Some of the things I have learned from this course while doing educational research has amazed me. I have done some research in previous classes, but never to the extent. I can say I enjoyed doing the research but it was a little overwhelming at times. I thought I was on the right track and finding what I needed and then I would start to second guess what I was looking for.
For this week’s assignment, I have four scenarios to identify the type of research method and a rational for each method.
Scenario 1: Ten students are available for in-depth interviews. Participants will be selected based on their involvement with the peer mediation program. They will be observed over three weeks. Analysis will attempt to determine issues concerning peer mediation.
The method that would be most suitable for this scenario would be qualitative. This type of research consists of interviews and lived experience, which makes is a phenomenology.
Scenario 2: Two classrooms of students are selected. There are 30 students in each class; each group will have similar demographics—age, sex, race, socio-economic background, etc. Classes will be randomly divided into two groups of 15 students. Of these two groups, one randomly selected group will get training on peer mediation and the other group will not. Thus in each classroom there will be one group that is trained in peer mediation and one that is not. Analysis will occur on which groups have the fewest office referrals.
For this scenario, I think the quantitative method would be the best for this scenario. McMilan & Schumacher, 2008, stated that “In an experimental design, the researcher manipulates what the subject will experience.” In this case the classes were divided in two groups of 15 students each. One group received training on peer mediation.
Scenario 3: A school counselor is interested in knowing how student attitudes affect the value of peer mediation to decrease the number of office referrals that are being filed for inappropriate interactions.
The research for this method is done in a natural environment which is quantitative. The other thing that is looked at is the number of referrals which is qualitative. Based on the used of two methods, I believe this scenario fits into the mixed method of research.
Scenario 4: Peer mediation has become widely used in many schools. The feelings of those involved in the process are little known-either from those doing the mediation or those receiving it. The ZASK-R Acceptance Preference Survey will be given as pre- and post-tests to 40 students participating in mediation. Follow-up interviews will be conducted on a bi-monthly basis.
This scenario also fits into the mixed method. The researchers continually look at data on a bi-monthly basis through face to face interviews. The pre and post tests fit into the quantitative design.
When doing educational research it is important to use the best method possible in order to get the valid results. Whether research is conducted with quantitative, qualitative, or mixed, we need to make sure it is done correctly so that our results are not invalid. When doing research we need to make sure it is done in a way that does not harm our students in anyway and that their privacy is kept.
McMillan, J. H., & Schumacher, S. (2008). Research in education: Evidence-based inquiry (Laureate custom edition). Boston: Pearson
Sunday, August 16, 2009
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