Chapter 1

Question 1

Definition of educational research

Answer 1

A research that involves asking a question, collecting data, and analysing data to determine the answer to the question

Question 2

The importance of educational research

Answer 2

1. Research adds to our knowledge
2. Research improves practice
3. Research informs policy debates

Question 3

Steps in the process of research

Answer 3

1. Identifying a research problem
2. Reviewing the literature
3. Specifying a purpose for research
4. Collecting data
5. Analyzing and interpreting the data
6. Reporting and evaluating research

Question 4

Qualitative research characteristics

Answer 4

1. Exploring a problem and developing a detailed understanding of a central phenomenon
2. Having the literature review play a minor role but justify the problem
3. Stating the purpose and research questions in a general and broad way so as to the participants’ experiences
4. Collecting data based on words from a small number of individuals so that the participants’ views are obtained
5. Analyzing the data for description and themes using text analysis and interpreting the larger meaning of the findings
6. Writing the report using flexible, emerging structures and evaluative criteria, and including the researchers’ subjective reflexivity and bias

Question 5

Factors need to consider which approach to use (qualitative or quantitative)

Answer 5

1. Research problem
2. Audience
3. Personal experience and training

Question 6

Definition of research problem

Answer 6

The educational issues, controversies, or concerns that guide the need for conducting a study

Question 7

Differences among parts of the research (topic, research problem, RO, RQ)

Answer 7

1. A research topic is the broad subject matter addressed by the study.
2. A research problem is a general educational issues, concern or controversy addressed in research that narrows the topic.
3. A purpose is the major intent or objective of the study used to address the problem.
4. Research questions narrow the purpose into specific questions that the researcher would like to be answered or addressed in the study.

Question 8

Ways to assess whether you should research a problem

Answer 8

1. Study the problem if your study fills a gap or void in the existing literature.
2. Study the problem if your study replicates a past study but examines different participants and different research sites.
3. Study the problem if your study extends past research or examines the topic more thoroughly.
4. Study the problem if your study gives voice to people silenced, not heard, or rejected in society.
5. Study the problem if your study informs practice.

Question 9

Aspects in the problem statement / How do you write the problem statement?

Answer 9

1. The topic
2. The research problem
3. A justification of the importance of the problem as found in the past research and practice.
4. The deficiencies in our existing knowledge about the problem.
5. The audiences that will benefit from a study of the problem.

Question 10

Characteristics of research problem

Answer 10

1. should be one whose solution will contribute to the body of knowledge in education.
2. Must be researchable
3. Should be one that lead to new perspectives that further research can be recommended
4. Must be suitable and manageable by the
   particular researcher
5. Should be ethically appropriate

Question 11

Characteristics of good research questions

Answer 11

1. The question is feasible (i.e., it can be investigated without expending an undue amount of time, energy, or money).
2. The question is clear (i.e., most people would agree as to what the key words in the question mean).
3. The question is significant (i.e., it is worth investigating because it will contribute important knowledge about the human condition).
4. The question is ethical (i.e., it will not involve physical or psychological harm or damage to human beings or to the natural or social environment of which they are a part).