The purpose of research is to solve problems and answer questions. The nature of the problem or question prescribes the research method employed. Descriptive research depicts circumstances as they are. Descriptive research answers the question, “What is really going on here?” in practical, measurable terms. This is nuts and bolts, explore the foundation research. Experimental research is a little higher in Bloom’s taxonomy of questioning. Instead of exploring the facts as they are, the question posed in this research seeks to understand a more complex relationship between two variables. Experimental design uses the scientific method to pose a hypothesis and then manipulate independent variables, measure dependent variables and control for other influences.
Correlational research is a type of descriptive research design that measures the interdependence of two variables. Correlational research quantifies to what degree the responding variable is related to the manipulated variable. A quantitative number can be calculated and used to predict the results of future experiments using the same two variables.
The differences between quantitative and qualitative research is in the type of data that is collected during each type of study. A quantitative research study returns data that is presented numerically. This can be as a count of occurrences, the ratio of instances presented as a percent of 100%, or as a change in data over time. Sometimes benchmarks are used in lieu of numbers, but those benchmarks are data driven and can be verified by an actual measurable amount. Qualitative research presents data collected by obersvation, and as such is slightly more subjective. One of the most difficult aspects of qualitative research is narrowing the definition of the data collected so it can be verified independently by another individual or group trying to recreate the results. Special methods are often used in qualitative research because the data is being collected not just as numerical figures, but as events occurring within a particular context or environment.
Action research goes beyond just the collection of data. Research is done by implementing a particular action plan, or by implementing a strategy to determine its effectiveness. Action research measures if the performance of as certain strategy or plan has the desired, or undesired, effect on the population being studied. Action research is what I do instinctively in the classroom when I am trying to reach a particular population or address a specific problem. The reasoning goes like this: If I try this strategy, then the students will have a greater understanding of the content because it is a more effective method of addressing misconceptions and creating new understanding. Well, in a perfect world that sounds like what I try to do. Learn from experience by trying new things and make a comparison as to what worked best in which situation.
9 comments:
Darlene,
Your explanation of descriptive versus experimental research is very clear and easily understood. Great job!
Do you think that schools use more experimental research, descriptive research or action research? In my school, we do more action based research, but I am curious to find out what you think?
James
Hi Darlene
I have enjoyed reading your responses. The terminology you use to write just adds interest and it becomes more concrete to understand. That great!
Darlene,
Thank you for your insight. I agree with you that administrators use descriptive research. I wish our administration would visit some of our classrooms to check on what the community college instructors are teaching. Sometimes it is scary to hear what students tell me.
James
Hello Darlene,
I have enjoy reading your responses especially the one on Action research, I agree with you one should “learn from experience by trying new things and make a comparison as to what worked best in which situation“, this motto not only helps in the classroom but in life.
Darlene,
Very well written post. It was a pleasure to read. I think that many of the decisions made about the direction in which a school or district go are often based upon descriptive research or a mixed methods approach. Sometimes I just wonder how well they reflect upon and analyze the data. =)
Matt
You were very explanatory in your answers, which is very good. I'm confused about the results of descriptive research being in measurable terms. I thought the results were more like narratives based on observations. Maybe someone can comment on this?
Hey Darlene,
Sounds great! It would be interesting to take our thoughts on Action Research and put them all into one day to see the results. I don't know about you but I have multiple sections of some subjects. It would be interesting to do the same lesson in 3 different instructional models, a different instruction in each class just to see the results. What would go over the best, maybe sometimes it's best to choose one and have a second method for suport? Video tutorials anyone? :)
Jon
Hi Darlene,
I would like to say that when teaching, I was reflective in my practices, but I lacked the rigor of action research to make it fully effective. Are the teachers at your school receptive to exchanging ideas or do they keep to themselves.
Great post! It appears you are pretty familiar with the different types of research. It would be nice to see administrators look into the differences and stop focusing on merely test scores.
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