Action Research Terminology

Question 1

Qualitative Research

Answer 1

A research method that focuses on exploring, describing, or interpreting information related to a particular area of study. Qualitative research is very useful in studying issues in social sciences and seeks to answer how, why, and what questions

Question 2

Data Collection in Qualitative Research

Answer 2

Data are collected in natural environments and typically include some sort of textual (i.e. written reflection) or transcribed (i.e. interview) data.

Question 3

Quantitative Research

Answer 3

A method of research in which data are collected in measurable units using a specific, replicable process. Quantitative research measures relationships between defined variables in specific settings.

Question 4

Data Collection in Quantitative Research

Answer 4

Data are collected using methods that yield data that can be expressed in numerical form such as assessment measures and questionnaires. The purpose is to collect data to support a proposed hypothesis.

Question 5

Mixed Methods Research

Answer 5

Employs the strengths of both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Mixed methods research allows an opportunity to triangulate various data to develop a more refined, detailed set of conclusions

Question 6

Validity

Answer 6

When a something measures what is in intended to measure

Question 7

Reliability

Answer 7

“Consistency of measurement”; essentially, reliability is established when results are consistent after repeated implementation of a measure over time.

Question 8

Inter-rater Reliability

Answer 8

Two or more observers record the same or similar data. Inter-rater reliability can be established for both qualitative and quantitative data.

Question 9

Stability Reliability

Answer 9

Similar performance when data collection using the same instrument occurs on different occasions over an adequate amount of time

Question 10

Equivalent (alternative) Reliability

Answer 10

Implementation of different versions of the same test measure with consistent results over time

Question 11

Test-Retest Reliability

Answer 11

Occurs when consistency is established after participants take the same test on multiple separate occasions over a period of time

Question 12

Reliability Coefficient

Answer 12

Reliability associated with quantitative measures expressed as a decimal on a scale of 0-1. No test is perfectly reliable (no scores of 1.0) and coefficients at .80 and above are considered sufficiently reliable.

Question 13

Construct Validity

Answer 13

Occurs when an instrument measures an intended concept or construct

Question 14

Content Validity

Answer 14

When an instrument measures the intended subject matter of content and takes into account all aspects

Question 15

Criterion Validity

Answer 15

The degree to which scores on an instrument correlate with scores on a similar instrument measuring the same or similar construct

Question 16

Face Validity

Answer 16

One of the most replicable forms of validity in teaching. It involves the examination of instrument to determine if it measures what it proposes to measure. It can be established through visual examination of a colleague.

Question 17

Convergent Validity

Answer 17

Uses statistical measures to show that the instrument being used is well aligned with another instrument that has already been proven reliable. Convergent validity is less likely to be used in classrooms.

Question 18

Qualitative Sources of Data

Answer 18

Interviews
Questionnaires/Surveys
Observations
Anecdotal notes
Meeting logs
Journals
Artifacts/Documents/Projects
Checklists
Video/Audio recordings
Photographs

Question 19

Quantitative Sources of Data

Answer 19

Surveys/Questionnaires
Tests
Quizzes
School records (i.e. standardized tests, report cards, attendance)
Classroom assessment scores
Artifacts
Rating scales

Question 20

Nominal Data (Rating Scales)

Answer 20

Information that can be classified into categories and that allows the researcher to provide frequency counts of the number of cases that fit into a particular category. An example would be responses to the question “What is your favorite subject in school?”.

Question 21

Ordinal Data (Rating Scales)

Answer 21

Involves measurement on a continuum whereby a rank is indicated. Participants may be asked to rank a set of preferences. The data does not provide information on the intervals between ranks (slightly better or significantly better).

Question 22

Ratio Data (Rating Scales)

Answer 22

Represents the most effective measurement as it has both interval properties and a point of origin. This means the research can compare the relative distance between responses as well as the magnitude of the response.

Question 23

Organizer for Data Collection

Answer 23

WHAT data are you collecting?

WHY did you choose to collect this data?

WHO is going to collect the data?

HOW will the data be collected?

WHERE is the data going to be collected?

WHEN is the data going to be collected?