Follow-Up: Objectives, Reflections, Readings Nov. 20

Components & Interrelationship an understanding of the potential/actual nature and interrelationship of the following components: a specific research problem and question the researcher’s orientation to the relevant subject matter the technique for gathering data (or material for a project) the pragmatics (and ethical considerations) for implementing research in a given setting in the case of a project, the pragmatics of developing the proposed “product”

Objectives familiarity with the related literature and with the literature review process knowledge of the conventional structure and content types associated with a thesis document, and of the possibilities for their adaptation ability to develop an informed application for ethics approval ability to articulate clearly your research/project focus to a non-specialist audience, also through the preparation and use of visual aides ability to discuss and compare the research or project activity with those of other students and researchers

Proposals & Proposal Reflections Ashok & I both read through all reflections Both of us commented on them (in most cases) In cases where your reflections “progressed from” the proposal, I focused on your research questions If either of us asked for further discussion, please arrange that with us –or if we raise questions in comments, etc.

Creswell: Chapters 1.Selecting a research design 2.Review of the Literature 3.Use of Theory 4.Writing (the proposal) & Ethics 5.Introduction 6.Purpose 7.Research Questions 8.( - 10.) Quantitative/Qualitative/Mixed Methods

Theory for Quantitative Research Use of Theory: A formalized expression (part) of a world-view Theory for Qualitative & Mixed-Methods Research Theory- Construct

Post-Positivist Advocacy, Pragmatic, Constructivist Theory for Quantitative Research Use of Theory: A formalized expression (part) of a world-view Theory for Qualitative & Mixed-Methods Research Theory- Construct

Reflections Vocabulary used in Research Question Method / Technique Worldview (philosophical frame for study) Effective, effectiveness, efficiency, factors in success Comparison, measuring outcomes Post-positive Practices, techniques, methods (e.g. of teachers, students, administrators) ethnography, ethnomethodology, observation, Pragmatic, Constructivist Policies, policy, principles, procedures (e.g. of educational institutions, documents) Policy and textual analysis, hermeneutics, discourse analysis Pragmatic, Advocacy, Constructivist Experience, feelings, incidents (of subjects) Phenomenology, perception study, interviews, surveys Pragmatic

Vocabulary used in Research Question Method / Technique Worldview (philosophical frame for study) Perceptions, thoughts, impressions, feelings (of subjects) Perception study, interviews, focus groups, surveys Pragmatic, Advocacy Learning, understanding, remembering, applying; motivation, attitude(s) (usually of students) Pre-test and post-test; also: comparison, interviews, surveys, observations Post-positive, Constructivist Improvement, problem solving, solutions, reflection, situation, use of first person (“I am”) Action research; Autoethnography Pragmatic, Advocacy Correlations, associations, factors, characteristics, demographics Surveys, use of existing census and survey data Post-positive, Advocacy, Pragmatic

Questions for Group Discussion Since this class meets infrequently, how could we best “bridge” f2f classes and keep in touch in-between? Given proposal document you submitted in the summer, your reflections on it, our feedback and your ongoing readings, what do you see as the principle obstacles in developing your research?

Proposal Outlines ConstructivisIn terpretivist Advocacy/ Participatory QuantitativeMixed methods TRU MEd Introduction Introduction; Purpose Introduction Statement of problem (include relevant lit.) Statement of problem (issue/controv ersy Statement of problem (issue & its significance) The research problem; Past research on the problem rationale, purpose, intent Purpose & Delimitations Deficiencies in past research; the audiences that will profit from the study significance of the topic/research area Theoretical Perspective Statement of purpose, reason for mixed methods The research questions Research questions or hypotheses Research questions and hypotheses research question Philosophical assumptions

Constructivist/ Interpretivist Advocacy/ Participatory QuantitativeMixed methods TRU MEd Review of the Literature? Review of the Literature Procedures Methods Design/Methodology Philosophical assumptions Type of research design Definition of mixed methods the procedures the researcher will follow in carrying out the research Research Strat. Popultn, sample, subjects Design type: challenges & examples the subjects and how they are chosen; location Role of researcher procedures the researcher will follow in carrying out the research Data coll. procedures (Collaborative) prcdrs for data collection, recording, analysis Data collection, variables, materials; Data analysis Data collection and analysis (qualitative); Data collection and analysis (quantitative) how the data will be handled, analyzed, presented Validation strategies limitations of the study Narrative structure Visual Diagram (?)