Educational Research

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the varying opinions of the most effective methodology for educational research. The paper defines and compares the qualitative and the quantitative methodology approaches and then discusses a newer, third approach to educational research; that of triangulation or mixed methodology, where both qualitative and quantitative research is used. The paper discusses the advantages of each approach and the controversy surrounding them.

From the Paper:

"Cohen and Manion (ibid) say that triangulation techniques are appropriate when a more holistic view of educational outcomes is desired. For example, if a researcher conducts a large-scale study of inner-city schools over a period of several years with a number of different measurements and variables. Triangulations also play an important role when a complicated phenomenon requires explanation, such as a study of formal and informal classrooms with varying philosophies and objectives. This multimethod approach is helpful in addition when different methods of teaching are to be compared and evaluated, when a controversial aspect of education needs to be more fully evaluated, or in the situation of case studies."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Blease, D. & Lever, D. (1992) What do headteachers do? Educational Studies, 18(2), 185-199.
• Bogdan, R.C., & Biklen, S.K. (2003). Qualitative research for education: An introduction to theories and methods Boston: Allyn and Bacon.
• Borg, W.R. (1963). Educational Research: An Introduction. London: Longman.
• Boring, E.G. (1953) The role of theory in experimental psychology. American Journal of Psychology, 66, 169-184.
• Cohen, L., & Manion, L. (1994). Research methods in education. London: Routledge.

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