Publishing Educational Research Articles Dr. David Kaufman Faculty of Education Simon Fraser University Presented at Universitas Terbuka March 4, 2011

Recommendations 1. CONSIDER THE FORMAT AND STRUCTURE OF YOUR PAPER 2. MAKE SURE THAT THE TITLE OF THE ARTICLE CORRESPONDS TO THE CONTENT 3. STATE THE RESEARCH QUESTION EARLY AND CLEARLY 4. CONDUCT A THOROUGH REVIEW OF EARLIER RESEARCH 5. PRESENT THE METHODS AND DATA 6. RESULTS 7. DISCUSSION 8. ABSTRACT

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA FOR RESEARCH STUDIES a) Structured abstract (as a minimum: background, aims, sample, methods, results). b) Sampling should be described and justified, including an explanation of criteria used. c) Theoretical background of the entire study, or individual methods, should be described. d) The context (setting) in which the study was carried out should be described. The author must describe the characteristics of the field in which the study was carried out, and what made it different from other settings (qualitative research). e) A detailed description of the research intervention should be included, [and of how study participants responded during that intervention (qualitative research).] f) A detailed description of the analytical methods applied, how they were used, including the tools used for minimising bias, and a validation of the results should be presented. g) A description of the data analysis technical aspects and procedures are needed. h) Description of results and their interpretation are obviously necessary. This includes a discussion of limitations. i) Discussion of results and conclusions are necessary, including suggestions for further research

EVALUATION CRITERIA FOR RESEARCH STUDIES a) The research issue and the research questions should be properly presented. b) The research questions should be contextually embedded and put into a theoretical framework, with a literature review of the present state of knowledge. c) The author should argue for the importance of her study against this background (e.g., what questions or issues the results should contribute to, and how they will move the field forward). d) QUALITATIVE: Control tools (e.g., research logs, control points) should be reported and how ethical problems were handled (e.g., use of informed consents, careful adherence to research protocols, manner of preparing the research team to manage risky or problem situations). QUANTITATIVE: Data collection and analysis procedures should be described in detail e) Results should be discussed and interpreted with respect to the research questions. f) Overall conclusions should be given with limitations of the study and suggestions for further research.

Adapted From s/isaje_2nd_edition_chapter6.pdf

Publishing Educational Research: Guidelines and Tips: Manuscript Checklist 1. Completeness ____ goals and objectives are clearly stated ____ purpose of the article is achieved ____ ramifications are identified ____ solutions are presented ____ presentation of the material is fully logical and coherent ____ unnecessary information has been removed ____ information is succinct yet comprehensive ____ significance of the information is apparent 2. Authoritativeness ____ references are relevant to the topic ____ proportional mixture of author and others' works ____ all relevant sources are cited ____ occupational disciplinary blinders are removed ____ authorities from other fields are cited ____ information is up-to-date ____ sources of assistance are acknowledged ____ permission to use others' work is obtained 3. Expertness ____ proper methodology is used ____ methodology has been applied appropriately ____ novel or new methodology is justified ____ reasons for using previously unused methods are sound ____ methods are presented clearly ____ methods can be replicated as identified ____ purpose is to present method or findings

4. Singularity ____ provides new information or confirms existing knowledge ____ unique, original, or new elements are clearly revealed ____ how old information may be used by others is stated ____ applicability to salient groups is identified ____ information that is presented is timely ____ information is specialized or generalizable ____ those who could use the information are identified ____ the article improves the existing body of knowledge 5. Quality ____ article follows journal guidelines ____ correct grammar, syntax, spelling, and punctuation are used ____ nonsexist language is used ____ ethnic bias is absent ____ "handicapping" language is absent (e.g., the disabled) ____ information is presented in an orderly manner ____ jargon and esoteric terms are absent ____ communication is parsimonious ____ article has been proofread ____ original and copies have a clean appearance

REFERENCES Qualitative article publishing CHAPTER 6. HOW TO WRITE PUBLISHABLE QUALITATIVE RESEARCH. AUTHORS: KERSTIN STENIUS, KLAUS MÄKELÄ, MICHAL MIOVSKY, AND ROMAN GABRHELIK isaje_2nd_edition_chapter6.pdf isaje_2nd_edition_chapter6.pdf AERA Criteria d_Publications/Journals/pubtip.pdf d_Publications/Journals/pubtip.pdf Review of DE research