1. Conference Introduction Mark A. Constas Cornell University
Society for Research on Educational Effectiveness Invitational Conference December 10-12, 2006
Conference Introduction
Mark A. Constas
Cornell University

2. Overview Welcome Opening remarks
Conference objectives and envisioned outcomes

3. Methodological Trends
How has the field of educational research changed over the last twenty-five years?
Is there hope?

4. Two studies Surface Indicators of Methodological Shifts in Education Research
Study one:
Study two: 2000 vs. 2005

5. Study Number One Methodological Trends 1976-2000
Search Terms
Hypotheses
Random assignment/selection
Statistics
Experimental
Qualitative
Ethnographic
Narrative
Postmodern
“Scientific” Descriptors
Emergent Descriptors

6. Trends for “Scientific Descriptors Findings on number of articles

7. Trends for Emergent Descriptors Findings on number of articles

8. Study Number Two Methodological Trends: 2000 vs. 2005
Search Terms
Hypotheses
Random assignment/selection
Quantitative
Experimental
Qualitative
Ethnographic
Narrative
Postmodern
“Scientific” Descriptors
(Federal Priorities)
Emergent Descriptors
(Normative Discourse?)

9. Methodological Shifts: 2000 vs. 2005 Findings on number of articles

10. Conference Objectives & Outcomes
Forum to discuss high quality research on educational effectiveness
Characteristics of research that may be used to build better connections between credible causal inference in effective educational practice
Further development of the society for Research on Educational Effectiveness

11. Final Note: Outcomes
Make progress toward the goal of establishing a productive, cohesive community of researchers
Receive input on how to direct our efforts in this next phase of the Society’s development
Widen participation in the leadership of the organization