Research and Education
Traditional Research
Traditional research, the most recognized form of research, is often conducted by individuals external to the school or environment being studied. Its primary aim is to generate findings that can be generalized to larger populations.
This type of research follows a deductive approach, often involving, identifying a problem, formulating a hypothesis or research question, collecting and analyzing data, interpreting results, and concluding supporting or refuting the initial hypothesis.
This type of research follows a structured approach, often involving the identification of a problem, formulation of a hypothesis or research question, collection and analysis of data, interpretation of results, and a conclusion that either supports or refutes the initial hypothesis.
Methods:
- Qualitative (inductive) Method | “bottom-up” approach
(Involve in-depth interviews, conducting focus groups, collecting perceptions and opinions.) - Quantitative (deductive)Method | “top-down” approach
Numerical Data, questionnaires, slenderized tests observation checklists, and rating scales. - Mixed-Methods
Both Qualitative and Quantitative approach are used in the research study.
Action Research
Action research is a participatory and reflective process that empowers educators to systematically examine and improve their practices. Rooted in collaboration and problem-solving, it involves iterative stages such as planning, acting, observing, and reflecting.
This approach enables educators to address specific challenges, deepen their understanding of teaching and learning, and enhance both their professional growth and engagement.
- Participatory Action Research:
“Its focus is on empowering individuals and groups to improve their lives and to bring about social change on some level.” (Mertler, 2020) - Practical Action Research:
“Focuses on addressing a specific problem or need in a classroom, school, or similar community it’s more about the how-to” (Mertler, 2020)
Methods:
- Qualitative (inductive) Method
Often used in action research
(Involve in-depth interviews, conducting focus groups, collecting perceptions and opinions.) - Quantitative (deductive)Method
Not commonly used in action research
(Numerical Data, questionnaires, slenderized tests observation checklists, and rating scales.) - Mixed Method
“Many action research studies tend to “align” better with mixed-methods research designs.The reason for this is that most educators, when investigating their own classroom practices, see the benefit in collecting some data that are qualitative and some data that are quantitative.” (Mertler,2020)
Action research is a Cyclical Process:
Four-stage procedure
- Planning Stage
- Acting Stage
- Developing Stage
- Reflecting Stage
“—action research is a recursive, cyclical process that typically does not proceed in a linear fashion (Johnson, 2008). Practitioner-researchers engaged in action research often find themselves repeating some of the steps several times or perhaps doing them in a different order.”
(Mertler, 2020)
Quantitative Research
Deductive Reasoning
“Quantitative research methodologies require the collection and analysis of numerical data.” (Mertler, 2020)
Quantitative research can be divided into two categories: non experimental research and experimental research.
- Non experimental research does not involve manipulating or controlling factors in the environment. Instead, it aims to describe findings or uncover relationships between variables. This approach often includes descriptive data analysis, utilizing methods such as surveys or observations to present results. Conclusions drawn from non experimental research may be limited and often suggest areas for further study.
- Experimental research, on the other hand, involves measuring and analyzing variables numerically. This method is used to test hypotheses or establish causal relationships, often through controlled experiments, such as those conducted in a laboratory setting. A true experimental design is one in which participants have been randomly assigned to different groups (McMillan, 2021).
Qualitative Research
Inductive Reasoning
“An approach to conducting research that derives meaning inductively from non-numerical data.”(McMillan, 2021)
Qualitative research is guided by the type of problem, research questions, and the approach to data collection and analysis, all of which are directed by the specific research question. This approach is flexible and exploratory, often focused on understanding human experiences, behaviors, and social phenomena in depth. Several types of qualitative research designs include:
Phenomenological study: Focuses on exploring and understanding individuals’ lived experiences and how the particular phenomenon is perceived.
Grounded theory: Aims to develop a theory grounded in data systematically collected and analyzed. Researchers begin with little to no preconceived theory and build it based on their findings.
Case studies: Involves an in-depth, context-rich exploration of a particular case, such as an individual, group, or event, to understand complex issues within real-life experience.
Critical studies: Focuses on challenging and critiquing societal structures and power dynamics. It aims to uncover underlying social inequalities and advocate for social change.
These approaches typically involve inductive analysis, where themes or patterns emerge from the data.
Mixed Methods Research
“Research design that combines both quantitative and qualitative research designs and data.” (Mertler, 2020)
Mixed Methods Research combines both qualitative and quantitative approaches in a single study to take advantage of the strengths of both types of data. This approach has become increasingly popular as it allows for a more comprehensive understanding of complex research problems. Mixed methods research can be conducted using three major designs:
Explanatory Sequential Design: here, researchers first collect and analyze quantitative data, followed by qualitative data collection to explain or expand upon the quantitative findings. Used when the researcher seeks to clarify or further explore patterns identified in the quantitative phase.
Exploratory Sequential Design: Qualitative data is collected and analyzed first, followed by the collection and analysis of quantitative data. Used when the researcher wants to explore a phenomenon in-depth through qualitative methods before testing the findings with quantitative tools.
Convergent Design: In this design, both qualitative and quantitative data are collected concurrently, analyzed separately, and then compared or combined to provide a more comprehensive interpretation of the research question. The goal is to merge the strengths of both approaches to validate or corroborate the results.
Reflection:
Conducting research across different environments and variables can be overwhelming. However, understanding the purpose of the research helps determine the most suitable research methods to achieve its objectives. By clearly defining the research goal, you can choose between qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods, ensuring that the approach aligns with the desired outcome.