Educational Research: Competencies for Analysis and Applications 13th
Edition
by Geoffrey Mills
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XE
LI
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, TABLE OF CONTENT
PART I: FOUNDATIONAL CONCEPTS AND PROCESSES
Introduction to Educational Research
Ethics in Educational Research
Selecting and Defining a Research Problem
Reviewing the Literature
Preparing and Evaluating a Research Plan
Selecting a Sample
Selecting Measurement Instruments
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PART II: RESEARCH DESIGNS
Survey Research
Correlational Research
Causal-Comparative Research
Experimental Research
XE
Single-Subject Experimental Research
Narrative Research
Ethnographic Research
Case Study Research
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Mixed Methods Research: Integrating Qualitative and Quantitative Methods
Action Research
PART III: WORKING WITH QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DATA
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Descriptive Statistics
Inferential Statistics
Secondary Data Research
Qualitative Data Collection
Qualitative Research: Data Analysis and Interpretation
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PART IV: REPORTING AND CRITIQUING RESEARCH
Preparing a Research Report
Evaluating a Research Report
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, Chapter 1: Introduction to Educational Research
Chapter 1 Learning Outcome Quizzes
Learning Outcome 1.1: Briefly describe the reasoning involved in the scientific method.
[Q1]
Jose is a graduate student who is beginning a research project. Which of the following
steps of the scientific method represents the first step Jose should take in conducting
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research?
1. Formulate hypotheses.
2. Collect and analyze data.
3. Recognize and define the problem. [correct]
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4. Draw conclusions regarding hypotheses.
[Feedback for Answer Choice 1]
Formulating hypotheses is an important part of the scientific process, but this occurs
later.
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[Feedback for Answer Choice 2]
Collecting and analyzing data are important components of the scientific process, but
they occur later in the process.
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[Feedback for Correct Answer 3]
Recognition and definition of the problem is the first step in the scientific method.
[Feedback for Answer Choice 4]
Conclusions are important, but cannot be the first part of the process.
AR
[Q2]
Susie engaged in the following activities last semester. Which of these activities is an
example of utilizing the scientific method?
1. Susie learned about problem-based learning by going to the library, reading about
this topic, and writing a summary.
2. Susie gathered and analyzed data from teachers in the district to answer a question
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about their attitudes regarding new high-stakes testing policies. [correct]
3. Susie wrote an item for a newsletter describing her personal opinion about the value
of parental involvement in school based on 10 years of working in the area.
4. Susie described a new program that was implemented at her school to help parents
become more involved.
[Feedback for Answer Choice 1]
1
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, Reviewing the literature in an area is an important practice, but in this example, she did
not engage in scientific inquiry following her review of the literature.
[Feedback for Correct Answer 2]
Susie has followed the scientific method by recognizing a problem (new high-stakes
testing policies), gathering data, and analyzing to address the research problem.
[Feedback for Answer Choice 3]
Opinions are important, but they are not included in the scientific process.
[Feedback for Answer Choice 4]
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While Susie did a service by describing a new program, she did not engage in any sort
of data collection or analysis.
[Q3]
Manny is interested in investigating differences in spatial skills between middle school
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girls and boys enrolled in his computer graphics class. He spends time reviewing the
relevant research in this area. What would be the next step in the scientific method?
1. Forming a hypothesis [correct]
2. Recognizing and defining the problem
3. Collecting data
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4. Drawing conclusions regarding hypotheses
[Feedback for Correct Answer 1]
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Forming a hypothesis is the next step in the scientific method. Manny was able to
develop a hypothesis because he was up to date on the current literature in his area of
interest.
[Feedback for Answer Choice 2]
Manny’s recognition of the problem would have prompted his review of the literature;
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therefore, this could not be the next step.
[Feedback for Answer Choice 3]
In order for Manny to collect data, he must have a better understanding of the direction
of his research.
[Feedback for Answer Choice 4]
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While Manny could certainly synthesize the findings of previous scholars, he could form
his own conclusion before conducting any research.
[Q4]
When discussing conclusions, it is important that the researcher does which of the
following?
1. Makes an argument supporting his or her original hypothesis
2
Copyright © 2023, 2019, 2016, 2012 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.