GROUP NINE

EDD3103 RESEARCH METHODS COURSEWORK ONE.

Name Registration number

1. NATWIJUKA EMMANUEL 2020/A/KEP/0800/F

2. AHABWE ANNAH. 2020/A/KSE/0502/F

3. TWESIGYE BOB. 2020/A/KEP/2726/F

4. MUHWEZI OWEN. 2020/A/KEP/0468/F

5. AMANYA URBAN. 2020/A/KSE/0078/G/F

6. AMPAIRE EMILY. 2020/A/KSE/0808/F

7. NAAMANYA PAMELA. 2020/A/KSE/0334/F

8. NIWENYESIGA MACKLINE 2020/A/KSE/1062/F

9. AGABA MATHIAS. 2020/A/KEB/0029/G/F

10. MUJUNI ALEX. 2020/A/KEP/0406/F

QUESTION

With relevant examples, explain the following concepts as applied in

Educational research

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I. Descriptive research

II. Correlational research

III. Experimental research

IV. Ethnographic research

Descriptive research

Descriptive research refers to the methods that describe the characteristics of the variables under
study. This methodology focuses on answering questions relating to the “what” than the “why” of the
research subject. The primary focus of this research is to simply describe the nature of the
demographics understudy instead of focusing on the “why”. It is called an observational research
method as none of the variables in the study are influenced during the research process. Descriptive
research does not answer questions about why a certain phenomenon occurs or what the causes are.

Descriptive studies have the following characteristics:

1. Descriptive research can employ a number of variables but only one variable is required to conduct a
descriptive study.

2. Descriptive studies are closely associated with observational studies, but they are not limited with
observation data collection method. Case studies and surveys can also be specified as popular data
collection methods used with descriptive studies.

3. Findings of descriptive researches create a scope for further research. When a descriptive study
answers to the question “What?” a further research can be conducted to find an answer to “Why?”
question.

Examples of descriptive research.

1To begin with, if a school district wishes to evaluate teachers’ attitudes about using technology in
the classroom. By conducting surveys and observing their comfortableness using technology through
observational methods, the researcher can gauge what they can help understand if a full-fledged
implementation can face an issue. This also helps in understanding if the students are impacted in any
way with this change.

2. Another example is when academic institution may wish to compare the performance of its junior
high school students in English language and Mathematics. This may be used to classify students based
on 2 major groups, with one group going ahead to study while courses, while the other study courses in
the Arts & Humanities field. Students who are more proficient in mathematics will be encouraged to go

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into stem and vice versa. Institutions may also use this data to identify student’s weak points and work
on ways to assist them.

3. Observational research involves observing and recording behavior without manipulating any
variables. In educational research, observational research can be used to gather information on
classroom behavior, teacher-student interactions, and student engagement. For example, observational
research can be conducted to examine the impact of a particular teaching method on student
engagement.

Descriptive research uses the following methods to collect data and they include the following

1. Observational method. All research has some component of observation, this observation can be
quantitative or qualitative. A quantitative observation includes objectively collecting data that is
primarily in numerical form. The data collected should be related in terms of quantity. Quantitative
observations are analyzed.

Examples of quantitative observations include observation of any variable related to a numerical value
such as age, shape, weight, height among others. Qualitative observations monitor the characteristics of
a phenomenon and do not involve numerical measurements. Using this type of descriptive research, you
can observe respondents in a naturalistic environment from a distance. Since the respondents are in a
natural environment, the observed characteristics enrich and offer more insights. For instance, you can
monitor and note down the observations of students behavior in a certain school especially when they
are outside class.

2. Survey method. The survey method includes recording the answers of respondents through surveys
or questionnaires. Surveys can include polls as well. They are the most common tool for collecting
market research data. Surveys are generally used to collect feedback from the respondents. It should
have a survey that taps into both open-ended and closed-ended questions.

The biggest advantage of the survey method is that it can be conducted using online or offline survey
tools. One of the reasons why the survey method is the go-to option for descriptive research is that it
entails the collection of large amounts of data in a limited span of time.

3. Case study method. The in-depth study of an individual or a group is known as a case study. Case
studies usually lead to developing a hypothesis to further explore a phenomenon. For example, a case
study can be conducted to examine the impact of project-based learning on student engagement and
learning outcomes. Another reason why case studies are limited in scope is that they could just be
reflecting an atypical respondent in the survey.

Experimental Research.

This is a scientific approach to research, where one or more independent variables are manipulated and
applied to one or more dependent variables to measure their effect on the latter. The effect of the

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independent variables on the dependent variables is usually observed and recorded over some time, to
aid researchers in drawing a reasonable conclusion regarding the relationship between these two
variable types.

Experimental research contains dependent, independent and extraneous variables. The dependent
variables are the variables being manipulated and are sometimes called the subject of the research. The
independent variables are the experimental treatment being exerted on the dependent variables.
Extraneous variables, on the other hand, are other factors affecting the experiment that may also
contribute to the change.

Experimental research has specific characteristics derived from its methods of analysis and they include;

1. Dependent variables and independent variables. All experimental research starts from dependent or
fixed variables which serve as a control group. These have to be contrasted with the independent
variables, which are those that the researcher manipulates to obtain certain results.

2. Controlled conditions. The experiments are applied under rigorously controlled conditions to be clear
about the factors that affect the behavior of the object of study.

3. Manipulation of variables. The experiment is introduced or provoked by the researcher, who

deliberately manipulates the independent variables to obtain various results, always under controlled
and rigorous conditions.

4. Observation of the object of study. The researcher must observe the behavior of the object of study in
each of the scenarios built for it, from which he will be able to obtain more or less conclusive data.

Examples of experimental research.

 A study on the effectiveness of a new teaching strategy: Researchers might divide a group of
students into two groups, with one group receiving traditional teaching methods and the other
group receiving a new, experimental teaching strategy. The researchers would then compare
the academic performance of the two groups to see if the new strategy had a significant impact
on student learning.
 An investigation into the impact of technology on learning: In this study, researchers might
divide students into two groups, with one group using a new educational app and the other
group not using the app. The researchers would then compare the learning outcomes of the two
groups to see if the app had a significant impact on student learning.
 A study on the effectiveness of a particular educational intervention: In this study, researchers
might divide students into two groups, with one group receiving an educational intervention
designed to improve reading skills and the other group not receiving the intervention. The
researchers would then compare the reading abilities of the two groups to determine if the
intervention had a significant impact.
 An examination of the impact of different learning environments: In this study, researchers
might divide students into two groups, with one group learning in a traditional classroom setting

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 and the other group learning in a more flexible, student-centered environment. The researchers
would then compare the academic performance of the two groups to see if the learning
environment had a significant impact on student learning.

Experimental research is characterized by the following;

 Participants in experimental educational research are typically assigned to either the

intervention group or the control group through a randomization process. This helps to ensure
that the groups are equivalent at the outset and any differences in outcomes can be attributed
to the intervention.
 Experimental educational research involves the manipulation of an independent variable for
example group intervention to see if it has an effect on the dependent variable like students
achievement or behavior
 Experimental educational research typically involves the collection of quantitative data, such as
test scores or surveys, to measure the effects of the educational intervention or program.
 Pre- and post-testing: Participants in experimental educational research are typically tested
before and after the intervention or program to measure any changes in the dependent
variable.
 Replication: Experimental educational research is often replicated to test the reliability and
validity of the findings. Replication helps to ensure that the results are not just due to chance or
a particular set of circumstances.

Correlational research.

Correlational research is a type of research design that investigates the relationship between two or
more variables without manipulating them. In educational research, correlational research is commonly
used to identify the strength and direction of the relationship between different educational variables.
The following are some of the examples correlational research examples:

Correlational research can be used to investigate the relationship between class size and academic
performance. For example, a study could collect data on the number of students in a class and their
scores on a standardized test. The data could then be analyzed to determine if there is a significant
correlation between class size and academic performance.

Another example of correlational research in education is the investigation of the relationship between
parental involvement and student achievement. For instance, a study could collect data on the level of
parental involvement in a student's education and their performance in school. The data could then be
analyzed to determine if there is a significant correlation between parental involvement and student
achievement.

Correlational research can also be used to investigate the relationship between teacher training and
student engagement. For example, a study could collect data on the amount of professional
development training a teacher has received and the level of student engagement in the classroom. The

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data could then be analyzed to determine if there is a significant correlation between teacher training
and student engagement.

Correlational research can be used to examine the relationship between classroom environment and
student behavior. Researchers may collect data on various aspects of classroom environment, such as
the level of teacher support, the amount of student autonomy, and the quality of peer interactions.
They may then examine the relationship between these factors and student behavior, such as disruptive
behavior or academic engagement.

Correlational research can be used to investigate the relationship between technology use and learning
outcomes. For instance, a study could collect data on the amount of technology used in a classroom and
the academic performance of students. The data could then be analyzed to determine if there is a
significant correlation between technology use and learning outcomes.

Therefore correlational research can help identify whether a relationship exists between different
educational variables. However, it is important to note that correlation does not necessarily imply
causation, meaning that simply observing a relationship between variables does not prove that one
variable causes the others.

Data resulting from correlational research are not constant and cannot be used as a standard variable
for further research.

Correlational research is characterized of the following

Non-experimental: Correlational research is non-experimental in nature, which means that it does not
involve manipulating variables using scientific methods in order to agree or disagree with the
hypothesis.

Measurement of variables: Correlational research involves the measurement of variables, which can be
quantitative or qualitative.

Relationship between variables: Correlational research examines the relationship between variables to
determine whether they are positively, negatively, or not related to each other.

Statistical analysis: Correlational research involves statistical analysis to determine the strength and
direction of the relationship between variables.

Data collection: Data is typically collected through surveys, questionnaires, interviews, or other types of
self-report measures.

Limited control: Correlational research has limited control over extraneous variables, which can affect
the relationship between variables.

Generalizability: Correlational research can provide information that is generalizable to larger

populations, but it cannot establish causality.

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 Ethnographic research.

Ethnographic research is a qualitative research method involving the systematic study of people in
their natural environment to understand their way of life, including how they see and interact with the
world around them. The aim of an ethnography study is to produce a rich, comprehensive account of a
social setting from the participants’ point of view.

Researchers conducting an ethnographic study spend time with the participants, have an up-close
experience with them to gain insights into their social interactions, and collect data through participant
observation, face-to-face interviews, etc. Ethnography in qualitative research is also called thick
description as it involves an up-close observation of the participants and a detailed description of their
cultures, behavior, mutual differences, and practices.

Ethnographic research examples

(i) Ethnographic research among drinking youth cultures; reflections from observing participants. A
researcher collects data using interviews and field observations. Then analyze the collected data and list
the insights uncovered about the drinking culture of the research participants.

(ii). Observing a group of children playing. A researcher can observe a group of school children playing
on a playground to understand their habits, personalities and social dynamics. In this setting, the
researcher observes one child each at a time and notes their preferences, like the toys and playground
equipment they use the most. The researcher then observes their actions to determine any recurring
behavior patterns. Finally, the researcher may observe how the children interact with each other to
learn who each kid plays with the most, who they play with the least and if there are any groups of
friends among them.

(iii) Observing employees in a corporate office. A researcher may study a group of employees at a
business consulting agency to determine the work culture. The researcher may observe their
interactions with clients to understand how they behave with people outside of their workspace. The
researcher might then observe how they interact with one another to identify any social cliques,
behaviors, teamwork dynamics and professionalism. To better understand how they collaborate on
group projects, the ethnographic may take a more active approach and participate in some of their
social gatherings outside of work to better understand how their office dynamics differ from those of
their personal lives.

(iv) Observing a high school classroom. A researcher may observe the social and cultural dynamics of a
high school classroom over a period of time. In this environment, the researcher closely watches how
the students interact with the teacher and with each other and seeks to identify any unique social
dynamics.

The researcher then studies each student independently to assess their social cliques and study habits.
He might also look to find out how the students interact with each other outside of the classroom by
observing them at large.

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Characteristics of ethnographic research as applied in education and they include

Focus on culture and context: Ethnographic educational research emphasizes the importance of
understanding the cultural and contextual factors that shape the experiences of individuals and groups
within educational settings. This includes factors such as race, ethnicity, language, socioeconomic status,
gender, and historical and political contexts.

Participant observation: Ethnographic educational research involves the researcher immersing

themselves in the setting being studied and engaging in participant observation. This involves observing
and participating in the activities of the participants, as well as conducting interviews and gathering
other forms of data.

Inductive and iterative data analysis: Ethnographic educational research uses an inductive and iterative
process of data analysis, in which the researcher begins with an open-ended research question and
allows the data to guide the analysis. This often involves multiple cycles of data collection and analysis,
as the researcher refines their understanding of the culture and context being studied.

Emphasis on multiple perspectives: Ethnographic educational research aims to incorporate the

perspectives of multiple stakeholders within the educational setting, including teachers, students,
administrators, and parents. This helps to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the culture
and context being studied.

REFERENCES

Pearson international edition, Research methods by Anthony M Graziano and Michael L Raulin (7th
edition) page 44-46

Research design by JOHN. W CRESWELL and J. DAVID CRESWELL 5th edition (page 161-167)

Research design and methods by Kenneth S Borden's and Brunce Barrington Abbott. 10th
edition