1. Chapter 8 Designing a Research Project
Introduction to Educational Research (7th ed.) Craig A. Mertler & C.M. Charles
Chapter 8
Designing a Research Project
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Mertler & Charles Intro. to Ed'l. Research -- Chapter 1

2. How To Plan for Research
Attention should be given to:
Introduction
Method
Data analysis
Time schedule
Budget (Gay & Airasian, 2000)
Planning according to whether research is qualitative or quantitative (Wiersma, 2000)

3. Planning Research Tasks
TASK #1: State the topic, problem, and questions/hypotheses
Include importance of the study, limitations, delimitations, assumptions
TASK #2: Outline the library search for related information
Include both primary and secondary sources
Develop literature review from:
general
specific
earlier
more recent

4. Planning Research Tasks (cont’d.)
TASK #3: Identify needed data and their sources
TASK #4: List the steps needed to complete the study
Include sampling procedures (if necessary), descriptions of what will be expected of participants, and methods of ensuring quality of data
TASK #5: Specify the procedures and tools to be used in data collection
Include description of data collection instruments

5. Planning Research Tasks (cont’d.)
TASK #6: Foresee how data can best be analyzed and interpreted
Differentiate between qualitative and quantitative data
Anticipate possible findings and conclusions
TASK #7: Anticipate the appropriate report format, based on a generic format:
1. Specification of the problem
2. Review of related literature
3. Procedures and data collection
4. Data analysis
5. Findings
6. Conclusions

6. Applying Technology… Web sites to assist in writing reports
Dr. Trochim’s "Key Elements" of research reports (socialresearchmethods.net/kb/guideelements.htm)
Dr. Trochim’s guide to "Formatting" research reports (socialresearchmethods.net/kb/formatting.htm)
The complete text of a sample research paper (socialresearchmethods.net/kb/sampaper.htm)