This course is an introductory research course for educators. It is designed to provide students with the basic information needed to understand the process of systematically researching a problem and to enable students to evaluate and interpret the research of others. Most professional educators set goals. To reach these goals, educators must rely on sound knowledge bases upon which their decisions are made. Health professionals need to demonstrate proper eating and exercising behaviors, and counselors must possess effective counseling techniques.
Research is an extremely important influence on the development of such knowledge bases.
This course is designed to provide a foundation whereby students gain an understanding and appreciation of the field of educational research and have sufficient knowledge of research methods to develop more technical skills through formal training in quantitative methods, qualitative methods, or evaluation. The course is organized into five parts, four of which reflect major sections of the McMillan and Schumacher textbook. Part I will focus on an introduction to the fundamental principles of educational research. These include an introduction to the field of educational research, common research designs, data collection techniques, research problems, literature reviews, and the use of technology in research. Four classes will be devoted to Part I. Part II will focus on quantitative research designs and methods.