Examples Of Research Design And Related Questions

Full Answer Section

• ·  Research Design: Correlational
  • This question seeks to investigate a potential association between two variables (social skills and transition success) without manipulating them. Correlational research is suitable for this purpose.

• How do individuals with physical disabilities perceive themselves in comparison to their able-bodied peers in terms of work-related activities?

• Research Design: Qualitative (Ethnography)
  • This question delves into a specific group's lived experiences and perceptions. Ethnography, a qualitative research method, allows for in-depth exploration of these subjective experiences.

• Does a whole-language curriculum lead to higher student achievement than a phonics curriculum?

• Research Design: Experimental
  • This question seeks to establish a cause-and-effect relationship between two variables (curriculum type and achievement). An experiment allows for manipulating the curriculum (independent variable) and measuring its impact on student achievement (dependent variable).

• How are teachers implementing the whole-language approach to reading in their curricula at Harding Elementary School?

• Research Design: Case Study
  • This question focuses on a specific program (whole-language approach) within a particular setting (Harding Elementary). A case study allows for deep exploration of the program's implementation in that context.

• **What were the key events that led to the demise of affirmative action in state hiring and college admissions in California? **

• Research Design: Historical
  • This question delves into a sequence of past events. Historical research methods involve analyzing historical documents, records, and data to understand past occurrences.

• How do magazines targeted at teenagers present information on safe sex practices?

• Research Design: Content Analysis
  • This question focuses on analyzing the content of a specific type of media (teen magazines) in a systematic way. Content analysis is ideal for examining messages and themes within various communication materials.

• Are the reasons Native American Indian students give for dropping out of school different from those given by non-Native American Indian students?

• Research Design: Surveys (Can also be Causal-Comparative)
  • This question can be addressed with surveys if it aims to compare reasons for dropping out between the two groups. However, if the research also aims to establish why these differences exist, a causal-comparative design might be considered. A causal-comparative design would involve collecting data from both groups (Native American and non-Native American) and analyzing the reasons for dropping out to identify potential causal factors.

Sample Answer

Here's the research design most appropriate for each question:

1. What do elementary school teachers in the San Francisco Unified School District think about full inclusion as practiced in their district?

   • Research Design: Surveys
     • This question aims to gather opinions and perspectives from a large group of teachers. Surveys are a good choice for collecting this type of data efficiently.

2. Is there a relationship between students' level of social skills and successful transition into mainstream classes?