplines."
- "Conclusions drawn from an individual research study may be limited by the characteristics of the participants who were studied and the conditions under which the study was conducted."