Foundations of Educational Research

Course Overview

This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts of educational research, including research design, strategies for experimental, historical, and descriptive research, and basic statistical procedures. Students will develop skills in formulating research questions, conducting literature reviews, and applying appropriate research methodologies.

Course Learning Objectives

• Identify Components of Research: Understand basic, applied, quantitative, and qualitative research types.

• Formulate Hypotheses: Develop research questions and hypotheses for project proposals.

• Conduct Literature Reviews: Learn the process of reviewing and synthesizing research literature relevant to a specific problem.

• Understand Central Tendency and Variation: Define and apply measures such as mean, median, mode, variance, standard deviation, and range.

• Sampling: Identify criteria for good sampling design, distinguish between random selection and random assignment.

• Measurement Reliability and Validity: Define measurement, reliability, and validity; compare types of validity and reliability estimation procedures.

• Research Proposal Development: Design and implement a research proposal, including proper referencing and formatting.

Key Concepts and Definitions

Types of Research

• Basic Research: Seeks to expand knowledge without immediate application.

• Applied Research: Focuses on solving practical problems.

• Quantitative Research: Involves numerical data and statistical analysis.

• Qualitative Research: Involves non-numerical data, such as interviews and observations.

Research Design

• Experimental Design: Involves manipulation of variables to determine cause and effect.

• Descriptive Design: Observes and describes characteristics of a population or phenomenon.

• Historical Design: Examines past events to draw conclusions about the present or future.

Sampling

• Random Selection: Every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected.

• Random Assignment: Assigning participants to groups by chance to reduce bias.

• Sampling Criteria: Factors such as representativeness, size, and method (e.g., stratified, cluster sampling).

Measurement, Reliability, and Validity

• Measurement: The process of assigning numbers or labels to variables for analysis.

• Reliability: The consistency of a measurement instrument.

• Validity: The degree to which an instrument measures what it is intended to measure.

• Types of Validity: Content, construct, criterion-related.

• Estimating Reliability: Test-retest, inter-rater, internal consistency.

Measures of Central Tendency and Variation

• Mean: The average value ().

• Median: The middle value in a data set.

• Mode: The most frequently occurring value.

• Variance: The average of the squared differences from the mean ().

• Standard Deviation: The square root of the variance ().

• Range: The difference between the highest and lowest values.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

• SLO1: Communication Skills

  • Written Communication: Use sophisticated language, correct grammar, and APA style.

  • Oral Communication: Demonstrate effective delivery skills and credible presentation of information.

• SLO2: Differentiated Instruction

  • Address diverse learner needs, including disabilities and English Language Learners (ELLs).

  • Develop instructional plans with modifications for various student populations.

• SLO3: Research in Teacher Education/Student Learning

  • Demonstrate knowledge of research in education by identifying and analyzing professional research journals.

  • Present research findings and use assessment data to inform instruction.

Required Texts

• Educational Research: Competencies for Analysis and Applications (12th Edition) by Geoffrey E. Mills & L. R. Gay

• Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th Edition)

Grading and Assessment

Grading Scale

• A = 90 - 100%

• B = 80 - 89%

• C = 70 - 79%

• D = 60 - 69%

• F = 0 - 59%

Major Assignments

• Chapter Quizzes: Brief quizzes at the end of each chapter to check understanding.

• Weekly Activities & Assignments: Various activities to deepen understanding and build research skills.

• Mid-Term: Covers specified chapters and assesses cumulative knowledge.

• Final Research Proposal: Written document proposing a research project, including literature review and methodology.

• Research Proposal Presentation: Oral or visual presentation summarizing the research proposal.

Course Policies & Procedures

• Assignment Submissions: All work must be typed, follow APA guidelines, and be submitted electronically via eCourses/Canvas or Turnitin.

• Academic Integrity: Plagiarism or use of unauthorized AI tools is strictly prohibited and may result in a failing grade.

• Discussion Activities: Participation in online discussions is required, with initial posts due by Friday and responses by Sunday each week.

Semester Calendar (Sample Weeks)

Academic Integrity and Artificial Intelligence

• All work must be original and completed independently unless otherwise specified.

• Similarity index above 15% or AI index above 20% on Turnitin may result in a failing grade.

• Plagiarism or submission of non-original work is strictly prohibited.

Additional info:

• This course is not directly related to Personal Health but focuses on research methods in education, which may be applicable in health education research contexts.