Test Bank All - Competencies for Analysis and Applica�ons 13e...

Educa�onal Research Competencies for Analysis and Applica�ons 13e Geoffrey Mills, Gay (Test Bank All Chapters, 100% Original Verified, A+ Grade) 1 / 4

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Chapter 1: Introduction to Educational Research

Chapter 1 Learning Outcome Quizzes Learning Outcome 1.1: Briefly describe the reasoning involved in the scientific method.[Q1] Jose is a graduate student who is beginning a research project. Which of the following steps of the scientific method represents the first step Jose should take in conducting research?

• Formulate hypotheses.
• Collect and analyze data.
• Recognize and define the problem. [correct]
• Draw conclusions regarding hypotheses.

[Feedback for Answer Choice 1] Formulating hypotheses is an important part of the scientific process, but this occurs later.[Feedback for Answer Choice 2] Collecting and analyzing data are important components of the scientific process, but they occur later in the process.[Feedback for Correct Answer 3] Recognition and definition of the problem is the first step in the scientific method.[Feedback for Answer Choice 4] Conclusions are important, but cannot be the first part of the process.[Q2] Susie engaged in the following activities last semester. Which of these activities is an example of utilizing the scientific method?

• Susie learned about problem-based learning by going to the library, reading about

this topic, and writing a summary.

• Susie gathered and analyzed data from teachers in the district to answer a question

about their attitudes regarding new high-stakes testing policies. [correct]

• Susie wrote an item for a newsletter describing her personal opinion about the value

of parental involvement in school based on 10 years of working in the area.

• Susie described a new program that was implemented at her school to help parents

become more involved.[Feedback for Answer Choice 1] 2 / 4

2 Copyright © 2023, 2019, 2016, 2012 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.Reviewing the literature in an area is an important practice, but in this example, she did not engage in scientific inquiry following her review of the literature.[Feedback for Correct Answer 2] Susie has followed the scientific method by recognizing a problem (new high-stakes testing policies), gathering data, and analyzing to address the research problem.[Feedback for Answer Choice 3] Opinions are important, but they are not included in the scientific process.[Feedback for Answer Choice 4] While Susie did a service by describing a new program, she did not engage in any sort of data collection or analysis.[Q3] Manny is interested in investigating differences in spatial skills between middle school girls and boys enrolled in his computer graphics class. He spends time reviewing the relevant research in this area. What would be the next step in the scientific method?

• Forming a hypothesis [correct]
• Recognizing and defining the problem
• Collecting data
• Drawing conclusions regarding hypotheses

[Feedback for Correct Answer 1] Forming a hypothesis is the next step in the scientific method. Manny was able to develop a hypothesis because he was up to date on the current literature in his area of interest.[Feedback for Answer Choice 2] Manny’s recognition of the problem would have prompted his review of the literature; therefore, this could not be the next step.[Feedback for Answer Choice 3] In order for Manny to collect data, he must have a better understanding of the direction of his research.[Feedback for Answer Choice 4] While Manny could certainly synthesize the findings of previous scholars, he could form his own conclusion before conducting any research.[Q4] When discussing conclusions, it is important that the researcher does which of the following?

• Makes an argument supporting his or her original hypothesis 3 / 4

3 Copyright © 2023, 2019, 2016, 2012 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

• Makes it clear that the results are not disputable
• Indicates whether or not the research hypothesis was supported [correct]
• Is brief in the explanation

[Feedback for Answer Choice 1] The goal of good research is not to prove your hypothesis, but to better understand a phenomenon or to provide a richer description of a situation.[Feedback for Answer Choice 2] All research has limitations, and it is important to make this reality clear when presenting conclusions.[Feedback for Correct Answer 3] It is always important to explain whether or not the research hypothesis was supported.Remember, just because a hypothesis may prove to be inconsistent with the conclusion, does not mean the research was not important![Feedback for Answer Choice 4] There is no limit for the length of a discussion of conclusions. It is simply important that the researcher is clear and thorough.Learning Outcome 1.2: Explain why researchers would use quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods, or action research designs to address a specific research problem.[Q1] Of the following research goals, which approach most likely uses mixed-methods research?

• Comparing numeric test results across groups to understand the effects of a

particular instructional approach

• Exploring teachers’ use of formative quizzes within three second-language

classrooms

• Conducting interviews with participants after completing an instrument to assess

instructional approaches to explain the results [correct]

• Describing the relation between students’ math attitudes and their math achievement

[Feedback for Answer Choice 1] This comparison would only utilize quantitative methods.[Feedback for Answer Choice 2] While this topic could certainly be explored using mixed methods research, more information is needed.[Feedback for Correct Answer 3]

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