1. Chapter 6 Designing a Research Project
Introduction to Educational Research (6th ed.) Craig A. Mertler & C.M. Charles
Chapter 6
Designing a Research Project
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2. How Planning for Research Should Be Done
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)
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3. Tasks To Be Accomplished When Planning Research
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
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008

4. Tasks To Be Accomplished When Planning Research (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
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008

5. Tasks To Be Accomplished When Planning Research (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
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008

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)
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008