Reference no: EM133927648 , Length: word count:2000

Introduction to Research for Educators

Unit Overview
This unit introduces participants to a range of research methodologies used in educational and social science research. The unit will examine the application of different interpretive frameworks and their implications for research design, data collection and analysis. Participants will develop critical research literacies by both reviewing and planning for research.

Learning outcome 1: Discuss key methodological issues in educational research and apply different strategies for conducting research that is systematic, credible and ethical Get online assignment help-AI & plagiarism-free-now!

Learning outcome 2: Engage with the research and scholarship of others, articulating the links to a self-designed research proposal

Learning outcome 3: Provide critical feedback to support others to develop their research skills in formal and informal education settings

Learning outcome 4: Communicate theoretical understandings of the research literature, processes and activities

Learning outcome 5: Analyse and communicate similarities and differences between qualitative and quantitative research designs

ASSESSMENT 2 - Research questions & methodologies

ASSESSMENT DESCRIPTION

Summary:
This assessment is an opportunity for you to extend the literature, reflect with more sophistication on your developing research question(s), topic and bring together the understandings about research methodologies that you are exploring in the Unit. You will use these ideas as the basis for discussing the approach and methods that would best suit a research project based on your research question(s). You will also consider the ethical implications for your proposed research project. Get online assignment help-AI & plagiarism-free-now!
What to do?

Re-state and explain your developing research question, based on the increasing number of readings you have completed (both in the Unit and based on library searches regarding particular research topics).

Reflect on how this developing research question could be examined by a potential research project. Explain the type of methodology (which may also include research methods) which would underpin this project. Write your assignment using essay format, and an appropriate academic style (full sentences, clear structure, coherent paragraphs, introduction, conclusion, etc.). Justify the relevance of the selected methodology (methods) in relation to your research question. Use in-text referencing and appropriate depth of analysis to articulate your ideas.

How to organise?
Introduction: Begin with a brief introduction (normally one paragraph). The introduction provides a brief road map of your assignment for the reader (e.g. briefly summarize your objectives, the writing processes or
sub-sections/topics in the assignment and your key, concluding remarks).

Body
Developing research question and relevance of topic
Re-state your research question and briefly discuss how and why this has developed and refined since the first assessment. You will draw on your personal, professional, academic background, unit readings and academic literature (add at least six additional articles than in Assessment 1), from your field of research interest. Revisit your original research question and briefly explain how and why your readings have influenced your thinking about the research question. For example, has your focus shifted, has it narrowed, has it changed completely, or has it remained the same? Explain why. You will also justify the relevance of the topic for the research community and society. For example, how will the topic and/or potential research project advance scholarship?

Methodological Approach:
Explain your methodology and world view through which your research question(s) will be understood (See in particular, Walter, 2019, p.13). Based on your research question(s), choose a research approach that will best serve your proposed project. Explain your research approach and why you have chosen it. The rationale needs to justify how your methodological choices support your research purposes. Why does the approach fit your research question(s)? Support your rationale with in-text referencing from unit materials, etc. For example, will you have a qualitative approach, an ethnographic approach, a quantitative approach, or use action research, a mixed methods approach, or a comparative approach etc.? Discuss selected methods (e.g. interviews, focus groups, online questionnaires, QCA etc.). You may use a conceptual flow chart or table to identify how various items such as research questions, methodology, methods, theory serve to frame the research proposal and question(s).

Ethical considerations:
Discuss ethical considerations for your proposed research project and the mitigation strategies you will use to ensure University and National requirements for the protection of all are adhered to.
Chapter 4, Walter (2019) pp 83-118 Ethics and Social Research
Chapter 16, Walter (2019) pp 410-426 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community-based Research.
Conclusion: Summarize the main points in your assignment. Add one point of reflection to inspire your audience.

RESEARCH QUESTION AND METHODOLOGIES

IN ESSAY FORMAT

INTRODUCTION
Briefly guide your reader (what will be addressed in this essay?)
Re-state your research question
Briefly explain how/why the RQ has developed over the semester, etc.

METHODOLOGICAL APPROACH

Select a methodological approach (e.g. qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods)
Explain your methodological approach (e.g. Will you conduct a case study, survey research, ethnography, action research, experimental research, etc.?
Rationale: Justify why this approach suits the purpose of your proposed research (and research question)
Alignment: Your research purpose/research question should align with your methodology: For example, are you are interested in gaining in-depth knowledge about a small/reasonably small group of participants? Are you interested in using language and/or numbers? Are you interested in working with a large number of participants and making generalizations across populations? What are the aims of your research?

CONCLUSION
Briefly summarize your main points
Offer the reader a motivating point or question for future reference

SOME GENERAL TIPS
Support your rationale (and various statements, arguments, etc.) with unit readings, etc.
Use appropriate in-text referencing and an end-of-text list of references (e.g. APA)
Insert page numbers on your assignment
Identify your full name, student number, unit and research course (e.g. MEd by research)
Use a word file (rather than PDF)
Read the Assignment Description
Read the Assignment cover sheet
Read the Assignment Submission Checklist
Have you used interesting vocabulary?
Have you created appropriate paragraphs in essay format?
See useful websites for additional support
See general information about preparing university assignments
Remember that multiple drafts, reviewing and editing are important.
Remember that confusion and challenges can be quite common during the writing process. Remember to take breaks, plan ahead, reflect and be kind to yourself.