Order Description

I have attached mine with comments:

Tom wolf, the governor of Pennsylvania has heard that you have been learning about quantitative research methods and would like your input regarding an upcoming funded study in the area of education. Unfortunately, he has been so busy governing other things that he has no idea what a good topic of design would be for such a project. As such, he has tasked you with creating one. He does know a little bit about research design and has asked for the following:

1. An introduction to your topic – what it is, why it is important, and why governor Wolf should spend his valuable time on it.
– Research question
2. Variables (IV and DV) plus description of their levels (categorical, etc.)
3. Research design
4. A description of a measurement device that you are using in your study (real or made up)
5. Sampling technique
6. What statistical analysis you are using
– what it is, how you do it (steps), what the outcomes are and how you will interpret the results
7. Validity and reliability – two ways that reliability is tested and four types of internal and/or external validity
8. Conclusion

For this practice exam you need to know ONE topic of each. This means that you should be able to describe one technique each, from questions 3 – 6, with detail as though you were actually using or doing them. For question 7 you should be able to talk about two ways that reliability is tested, and four threats to external validity.

Here is a list of where you can find information on each of these topics within the Fraenle text. This is taken from your research proposal assignment so the standards below are not what you will need for this practice exam.

Sampling – ch 6, pg. 91. You should be able to chose a sampling method based on your research design and justify why you are using it (strengths and weaknesses). You may also be required to state what size sample would be appropriate.

Scales of measurement, ch 7, pg. 138

The three main types of validity, ch 8, pg. 149. Be familiar with all three and be able to describe how your measurement instrument is valid.

Reliability and ways of ensuring/measuring it, ch. 8, 155. You should be familiar with as many of the methods listed in the text as you can, or at least be able to talk clearly about how you would use one or two to validate your measurement instrument.

Hypothesis testing, ch 11, pg. 228. Review the steps and try to understand them within the context of whatever statistical test you conduct.

Type I and Type II error, ch 11, pg. 233

T-tests, ANOVA, ANCOVA, MANOVA, correlation, regression, muliple regression – You will need to know when to use each of these unique tests, what your null and alternative hypotheses are, what steps to take to conduct the test, and how to present and interpret the results. How will you know if there is something or nothing?

Threats to validity ch. 9, pg. 167. Memorize them all, learn to identify them in your research design and minimize them if possible.

Types of research – Inside front cover of Fraenkle text

Experimental research designs ch. 15.

Chapters 13, 15 16 contain many topics within the context of specific designs, very valuable chapters.