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Nature and Characteristics of Educational Science

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CHAPTER 1: EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH: ITS NATURE AND CHARACTERISTICS

THE NATURE OF EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH

Educational Research:

1. is empirical
2. takes a variety of forms
3. should be valid
4. should be reliable
5. should be systematic

Empirical - knowledge derived from research is based on data collected by the researcher

The Systematic Process of Research

1. Identify the problem (and relevant related knowledge)
2. Review the information (via literature search)
3. Collect data (in an organized and controlled manner)
4. Analyze data (in a manner appropriate to the problem)
5. Draw conclusions (make generalizations based on results of analysis)

The Validity of Educational Research

Quantitative Research:

Internal Validity - the extent to which research results can be accurately interpreted.

External Validity - the extent to which research results can be generalized to populations and conditions. Internal validity is generally prerequisite to external validity.

Qualitative Research:

Truth Value/ Credibility - accurate representation of information from the researcher’s perspective and substantiating evidence)

Comparability - the extent to which the characteristics of the research are described so that other researchers may use the results to extend knowledge.

Translatability - the extent to which adequate theoretical constructs and research procedures are used so that other researchers can understand the results.

! Validity is always a matter of degree--perfect internal and external validity in a study is almost impossible. The researcher must seek a useful balance between internal validity (ability to interpret results with reasonable certainty) and external validity (ability to generalize information obtained).

The Reliability of Educational Research

Quantitative Research:

Reliability - the

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