Introduction to Action Research:
Chapter 1 Test Questions And Correct
Answers.
Action Research - Answer Any systematic inquiry conducted by teachers, administrators,
counselors, or others with a vested interest in the teaching and learning process or environment
for the purpose of gathering information about how their particular schools operate, how they
teach, and how their students learn.
Tradition - Answer Ways in which we have behaved in the past. Interventions that have
worked in the past may in fact still work today, but there is no guarantee.
Authority - Answer The use of the opinions of experts, whom we assume will know what will
work best.
Common Sense - Answer The use of human reasoning as a basis for answering questions.
Scientific Method - Answer A specific strategy used to answer questions and resolve problems
1. Clarify the main question inherent in the problem.
2. State a hypothesis
3. Collect, analyze, and interpret information related to the question, such that it will permit you
to answer the question.
4. Form conclusions derived form your analyses
5. Use the conclusions to verify or reject the hypothesis
Educational Research - Answer Involves the application of the scientific method to educational
topics, phenomena, or questions in search of answers. Educational research is typically carried
out in the following manner:
1. Specify the topic about which a concern exists.
2. Clarify the specific problem on which the research will focus.
3. Formulate research questions and/or hypotheses concerning the main problem.
4. Carry out procedures by which data are collected, analyzed, and interpreted.
5. Draw conclusions related to the original research questions and/or hypotheses.
, Deductive Reasoning (Quantitative) - Answer Works from the more general to the more
specific, in a "top-down" manner.
Theory > Hypotheses > Data > Confirmation
Inductive Reasoning (Qualitative) - Answer Works in the exact opposite direction when
compared to deductive reasoning. Using a "bottom-up" approach, inductive reasoning begins
with specific observations and concludes with broader generalizations and theories.
The purpose may simply to provide a "thick description" of what is going on in the particular
setting being studied.
Variables - Answer Factors that may affect the outcome of a study or characteristics that are
central to the topic about which the researcher wishes to draw conclusions.
Hypotheses - Answer Predicted outcomes of the study
Non-experimental Research - Answer The researcher has no direct control over any variable in
the study, either because it has already occurred or because it is not possible for it to be
influenced.
The fact that variables cannot be controlled in non-experimental studies is an important
distinction between non-experimental research and experimental research, especially when it
comes to drawing conclusions.
Descriptive Studies - Answer Report information about eh frequency or amount of something
(e.g., What percentage of the time do teachers use performance-based assessment in their
classrooms?)
Comparative Studies - Answer Characteristically build on descriptive studies by comparing tow
or more groups to that which is measured (e.g., Is there a significant difference between
elementary and secondary teachers' use of performance-based assessments?)
Correlational Studies - Answer Measure the degree to which a relationship exists between two
or more variables (e.g., What is the relationship between years of teaching experience and use
Chapter 1 Test Questions And Correct
Answers.
Action Research - Answer Any systematic inquiry conducted by teachers, administrators,
counselors, or others with a vested interest in the teaching and learning process or environment
for the purpose of gathering information about how their particular schools operate, how they
teach, and how their students learn.
Tradition - Answer Ways in which we have behaved in the past. Interventions that have
worked in the past may in fact still work today, but there is no guarantee.
Authority - Answer The use of the opinions of experts, whom we assume will know what will
work best.
Common Sense - Answer The use of human reasoning as a basis for answering questions.
Scientific Method - Answer A specific strategy used to answer questions and resolve problems
1. Clarify the main question inherent in the problem.
2. State a hypothesis
3. Collect, analyze, and interpret information related to the question, such that it will permit you
to answer the question.
4. Form conclusions derived form your analyses
5. Use the conclusions to verify or reject the hypothesis
Educational Research - Answer Involves the application of the scientific method to educational
topics, phenomena, or questions in search of answers. Educational research is typically carried
out in the following manner:
1. Specify the topic about which a concern exists.
2. Clarify the specific problem on which the research will focus.
3. Formulate research questions and/or hypotheses concerning the main problem.
4. Carry out procedures by which data are collected, analyzed, and interpreted.
5. Draw conclusions related to the original research questions and/or hypotheses.
, Deductive Reasoning (Quantitative) - Answer Works from the more general to the more
specific, in a "top-down" manner.
Theory > Hypotheses > Data > Confirmation
Inductive Reasoning (Qualitative) - Answer Works in the exact opposite direction when
compared to deductive reasoning. Using a "bottom-up" approach, inductive reasoning begins
with specific observations and concludes with broader generalizations and theories.
The purpose may simply to provide a "thick description" of what is going on in the particular
setting being studied.
Variables - Answer Factors that may affect the outcome of a study or characteristics that are
central to the topic about which the researcher wishes to draw conclusions.
Hypotheses - Answer Predicted outcomes of the study
Non-experimental Research - Answer The researcher has no direct control over any variable in
the study, either because it has already occurred or because it is not possible for it to be
influenced.
The fact that variables cannot be controlled in non-experimental studies is an important
distinction between non-experimental research and experimental research, especially when it
comes to drawing conclusions.
Descriptive Studies - Answer Report information about eh frequency or amount of something
(e.g., What percentage of the time do teachers use performance-based assessment in their
classrooms?)
Comparative Studies - Answer Characteristically build on descriptive studies by comparing tow
or more groups to that which is measured (e.g., Is there a significant difference between
elementary and secondary teachers' use of performance-based assessments?)
Correlational Studies - Answer Measure the degree to which a relationship exists between two
or more variables (e.g., What is the relationship between years of teaching experience and use
