Below are some key concepts with which students will need to be familiar to understand the basics of research methodology:
Source: Fraenkel, J.R., and Wallen N.E. How to Design and Evaluate Research in Education (Sixth Edition)
Sampling
Sampling:
- Samples and Populations
- Defining a population
- Target vs. Accessible Populations
- Random vs. Nonrandom Sampling
Random Sampling Methods:
- Simple Random Sampling
- Stratified Random Sampling
- Cluster Random Sampling
- Two-Stage Random Sampling
Nonrandom Sampling Methods:
- Systematic Sampling
- Convenience Sampling
- Purposive Sampling
Sampling Methods Review:
- Sample Size
- External Validity: Generalizing from a Sample
- Population Generalizabilty
- When Random Sampling is not feasible
- Ecological Generalizability
- Samples and Populations
- Defining a population
- Target vs. Accessible Populations
- Random vs. Nonrandom Sampling
Random Sampling Methods:
- Simple Random Sampling
- Stratified Random Sampling
- Cluster Random Sampling
- Two-Stage Random Sampling
Nonrandom Sampling Methods:
- Systematic Sampling
- Convenience Sampling
- Purposive Sampling
Sampling Methods Review:
- Sample Size
- External Validity: Generalizing from a Sample
- Population Generalizabilty
- When Random Sampling is not feasible
- Ecological Generalizability
Instrumentation
Instrumentation:
- What are Data?
- Validity, Reliability, and Objectivity
Examples of Data-Collection Instruments:
- Researcher-Completed Instruments
- Subject-Completed Instruments
- Unobtrusive measures
Types of scores (raw and derived)
Norm-Referenced vs. Criterion-Referenced Instruments
Measurement Scales
- Nominal Scales
- Ordinal Scales
- Interval Scales
- Ratio Scales
Preparing Data for Analysis:
- Scoring the Data
- Tabulating and Coding the Data
- What are Data?
- Validity, Reliability, and Objectivity
Examples of Data-Collection Instruments:
- Researcher-Completed Instruments
- Subject-Completed Instruments
- Unobtrusive measures
Types of scores (raw and derived)
Norm-Referenced vs. Criterion-Referenced Instruments
Measurement Scales
- Nominal Scales
- Ordinal Scales
- Interval Scales
- Ratio Scales
Preparing Data for Analysis:
- Scoring the Data
- Tabulating and Coding the Data
Validity and Reliability
Validity:
- Content-Related Evidence
- Criterion-Related Evidence
- Construct-Related Evidence
Reliability:
- Errors of Measurement
- Test-Retest Method
- Equivalent-Forms Method
- Internal-Consistency Methods
- The Standard Error of Measurement (SEQ)
- Scoring Agreement
- Validity and Reliability in Qualitative Research
- Content-Related Evidence
- Criterion-Related Evidence
- Construct-Related Evidence
Reliability:
- Errors of Measurement
- Test-Retest Method
- Equivalent-Forms Method
- Internal-Consistency Methods
- The Standard Error of Measurement (SEQ)
- Scoring Agreement
- Validity and Reliability in Qualitative Research
Internal Validity
Threats to Internal Validity:
- Subject Characteristics
- Loss of Subjects (Mortality)
- Location
- Instrumentation
- Testing
- History
- Maturation
- Attitude of Subjects
- Regression
How can a researcher minimize threats to internal validity?
- Subject Characteristics
- Loss of Subjects (Mortality)
- Location
- Instrumentation
- Testing
- History
- Maturation
- Attitude of Subjects
- Regression
How can a researcher minimize threats to internal validity?
