Evaluating Research Methods

This week we brought together the learning of the different types of research methods. Four different scenarios were given where we had to determine the best method of research.

Scenario 1: Ten students are available for in-depth interviews. Participants will be selected based on their involvement with the peer mediation program. They will be observed over three weeks. Analysis will attempt to determine issues concerning peer mediation.

For this study, I would conduct a qualitative study. The scenario includes a small sample and face to face interviews. Qualitative research data is "in the form of words rather than numbers, and in general, the researcher must search and explore with a variety of methods until a deep understanding is achieved." (McMillan & Shumacher, 2006, pp. 26) This situation is looking for "issues", not numbers. In addition, qualitative research involves interaction among subjects and the researcher takes an active role. In this situation, the researcher will be conducting in-depth interviews which requires an active involvement. While other types of research could be applied, I feel lqualitative is the best fit.

Scenario 2: Two classrooms of students are selected. There are 30 students in each class; each group will have similar demographics-age, sex, race, socio-economic background, etc. Classes will be randomly divided into two groups of 15 students. Of these two groups, one randomly selected group will get training on peer mediation and the other group will not. Thus in each classroom there will be one group that is trained in peer mediation and one that is not. Analysis will occur on which groups have the fewest office referrals.

This scenario includes specific information and numbers. I believe quantitative research will be the best method for this situation. Within quantitative research, Experimental Design seems the most appropriate. In this type of study the "researcher manipulates what the subjects will experience." (McMillan & Schumacher, 2008, p. 23) In this case the researcher will manipulate which group receives training and which group will not. In addition, this is a quantitative study because the population is very specific including similar demographics. This is what is referred to as "delimiting variables" (p. 103). This more specific research, population and data collection, this scenario best fits the quantitative method.

Scenario 3: A school counselor is interested in knowing how student attitudes affect the value of peer mediation to decrease the number of office referrals that are being filed for inappropriate interactions.

This scenario is looking for a systematic change in office referrals. The best method for this type of change is Action Research. Action research "is the process of using research principals to provide information that educational professionals use to improve aspects of day-to-day practice." (McMillan & Schumacher, 2008, p. 174). It is looking for a way to reduce the daily office referrals. According to Dr. Canipe, immediate application to a problem is best solved by this type of research. (Laureate Inc., 2008). Because this scenario is not looking for a long, drawn out study, but rather relatively quick information, I believe Action Research is the best solution.

Scenario 4: Peer mediation has become widely used in many schools. The feelings of those involved in the process are little known-either from those doing the mediation or those receiving it. The ZASK-R Acceptance Preference Survey will be given as pre-and post-tests to 40 students participating in mediation. Follow up interviews will be conducted on a bi-monthly basis.

This scenario includes both quantitative and qualitative aspects; therefore, I believe the Mixed Method research is best. Within the mixed method research, Explanatory Design meets the criteria needed. It begins with a quantitative analysis of the ZASK-R Survey and concludes with interviews. It is looking to assess feelings, a qualitative aspect. The purpose of Explanatory Design Mixed Method research is where "quantitative data are collected first and, depending upon the results, qualitative data are gathered second to elucidate, elaborate on, or explain the quantitative findings." The pre-and post-tests will use quantitative data; however the subsequent interview to determine feelings will be qualitative, definitely using both types of methods.

References:

McMillan, J.H., & Schumacher, S. (2006). Research in education: Evidence-Based Inquiry.
(Laureate custom edition). Boston: Pearson.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2008). Program seven. Additional Research Methods
[Motion Picture]. Introduction to educational research. Baltimore: Author.