Assignment 3, Lauer Chapters 3 and 4

Question 1: Explain the key differences between descriptive and experimental research.

There are some key differences between descriptive and experimental research. Descriptive research is often used in new areas in which little prior knowledge currently exists about a field of study; with experimental research, prior knowledge is utilized to conduct a more refined study to determine if a causal effect exists by comparing control and experimental groups. With Descriptive research, there is no manipulation of variables involved, and are studied in natural environments; with experimental research, there are strong controls of several variables to determine their impact on the outcome of the research by controlling the environments people are placed in. Descriptive seeks to answer What is happening? Why is something happening? How is something happening?. Experimental research seeks a specific causal effect, such as Why does Flouride in drinking water reduce cavities?

Question 2. Explain correlational research.

Correlation research is a research design that attempts to discover relationships between two or more variables. This type of research may be performed with intact or predetermined groups, and do not require random sampling. An example of this can be the number of hours studying per week and grades in school.

Question 3. Explain the key differences between quantitative and qualitative research.

In Qualitative research, information is collected through observation, interviews, description of events and other open-ended means. In such research, the researcher can exercise more options in what information to gather. In quantitative research, the information being sought is very specific, which can be quantified and measured to be used and compared in several ways. This research often seeks specific conclusions, for which data is collected to either confirm or disprove. In Qualitative research, no environmental controls are put into place, and subjects are studied in natural settings. Quantitative research usually contains control and experimental groups to exclude the impact of certain environmental factors and isolate others. Qualitative research is used to understand a field with much depth and complexity; Quantitative research studies specific, measurable phenomena to determine cause and effect.

Question 4. What is action research?

Action research is often used in educational settings and is a usually a form of descriptive research. It involves implementing a program within a classroom or school for which data is collected and used to determine effectiveness of a program. The cycle of collecting and analyzing data to evaluate and improve a program's implementation is used to determine a its effectiveness in the classroom or school it is being implemented. Because such information is often performed in isolation, results are not necessarily transferable to the general population.
Such programs that engages in a type of action research are Professional Learning Communities.