Research Methods CASE1
Required Readings:
Johnson, R. B., & Christensen, L. (n/s). Introduction to Educational Research. University of South Alabama. Retrieved May 2011, from http://www.southalabama.edu/coe/bset/johnson/lectures/lec1.htm
Johnson, R. B., & Christensen, L. (n/s). Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Research. University of South Alabama. Retrieved May 2011, from http://www.southalabama.edu/coe/bset/johnson/lectures/lec2.htm
Matveev, A. V. (2002). The advantages of employing quantitative and qualitative methods in intercultural research: practical implications from the study of the perceptions of intercultural communication competence by American and Russian Managers. Russian Communication Association. Retrieved May 2011, from http://www.russcomm.ru/eng/rca_biblio/m/matveev01_eng.shtml
Ndunda M. (2004). Introduction to educational research. Retrieved November 2010, from College of Charleston, Web site: http://www.cofc.edu/~ndundam/NOTESSPRING2001/635chapt1.htm
SEAS (2007). Scientific method. Retrieved November 2010, from
Smith, J. K. & Heshusius, L. (1986).* Closing Down the Conversation: The end of the quantitative-qualitative debate among educational inquires. Educational Researcher, 15(1). 4-12, Retrieved May 2011, from http://edr.sagepub.com/content/15/1/4.full.pdf+html
Wolfs, F. (2004, June).* Introduction to the scientific method. Retrieved November 2010from the University of Rochester, Web site: http://teacher.nsrl.rochester.edu/phy_labs/AppendixE/AppendixE.html
* Source is dated, however, provides seminal contribution to field of study.
Optional Enrichment Reading:
Ginorio, A. (2009). The Scientific Method: A Model for Conducting Scientific Research. Rural Girls in Science Program, University of Washington, Retrieved November 2010, from
Tong, W. K. (2003). The scientific method. Retrieved November 2010, from http://www.oakton.edu/user/~billtong/eas100/scientificmethod.htm
Trochim, W. (2006). Deductive and inductive thinking. Retrieved November 2010 from Cornell University, Web site: http://www.socialresearchmethods.net/kb/dedind.htm
Case Assignment Tasks
First, view the presentation titled “MAE504 Research Methods in Education” (found via link above) and read the Module 1 background information. Then, please discuss in 2-3 pages (not including the cover sheet and bibliography) the following items:
1. Describe the “research process”. What are the steps involved with conducting research?
2. Define the concepts of quantitative research, qualitative research, mixed methods, and action research; discuss the strengths of each of these types of research.
3. Select 2 research methodologies (I.e., one quantitative approach, one qualitative approach, and/or one combined strategy) from the list below and provide an example of how each could be used for a study relevant to your area of interest in education or training:
Quantitative Methods: experimental, correlational, survey research
Qualitative Methods: grounded theory, ethnography, case study, narrative research
Combined Qualitative and Quantitative Methods: mixed methods, action research
* The presentation is located under “Module 1″ in the
Expectations