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. This multimedia product and its contents are protected under copyright law. The following are prohibited by law: Any public performance or display, including transmission of any image over a network; Preparation of any derivative work, including the extraction, in whole or in part, of any images; Any rental, lease or lending of the program © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. Mertler & Charles Intro. to Ed'l. Research -- Chapter 1

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

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

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

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

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

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 10-15. Copyright © 2011 Pearson Allyn & Bacon Mertler & Charles Intro. to Ed'l. Research -- Chapter 1

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 15-17. Copyright © 2011 Pearson Allyn & Bacon Mertler & Charles Intro. to Ed'l. Research -- Chapter 1