Instructor:	Dr. Medhat Rahim
Room:	BL 2034
Office:	BL 1028
Phone:	343-8053
Office Hours:	By appointment
E-Mail:	medhat.rahim@lakeheadu.ca
Web:	http://www.lakeheadu.ca/~mrahimwww/

OVERVIEW

This is an introductory course to quantitative research methods in education.  This course will examine the structures of the experimental research patterns.  Topics such as experimental and quasi-experimental research designs, descriptive and inferential statistical techniques for data analyses in education will be covered.

The following topics will be covered:

- Populations, samples, and sampling

- Measures of Central Tendency

- Measures of Variations

- Frequency Distributions and Probabilities, and Sampling Distribution

- Quantitative Inferences

    .  Tests of Hypotheses - Parametric

    .  Tests of Hypotheses - Non-parametric 

- Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) uses in conducting data analyses. 

　

REQUIRED TEXT

The class will receive handouts as we progress.  The handouts are chapters of a manuscript prepared by the instructor . 

Recommended Style Manual

American Psychological Association. (2001). Publication Manual (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.

　

COURSE OBJECTIVES

　

Students will

- demonstrate a knowledge to become critical consumers and potential producers of classical experimental research,

- demonstrate an understanding of the research process in terms of (I) identifying/choosing a researchable  problem,  (ii) preparing a related literature review, and  (iii) preparing a research plan, 

- critically understand a published research report, and

- understand various statistical methods for testing null hypotheses.

 

BACKGROUND

Students are expected to be familiar with the following:

1.         The Characteristics of Educational Research

(a)  The purposes of educational research.

(b)  The scientific research process.

(c)  Classification of educational research.

 

2.         Selection and definition of a research problem

(a)  Sources of research problems.

(b)  Review of literature.

(c)  Types of variables.

(d)  Statement of hypotheses.

 

3.         Measuring instrument

(a)  Characteristics of standardized tests.

(b)  Validity and reliability.

(c)  Types of tests: Achievement, personality, and aptitude tests.

 

4.         Characteristics of Research Design

Types of research design:

- Experimental

- Quasi-experimental

- Survey

- Historical

- Ethnographic

 

5.         Communication of research results

Reporting research findings through:

- Articles

- Thesis or project reports

- Papers read at professional meetings

 

COURSE EVALUATION

Lab Assignments	60%
Quizzes
(a) Take home quizzes; at least one!	20%
(b) Final: to be announced (sometime in April)	20%
Total	100%

                                                                             

Required reading for critique of research report

The following articles (Reading List attached) are recommended for critical evaluation.  The instructor will approve an article for each student.  Students may initially choose an article from the attached list.

Students will be expected to include in their critical discussions the following points:

- Clarity of language/expression

- Organization of the report

- Theoretical or conceptual basis of the study

- Description of purposes and hypotheses

- The type of measuring instrument being used and its suitability

- Clarity of statistical analysis and presentation of results

- Implication to practice and further research*
　

*   The journals containing the articles can be found in the periodical section at the Education Library.  Students will have to make copies of them as we progress throughout the course.

*    Students will be assigned particular articles to critically evaluate.

　

READING LIST

*    Arsenio, W., & Kramer, R. (1992). Victimizers and their victims: Children=s conceptions of the mixed emotional consequences of moral transgressions. Child Development, 63, 915-927.

*    Borchers, C.A., Shroyder, M.G., & Enochs, L.G. (1992). A staff development model to encourage the use of microcomputers in science teaching in rural schools. School Science and Mathematics Journal, 92(7), 384-391.

*    Canning, P.M. (1991). Profiles of the abilities of preschool aged children in isolated northern communities. Canadian Journal of Education, 16(1), 93-102.

*    Cornin-Jones, L., & Shaw,, E. 91992). The influence of methods instruction on the beliefs of preservice elementary and secondary science teachers: Preliminary comparative analysis. School Sciences and Mathematics, 92(1), 14-22.

*    Crase, D., & Hamrick, M.H. (1992).  Statistical profile of doctoral recipients in physical education 1983-1989. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, 63(1), 68-71 & 74-75.

*    Dewitt, J., & Roberts, R. (1991). Pumping up an adult fitness program. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, 62(7), 67-71.

*    Efland, A., & Soucy, D. (1991). A persistent interpretation: Art education histography and the legacy of Issac Edwards Clarke. History of Education Quarterly, 31(4), 489-511.

*    Eisemon, T., Schwille, J., & Prouty, R. (1991). Measuring learning in a second language: Assessing cognitive outcomes of primary schooling in Burundi. McGill Journal of Education, 26(1), 25-40.

*    Finn, J., & Cox, D. (1992). Participation and withdrawal among fourth-grade pupils.  American Educational Research Journal, 29(1), 141-162.

*    Gareau, M., & Sawatzky, D. (1995). Parents and schools working together: A qualitative study of parent-school collaboration. The Alberta Journal of Educational Research, XLI(4), 462-473.

*    Golec, J., Cartrell, J., & Sveinson, W. (1995). University performance of non-matriculated admissions. The Alberta Journal of Educational Research, XI(4), 421-434.

*    Hannafin, R., & Freeman, D. (1995). An exploratory study of teachers= views of knowledge acquisition. Educational Technology, 35, 49-56.

*    Katsiyannis, A. (1992). Policy issues in school attendance of children with AIDS: A national survey. Journal of Special Education, 26(2), 219-226.

*    Krull, C.D. (1994). Level of education, sexual promiscuity, and AIDS.  The Alberta Journal of Educational Research, XL(1), 7-20.

*    Kutnick, P. (1990). A survey of primary school teachers= understanding and implementation of moral education in Trinidad and Tobago. Journal of Moral Education, 19(1), 48-57.

*    MacArthur, C., & Malouf, D. (1991).  Teachers= beliefs, plans, and decisions about computer-based instruction. Journal of Special Education, 25(1), 44-72.

*    Mensch, D., & Rubba, P. (1991). A study of large hands-on protein synthesis models in a biology classroom. School Science and Mathematics, 91(4), 164-168.

*    Neuman, S.B., & Roskos, K. (1992). Literacy objects as cultural tools. Reading Research Quarterly, 27(3), 203-225.