Research Methodologies - HIED-595
What is research but a blind date with knowledge?—Will Harvey
Introduction
The purpose of this course in a series of learning modules was to complete the following objectives: Identify and select a problem for research on the impact of eportfolios in higher education. Collect and analyze relevant empirical research and write a literature review. Develop the purpose and research questions to address the research problem. Examine, select, and explain the appropriate research design to collect data. Evaluate research data from the pilot study and report results. Format and cite research in text and references in the correct APA style.Research Methodologies
Module One
This is where I began brainstorming my potential research topic with classmates. The topics should pertain to education issues. If we had an area of interest but needed a particular idea of what we would like to study, we published the general idea. We were encouraged to invite feedback or suggestions about refining it.Module 1 Discussion
Some of the research paper topic ideas that I considered:
- Effects of students' learning from transitioning to online education.
- Impact on how students' learning has changed since the introduction of educational technology in teaching and learning.
- Cellphone use in classrooms, is it helpful or hurtful?
- The use of gaming and simulations in the curriculum impacts students' learning
- long-term impact of technology integration into the classroom curriculum.
- Integrating social media into classroom curriculum and its effects on students' learning
These are some of the possible research topic ideas that I am considering. Any feedback that may help me narrow my research topic focus would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Ami
Module Two
For module two, we were asked to use the Research Proposal Template to complete the following sections of my research proposal: Introduction, Statement of the Problem, Research Questions, and/or Hypotheses Statements (statements are required for a quantitative or mixed study).Module Three
For module three, we were instructed to use the Research Proposal Template to complete the following sections of your research proposal: Review of Related Literature and References. Additionally, we were to search for scholarly peer-reviewed articles pertaining to my chosen research proposal topic. We were required to have a minimum of ten scholarly peer-reviewed sources (articles and/or studies) for this assignment.Module Four
For module four, we were instructed to continue to use the Research Proposal Template to complete the following sections of your research proposal: Significance of the Study, Method, Participants, and Instrumentation.Report One
For module five, for the Research Methods Report #1, we were instructed to include in-text citations and include the following: a scenario outlining when it would be advantageous for researchers to use each of the following types of quantitative designs: correlational, causal-comparative, and experimental. Next, we were to briefly discuss the differences between these three types of quantitative research designs to include the advantages and disadvantages of each. Next, examine the steps that should be taken to ensure quality survey design and the necessary measures to be taken to increase participant response rates. Finally, distinguish between the three forms of mixed-methods techniques and highlight why researchers would implement a mixed-methods approach to collect data for a study.Report Two
For module six, the Research Methods Report #2, we were asked to include in our report in-text citations and include the following specifics: compare quantitative and qualitative research designs. First, provide a scenario of when it would be advantageous for you to use each of the following types of qualitative design: narrative, ethnographic, and case study. Next, briefly discuss the differences between these three types of qualitative research designs, including the advantages and disadvantages of each design. Finally, highlight how action research differs from formal research and why researchers would conduct action research to collect data for a study.Research Proposal FINAL
For module seven, we were asked to complete our final "Research Proposal," including the design/procedure, data analysis, and last. First, develop our research proposal's design/procedure section. Next, develop our research proposal's data analysis section. Finally, conclude editing previous sections of our research proposal and prepare to complete the proposal.