Research Methodology - Educational Research Flashcards

A comprehensive set of Q&A flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture notes on educational research methodology.

What is the definition of research as described in Unit 1: Conceptualizing Research?

A systematic and methodical investigation carried out to discover or establish facts, theories, principles, or knowledge about a subject; involves rigorous data collection, analysis, and interpretation, and can take forms such as experiments, surveys, case studies, and theoretical analyses.

What is the main purpose of education research as outlined in the course notes?

To improve educational practice by generating new knowledge and insights about effective teaching and learning, and to inform policy and practice through rigorous methods.

What are the three research approaches covered in Unit 1?

Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods.

How is qualitative research characterized?

An approach focusing on exploring subjective experiences and meanings; data are non-numerical; methods include interviews, focus groups, observations; analysis is often inductive and context-sensitive.

How is quantitative research characterized?

An approach that measures numerical data to test hypotheses and generalize findings; uses structured data collection and statistical analysis; aims for objectivity and generalizability.

What is mixed-methods research?

A research approach that combines both qualitative and quantitative methods to provide a more comprehensive understanding of a research problem, often integrating data.

Name common data gathering methods in qualitative research.

Interviews, focus group discussions, observation, field notes, and document analysis.

Name common data gathering methods in quantitative research.

Surveys/questionnaires, experiments, observations, existing data analysis, and structured interviews.

What is a literature review?

A critical and systematic evaluation of published research and scholarly sources related to a topic, identifying gaps, the current state of knowledge, and providing a foundation for new research.

List the key steps in doing a literature review.

Identify research questions; search for relevant sources; evaluate sources; analyze and synthesize data; write the literature review.

Why is the literature review important in research?

It establishes the current state of knowledge, identifies gaps, provides a foundation for new research, and helps evaluate the quality of existing research.

What is a theoretical framework in research?

A conceptual model providing the theoretical basis for a study, guiding design, methods, and analysis, and clarifying the research question or problem.

Name two theories discussed as notable in Education Research.

Social Constructivism and Critical Race Theory (also Self-Determination Theory and Ecological Systems Theory).

What is Social Constructivism?

A theory emphasizing learning as socially constructed through interaction and culture, not just transmission from teacher to student.

What is Critical Race Theory?

A framework examining how race and racism intersect with education and policies, aiming for equity and justice.

What is Self-Determination Theory?

A theory focusing on intrinsic motivation, autonomy, competence, and relatedness in learning.

What is Ecological Systems Theory?

A theory highlighting multiple, interconnected levels of influence on development, from family and school to broader social systems.

How should you write a theoretical framework?

Present the historical origin, principles, and purpose of the theory, explain its relevance to the study, and justify whether a second theory is needed.

What are ontology, epistemology, axiology, and methodology in research paradigms?

Ontology is the nature of reality; epistemology is the nature of knowledge; axiology is the role of values; methodology is the methods and procedures used.

Name four common research paradigms.

Positivist/post-positivist; Interpretivist/Constructivist; Critical/Transformative; Postcolonial Indigenous.

What are core assumptions of the positivist/post-positivist paradigm?

Emphasizes objective reality and empirical testing; uses quantitative methods and seeks generalizable findings.

What are core features of the interpretivist/constructivist paradigm?

Reality is socially constructed and context-dependent; emphasizes qualitative methods, flexibility, and understanding multiple perspectives.

What are features of qualitative research designs?

Ethnography, Case Study, Phenomenology, Narrative Inquiry, Action Research, Participatory Research.

What is Ethnography in qualitative research?

In-depth study of a culture or social group through participation, observation, and extended fieldwork; holistic and inductive.

What is a Case Study design?

Detailed analysis of a single case (individual, group, organization) using multiple data sources to gain deep understanding.

What is Phenomenology design?

Study of human experiences and perceptions through in-depth interviews; bracketing; focus on present experience.

What is Narrative Inquiry design?

Study of individuals' stories to understand meaning; holistic and context-rich; co-creation of meaning.

What is Action Research design?

Collaborative study in a real-world context with cycles of planning, action, observation, and reflection to improve practice.

What is Participatory Research design?

Collaboration with participants to empower and promote social change; knowledge co-creation; ethical.

What are data gathering methods in qualitative research?

Interviews, focus groups, observation, field notes, document analysis.

What are the functions of field notes in qualitative research?

Document observations; capture thoughts and insights; track data collection; provide context; aid in data analysis.

What are the functions of document analysis?

Provide historical/contextual information; examine language use; identify patterns; validate or refute theories; offer a different perspective.

What is sampling in qualitative research?

Selecting a small, purposeful subset of participants to reflect diversity of experiences relevant to the research question.

List some qualitative sampling techniques.

Purposeful; Snowball; Convenience; Maximum Variation; Stratified; Theoretical; Quota; Simple Random.

What are common qualitative data analysis methods?

Content analysis; Grounded theory; Narrative analysis; Discourse analysis; Phenomenological analysis; Thematic analysis.

What is Descriptive Research Design in quantitative research?

A design that describes characteristics of a population or phenomenon without inferring causality, often cross-sectional.

What is Correlational Research Design?

Examines relationships between two or more variables to identify associations without causation; uses statistics.

What is Experimental Research Design?

Researchers manipulate independent variables to observe effects on dependent variables under controlled conditions with random assignment.

What is Quasi-Experimental Design?

Similar to experimental design but without random assignment; compares groups with non-random allocation.

What is Cross-Sectional Research Design?

Observes a population at a single point in time to assess prevalence or relationships; provides a snapshot.

What are data gathering methods in quantitative research?

Surveys/questionnaires; experiments; observations; existing data analysis; structured interviews.

What are sampling techniques in quantitative research?

Simple Random; Stratified; Systematic; Cluster; Convenience.

What are data analysis topics in quantitative research?

Descriptive statistics; Inferential statistics; Correlation; Regression; etc.

What are ethical issues in research?

Informed consent; confidentiality and privacy; freedom to participate; power dynamics; respect; cultural sensitivity; data sharing and ownership.

What must be included in ethical considerations of a study?

Informed consent; confidentiality; voluntary participation; avoiding coercion; cultural sensitivity; data protection.

What is a research proposal and its purpose?

A document outlining the topic, introduction, problem, questions, aims, objectives, literature, methods, and ethics to guide the study.

What should be considered when Formulating a research topic?

Relevance, feasibility, specificity, novelty, ethical considerations, personal interest, and significance.

What is a problem statement in research?

An enquiry into a specific problem the researcher wants to investigate; focusing on issues to improve or questions to answer.

How do you write a problem statement?

Contextualize the problem; describe the precise issue; show relevance; set the objectives of the research.

What are main components of research questions and aims?

Main and sub-questions; good questions are feasible, clearly formulated, significant, and ethical.

What is the difference between a research aim and research objectives?

Aim is broad and overarching; objectives are specific, measurable steps aligned with the aim.

What should a literature review chapter include?

Organized around the research question; comprehensive search; critical evaluation; synthesis; clear structure; proper citations; objectivity.

How is Harvard referencing used in citations?

In-text citations use author and year (e.g., Kohn, 2021); a full reference list is provided at the end.

What is reflexivity in qualitative research?

The researcher reflects on their own biases and how these may influence data interpretation.

What is bracketing in phenomenology?

Setting aside preconceived notions to approach the data with an open mind.

What does 'rigour' mean in education research?

Rigour refers to applying methods carefully and systematically to ensure reliability and validity across qualitative and quantitative work.