Assignment 1 - Review of a science education research article

Due on 10/2/2012
10 points possible

LOCATING PUBLISHED RESEARCH
INTERPRETING AND SUMMARIZING PUBLISHED RESEARCH

(Read Chaps. 1, 4, Mertler & Charles)

1)  Using a database in CUNY + or other reference system,  find a journal article in an area of science education research interest that you might consider for possible study this semester.  Save a pdf version of the article or scan it, and then post it on the discussion board in BlackBoard as an attachment. 

2)  For your study or report answer as many of the sections below as possible. See Chaps 1 and 2 for definition of terms used  (a-e).  

a. Title of study and the journal (name, vol., m/yr of publication, pages) (1)
b. Type of study:        1. Qualitative or quantitative (1)
                                  2. Method: Experimental or non-experimental, other.
                                        If “other” why not experimental or non-experimental? (1)
c. What was the research problem? Purpose of the study?  Data sources?  (1)
d. Analysis of data:  How were the data collected?   How were the data analyzed? (1)
   Describe the data in your study. Make use of the following terms: (1)

    Quantitative:  Which measures, if any, were used?
             Measures of central tendency B Mean, median, mode
             Other: Standard deviation, percentiles, frequencies, significance levels
             Group comparison  (if two/more different groups are examined, or if the same group
             is studied under two or more different circumstances, was a statistical test used? (Y/N)
             e.g.  t-test,  analysis of variance (ANOVA), analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) (Y/N)
              Relationship of one variable in a group to another variable? (Y/N)
              e.g. coefficient of correlation r  (Y/N)
     Qualitative: Results were simply described without arithmetical references.
             Survey or questionnaire reports; interview case studies; verbal transcriptions 

e. Identify: Theoretical framework of report/study, related studies or data cited in the  introduction providing background for study. This is often found at the beginning of the
     research paper in the first section of the document.  Describe sections found in the research paper.  (1)

Note: Bring a copy or an outline of the sample study to class for discussion.  A one-page response to the questions (a-e) responses should be posted on the discussion board in BlackBoard.
In your write-up, please conclude with a critique: 

3)  In your opinion, did the study adequately answer the question or problem it set out to investigate?  Please cite evidence for your answer.
4)  What are the strengths of the study? (1)
5)  What are the weaknesses of the study?  (1)
6)  How could this study be improved? (1)

10 points total