1、教育中的定性研究是什么,什么问题适合这种方法

Qualitative Research in Education: Where it Fits and What it Is

Laurie Puchner, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Types of research

Empirical vs. non-empirical research

Empirical：1、Based on or derived from observation or experiment 2、Answer a question through data collection

Non-empirical：1、Not based on observation or experiment 2、Answer a question by looking at the literature, for example

Basic Research Types

Quantitative research (empirical)

Qualitative research (empirical)

Mixed methods (empirical)

Literature-based or library-based research (non-empirical)

Action Research (empirical)

Quantitative Research: Three Purposes

1. Describe

Descriptive research answers the question “What exists?”

Typically uses survey

2. Compare

Examine relationships and similarities and differences

More common than descriptive, often use correlation

3. Attribute causality

Example: What is the effect of cooperative learning on student classroom relationships? Qualitative Research

Non-numerical

Typically uses in-depth interviews and observations

Goal is a good understanding of participant perspective

We’ll come back to this later…

Mixed Methods Research：Combines qualitative and quantitative methods Example: “How effective is the “Star”program for children with autism?”

Quantitative Parts：1、Begin with a quantitative survey of staff and parent perceptions of the program 2、Also do analysis of achievement data.

Qualitative Part：Based on the survey results, do follow-up in-depth interviews with small number of staff and parents

What is Action Research?(Practitioner Research)

Research that solves a problem in YOUR OWN practice

Sample Action Research questions:

1、“How can I promote more verbal engagement among ALL my students and hence more learning during lessons?”

2、How can I increase critical thinking skills of my students?

Good Action Research Projects:

Focus on an issue you control and are very interested in improving

Use multiple data sources (e.g., interviews, observations, student work, journaling)

Rely mainly on qualitative data (it’s very hard to collect valid quantitative data on your own practice)

Use systematic, rigorous, data collection methods

Action Research Exercise

Develop and write down one Action Research question relevant to your professional practice. Make sure you use the word “I”in your question. (For example, “How can I…”) Tell it to the person next to you.

PART 2: QUALITA TIVE RESEARCH: AN IN-DEPTH LOOK A few introductory facts

Qualitative research and action research are very common in the United States

Most graduate programs in education cover both qualitative and quantitative research, and many students do qualitative theses

Some programs, especially those focused on advanced preparation of practitioners (as opposed to researchers), emphasize qualitative action research

Why Do Qualitative Research?

Qualitative research recognizes that objectivity is impossible, and emphasizes processes and meanings that cannot be experimentally measured

It stresses the “socially constructed nature of reality, the intimate relationship between the researcher and what is studied, and the situational constraints that shape inquiry”(Denzin & Lincoln, 2005, p.10)

Why Qualitative Research?, cont.

Thus qualitative research in social science is a philosophical and methodological revolt against positivism (hard data and so-called scientific research)

This academic revolt is political in that it seeks to transform knowledge production in the academy In a society marked by classism, racism, sexism, and other inequalities, it recognizes that there is no universalistic, objective standpoint, and focuses on making previously silenced voices heard Political Comparison

Quantitative ：

Positivism

Objectivity exists and quantitative research is objective

Universal truths can be found via research and are politically neutral

Dominant paradigm in Western society

Researchers on average more politically conservative

Qualitative：

Knowledge as culturally situated & interpretive

Objectivity is a myth

Everything is political and ideological

Focus on power differences in society

Interest in representing marginalized groups and individuals

Researchers on average more politically liberal

Political Dimensions, cont.

Qualitative researchers tend to be more left-leaning politically than quantitative researchers, and more likely to be interested in equity and social justice. And some qualitative researchers completely reject quantitative research and vice versa. However, many researchers recognize the value of both kinds of research. Further, there are many social justice advocates who use quantitative research to reduce inequality. (e.g., Linda Darling-Hammond, Russell Skiba)