State Superintendent of Education: Research 101

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Understanding and evaluating education research is a complicated task. We have identified some points for you to consider, as you try to figure out what the research means and whether or not it can help you. Start with these points and then take your learning to the next level by consulting additional resources.

Points to Consider as You Read Education Research

Problem Definition
What is the problem and how has it been defined?

Methodology
What kind of study is this? Did the author conduct an experiment? Did the author pass out a survey or poll people over the telephone? Did the author conduct a focus group or a case study? Did the author analyze research that had already been done?

Research Subjects
Who is the author talking about exactly?

Setting: urban, suburban, or rural
Demographics: race/ethnicity, gender, and/or socioeconomic status
Education sectors: early childhood education, elementary/secondary school
Census vs. sample: Is the research on all of the people in a group (census) or a gropu within a group (sample)? If the research uses a sample, is it representative of the group? Are there reasons to think that the sample is NOT like the whole group?

Argument
What is the author’s main point?

Evidence
What evidence does the author have to support her argument? Is there anecdotal evidence? Is there data that has been analyzed with statistics?

Objectivity
How objective are the author and her sponsoring organization?

Motivation
Partisanship
Reputation of the author and her sponsoring organization
Alliances with other organizations

Additional Resources to Help You Make Sense of Research

Basic Business Research Methods
Basic Statistics
Research 101
Robert Niles’ Journalism Help
Understanding and Enjoying Research
What Works Clearinghouse

Basic Business Research Methods by MAP for Nonprofits will help you differentiate between research methods and learn each method’s advantages and disadvantages. There are also tips on data analysis, interpretation, and reporting.

StatSoft’s online textbook is a reference for your questions about statistics.

Research 101 is a tutorial developed by the University of Washington Libraries to lead you through the process of doing research.

Turn to Journalist Robert Niles' tools for a refresher course or basic information about statistics.

Understanding and Enjoying Research by Professor Len Kravitz discusses key research concepts, such as types of research, types of variables, validity, and significance.

Learn about scientifically-based research at the What Works Clearinghouse, and view reports that have passed the test, developed by the Institute of Education Sciences at the Department of Education.

These resources are provided to help you make the most of education research. The State Education Office is not responsible for the content of external webpages.

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