Research Methods and Statistics

Paper Summary:

The paper discusses a study to define both the qualitative and quantitative statistical methodologies including the development of descriptive and inferential statistics applied to the field of education overall and school counseling. Each of the qualitative and quantitative approaches to statistics are analyzed from the perspective of how best they can be applied to educational and counseling situations, to best support and serve the student. The specifics of how to apply these techniques within the context of a methodological approach to completing research projects is also evaluated. Specifically focusing on the steps of research design, data collection, data analysis, and the ethics of the interpretation of research are also discussed.

Outline:
Executive Summary
Exploring Qualitative Research Methods in Education and Counseling
Exploring Quantitative Research Methods in Education and Counseling
Ethics in Research
Summary and Conclusions

From the Paper:

"Qualitative research, both from a social science as well as a business standpoint is broadly considered to be research completed through non-quantifiable means. As a result, non-quantifiable research relies on approaches and methodologies that focus on observation, interpretation and analysis, and often as a result discover entirely new relationships and causal relationships in subjects and data not seen before. Strauss and Corbin have defined qualitative research as "any kind of research that produces findings not arrived at by means of statistical procedures or other means of quantification" (1990, page 17) and as a result generates an entirely different knowledge base for any field of research of academic inquiry than does quantitative research."

Sample of Sources Used:

• IIT (2007). Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT). The Delphi Method. Definition and Historical Background. Accessed from the Internet on June 22, 2007: http://www.iit.edu/~it/delphi.html
• Joppe (2007) - Research Process Tutorial on Dr. Marion Joppes' website regarding exploratory research fundamentals: Accessed from the Internet on June 22, 2007 from location: http://www.ryerson.ca/~mjoppe/ResearchProcess/ExploratoryResearch.htm
• Strauss, A., & Corbin, J. (1990). Basics of qualitative research: Grounded theory procedures and techniques. Newbury Park, CA: Sage Publications, Inc.
• Zuga, K. F. (1994). Implementing technology education: A review and synthesis of the research literature. Columbus, OH: Center on Education and Training for Employment.

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