Research Methods Overview of quantitative and qualitative methods

Research MethodsOverview of quantitative and qualitative

methods

Survey methods Experimentation Social network analysis Data visualization Spatial analysis

Quantitative Methods

Survey design Population and Sample Instrumentation Variables Analysis and interpretation Experimental design (or not)

Survey Methods

Why surveys? What’s the purpose?

Survey Design

Identify your population Identify your sampling design (single stage,

cluster) Identify your selection process (random,

systematic, convenience) Will you stratify?

Population and Sample

Identify your population (MOSS K12 students)

Identify your sampling design (single stage, cluster) (Cluster – draw from schools)

Identify your selection process (random, systematic, convenience) (systematic)

Will you stratify?(Yes – 3rd and 4th grade, 5th and 6th, 7th and 8th graders)

Population and Sample - Example

Name the instrument you will use (your own design? Modified from another? In tact from another?)

Describe its validity and reliability Cover letter Pilot testing Procedures for administering the survey

Instrumentation

Name the instrument you will use (DeWaters and Powers’ energy literacy assessment, 4H science process skills inventory, our own science identity scale)

Describe its validity and reliability Cover letter Pilot testing Procedures for administering the survey (given

when students arrive and after their inquiry presentations on Friday)

Instrumentation - Example

Associate with items on your survey Identify independent, dependent

Variables

Response / non-response bias Descriptive analysis Inferential questions and hypothesis testing Data display

Analysis

Pages 172 – 173 in Creswell

Experimental and Quasi-Experimental Designs

Characteristics of qualitative Naturalistic setting Researcher as instrument Multiple sources of data Inductive and deductive analysis Participants’ meanings Emergent design Holistic account Reflexivity (reflection)

Qualitative Methods

Observation Interviews Document review Audio and video materials

Qualitative Data Collection

Complete participa

nt

Observer as

participant

Complete observer

Participant as

observer

Observations

Single person

Phone / video / email

Group

Face to face

Interviews

Public

Private

Document review

Interview or observation protocol Record “field notes” Audio or video record interviews Transcribe interviews

Data Recording

Interpretation

Themes and Description

Code data

Read through data

Organize data

Raw Data

Data Analysis

Triangulation Member checking Thick, rich description Clarify researcher perspective Negative case Prolonged time in the field Peer debriefing External audit

Validity and Reliability in Qualitative Methods

Mixed Methods