1.2 Research Methods in Educational Psychology

Educational psychology relies on various research methods to understand learning and teaching. Quantitative approaches use numbers to test hypotheses, while qualitative methods explore experiences in-depth. Mixed methods combine both for a fuller picture.

Researchers use experimental, quasi-experimental, and non-experimental designs to study educational phenomena. They must ensure their studies are valid, reliable, and ethical. These methods help educators make informed decisions about teaching and learning.

Research Approaches

Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods

Top images from around the web for Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods

• 

  Open Textbooks of the Day: Social Sciences – BCcampus View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  The Scientific Method | Introduction to Psychology – Lindh View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Qualitative Methods | Introduction to Communication View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Open Textbooks of the Day: Social Sciences – BCcampus View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  The Scientific Method | Introduction to Psychology – Lindh View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods

• 

  Open Textbooks of the Day: Social Sciences – BCcampus View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  The Scientific Method | Introduction to Psychology – Lindh View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Qualitative Methods | Introduction to Communication View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Open Textbooks of the Day: Social Sciences – BCcampus View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  The Scientific Method | Introduction to Psychology – Lindh View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Quantitative research focuses on collecting and analyzing numerical data to test hypotheses, identify trends, and make generalizations (large-scale surveys, standardized tests)
• Qualitative research emphasizes gathering and interpreting non-numerical data to gain in-depth understanding of phenomena, experiences, and perspectives (interviews, observations, focus groups)
• Mixed methods research combines quantitative and qualitative approaches to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the research problem, leveraging the strengths of both methods

Characteristics and Applications of Research Approaches

• Quantitative research is often used to establish cause-and-effect relationships, compare groups, or predict outcomes in educational settings (evaluating the effectiveness of a new teaching method on student achievement)
• Qualitative research is particularly useful for exploring complex issues, understanding individual experiences, and generating rich descriptions of educational contexts (investigating students' perceptions of classroom climate)
• Mixed methods research can be employed to triangulate findings, explain quantitative results with qualitative data, or develop and test new instruments (using interviews to inform the development of a survey on teacher job satisfaction)

Research Designs

Experimental and Quasi-Experimental Designs

• Experimental design involves manipulating one or more independent variables to determine their effect on a dependent variable while controlling for other factors (randomly assigning students to different instructional conditions to compare learning outcomes)
• Quasi-experimental design is similar to experimental design but lacks random assignment of participants to groups, making it more feasible in educational settings where random assignment is not possible (comparing the performance of intact classrooms taught using different methods)

Non-Experimental Designs

• Correlational studies examine the relationship between two or more variables without manipulating them, providing insights into how variables are associated but not establishing causation (investigating the relationship between parental involvement and student motivation)
• Case studies involve in-depth exploration of a single case or a small number of cases to gain a detailed understanding of a phenomenon within its real-life context (examining the implementation of a new curriculum in a specific school)
• Surveys collect data from a sample of individuals using questionnaires or interviews to gather information about their characteristics, opinions, or behaviors (assessing teachers' attitudes towards professional development opportunities)

Longitudinal and Cross-Sectional Designs

• Longitudinal research involves collecting data from the same participants at multiple points over an extended period to track changes or development (following a cohort of students from kindergarten through high school to study their academic growth)
• Cross-sectional research collects data from different groups of participants at a single point in time to compare characteristics or outcomes across groups (comparing the reading skills of students in grades 3, 5, and 7)

Research Quality and Standards

Validity and Reliability

• Validity refers to the extent to which a study measures what it intends to measure and the accuracy of the conclusions drawn from the results (ensuring that a test actually assesses the intended learning outcomes)
• Reliability concerns the consistency and stability of research findings, meaning that the results can be replicated by other researchers using the same methods (demonstrating that a classroom observation protocol produces similar ratings when used by different observers)
• Researchers must establish the validity and reliability of their instruments, data collection procedures, and data analysis techniques to ensure the credibility and trustworthiness of their findings

Ethical Considerations in Educational Research

• Educational researchers must adhere to ethical principles and guidelines to protect the rights, well-being, and privacy of participants (obtaining informed consent, maintaining confidentiality, minimizing potential harm)
• Researchers should be transparent about the purpose, procedures, and potential risks of their study, allowing participants to make informed decisions about their involvement
• Ethical considerations also extend to the responsible conduct of research, including honesty, objectivity, and integrity in all aspects of the research process (accurately reporting findings, avoiding plagiarism, properly citing sources)
• Institutional review boards (IRBs) review and approve research proposals to ensure that studies comply with ethical standards and regulations