WebQuest Final Reflection

What?

Before studying the chapter and completing the WebQuest on educational research, I really hadn't put much thought into how and why it was done. I found the WebQuest extremely helpful in assisting me through the process of learning and applying the different types of research. There are four different types that were introduced in the chapter. The first type is descriptive research. Descriptive research gives a description that is based on observation of an event (or study) from which theories can be developed to explain the observations. Another type of research is correlational research. This type of research explores the possible relationships among different things. It can determine how or if characteristics are associated with one another or whether they are correlated. Experimental research allows the researchers to manipulate aspects of the environment of the study and then measures the effects on something else. The final type of study discussed is action research. Action research is conducted by educators or administrators to address issues and problems in their own schools or classrooms. 

So What?

It is definitely important to understands the different types of research. As educators, we should understand how studies are conducted, and how theories are created. By having knowledge about the research that is being done, we will be able to further our own education because we will be able use and study the most applicable research. If we know how the research is conducted, we can determine whether or not the findings are reliable.

Now What?

I still don't feel extremely confident in deciding which type of research is being used in different scenarios. I can see similarities in all of them so it is hard for me to pick out the details that may be different. I also would like to know more about action research. It would be interesting to find out what kind of studies have been done locally and I would also like to know how to get involved with that type of research. I think it would be very beneficial to understand how to perform different types of research so when you come across something that you find interesting during your career, you would have the tools and knowledge to do something about it. I will also use the knowledge that I now have to determine whether or not the outcomes of any research that I come across is reliable. This will come in handy when I have my own students and I can use research to help assist them in their learning.