Maddox's+Wikis

__ **Week 1-** __ **Data inventory**– summary of types of data available- The inventory is particularly important in regards to being able to see the whole picture. With a sigle data sample, you get a small window into whatever it is you are looking into. With the full set of samples pertaining to the same issue, you get a much better understanding of what the data shows. For instance- a single 5th grade class' performance on a standardized exam doesn't show how well the county truly scored. If you take a 5th grade class from each school within the county, that data set gives a better view of the county as a whole with out testing ever single student.


 * Subjective data**– Data based on (or related to) attitudes, beliefs, or opinions, instead of on verifiable evidence or phenomenon. Contrasts with objective. Being an athlete, this is fairly simple to explain- in sports Ice Skating is a subjective sport, while Downhill Skiing is an objective sport. Opinion and differing beliefs come into play with the ice skating, while the downhill is a race against a clock. There can be no argument to the true winner of the downhill. Ice skating judges are all looking at the same skater, while all looking for the same technique and moves, but it is up to there own opinion as to how well or poorly to score that move or jump. This comes into play in the classroom with a lot of graded work. If it is homework or papers, it can be a subjective grade that ends up in the grade-book. While a test with a distinct right or wrong answer is a much more objective form of grading.

__**Week 2-**__ **Statistical analysis** - refers to a collection of methods used to process large amounts of data and report overall trends. When a large amount of data is collected, you must analyze the data to get any sort of meaning from it. You are able to find information such as trends in a classroom, or how well a particular grade is understanding subject matter. I.e. a department can use a standardized test to analyze the students understanding of plant biology, testing all of the students. Using the trends and tests such as "p-test" or correlational tests, you can see if the average grade is up to standards, or if the students form a particular school are trending in a negative direction.

**Raw score** – simple count or percentage achieved on a test - The easiest means of scoring on an assignment/test. i.e. on a test of 10 questions a student answers 8 correctly, this is a raw score of 8/10 or 80%. This study examined the the effects of phonics intervention on reading improvement of secondary students. The study used raw score analysis in determining the improvement of the students ability. The analysis of the raw score showed that the phonics intervention had a significant, positive effect. (Edwards, K., 2008)

__**Week 3-**__ **Case study** – Form of qualitative, descriptive research that refers to the collection and presentation of detailed information about a particular participant or small group, frequently including the accounts of subjects themselves (Writing White Papers). It can be of great use in figuring out why a certain class scores the way they do on tests, or if there is a particular student that stands out from their peers (positively or negatively). ( Marrero, M., Woodruff, K., Schuster, G., & Riccio, J., 2010)
 * Longitudinal data** – Correlational, statistical data aimed at identifying a trend over a period of time through repeated observations of the same items over long periods of time. The great attraction to a longitudinal study is the fact that it follows the same group/participants for a long period of time. Being able to collect data form the same groups/participants takes out just one more variable in your data inventory. The study taking place over a long period of time also has its share of issues. Loss of participants is the biggest issue with these types of studies.

** Bell-shaped distribution ** - Symmetrical curve representing the normal distribution - The bulk of the participants are located between 25% and 75%. This is how the shape is built. Those that are below 25% and above 75% in the analysis are the outliers and not as common as those inside the previously mentioned range. Most all grades from a class will fall in this shape distribution as well as standardized tests. This test shows a bell-shaped distribution in the learning ability of genetically similar mice in a battery of tests. (Chin, G., 2003) __** Week 5 & 6- **__ ** Qualitative research ** - Investigative methodologies described as ethnographic, naturalistic, anthropological, field, or participant observer research, which emphasizes the importance of looking at variables in the natural setting in which they are found. Notes from observation, and interpretation of the observing individual. It does not require statistical analysis. The study from Taiwan showed (from qualitative analysis) that student teachers benefited from the use of weblog-based electronic portfolios. (Hsueh-Hua, 2010)
 * __Week 4-__**
 * Mean ** - Simple or arithmetic average of a range of values or quantities, computed by dividing the total of all values by the number of values.  The mean is the average of all data available. A simple average. This is easy to use and tells a lot about the data. As with the bell-shaped distribution, the average is that 50% marker. If you are looking on how the entire class is doing on a subject matter, the fastest way to see the class is usuing the mean, or clas average. If it is below where you would like, you know you may need to spend more time on the subject. The key with this way of data analysis, is to be weary of outliers. Outliers can alter the mean greatly depending on how many entries you have. in a sample set of 10, one data entry of 0 can skew the mean much more than if you have a sample of 100. Coming back to the bell curve, you can average all those within a certain standard deviation of the center point, in order to account for the outliers.


 * Quantitative research ** - Use of sampling techniques (such as surveys) whose findings may be expressed numerically, and are amenable to statistical manipulation enabling the researcher to estimate future events or quantities. This research shows analysis mainly from experimental situation and the analysis is done with statistical representation. This study used a collaborative assessment in a small undergraduate educational psychology course and used a survey to explore student perceptions on collaborative learning. It showed through both quantitative and qualitative results, that the students indeed believed they benefit from a collaborative learning environment. (Ioannou, A., & Artino, J., 2010)


 * __Week 7-__**
 * Abstracts** - one or more well-developed paragraphs summarizing the purpose, findings, conclusions and recommendations of a report. This is the easiest way to understand on what the research or experiment is focused. It should include the topic, basic facts and a minor overview of the findings. It is a great way to find the best sources to support your argument, or research paper.
 * Field-based research** – Includes activities aimed at collecting primary data rather relying on published material. Often involves face-to-face interviewing and direct observation. Usually done in conjunction with qualitative based research. Can also be the main source of information for a case study. This is a great way to take in research from a classroom, without disrupting the normal flow of the students daily classroom environment.

__**Week 8 & 9-**__
 * Experimental group** - Group being treated, or otherwise manipulated for the sake of the experiment. A very structured and controlled manor in which a group is tested based on a specific variable. This group will then be compared to the control group to determine the difference in the groups through quantitative analysis. This study of a children educational; computer game, was developed to show the effect on the students cultural identities. 4 classes were used- 2 as the variable group who used the game, and 2 were control groups who did not use the game. Data analysis showed that those students who used the game had a statistically significant increase in their cultural identities. (Hsiang-Ping, C., Chi-Jui, L., Annetta, L., & Yu-Ling, L., 2010)
 * Unstructured observation (Field Notes)** - A study in which the observer simply makes notes on the behavior being observed. The work being done in field-based research, also the main aspect of qualitative research. These field notes are the basis of true observation- without the intent of some known issue as with a case study. It is just a way of making observation in a scenario for field-based research with all possibilities in mind.

**Nominal scale** - A list of categories to which objects can be classified- Students can be set into nominal or named categories. Within a study, students can be set in the alpha group and beta groups based on set characteristics of the experiment or study. This is a way of categorizing your data and having the ability to analyze it later.
 * __Week 10-__**
 * Ordinal scale** – A measurement scale that assigns values to objects based on their ranking with respect to one another. Putting students into reading levels is an example of using nominal scales. It is an inverse scale, meaning that the higher the number the better, but a student with the reading level in the 3rd grade is better than that of a student with a level in the 2nd.

Sources:

1. Edwards, K. (2008). Examining the impact of phonics intervention on secondary students' reading improvement. //Educational Action Research//, //16//(4), 545-555. Retrieved from Education Research Complete database. 2. Marrero, M., Woodruff, K., Schuster, G., & Riccio, J. (2010). Live, Online Short-Courses: A Case Study of Innovative Teacher Professional Development. //International Review of Research in Open & Distance Learning//, //11//(1), 81-95. Retrieved from Education Research Complete database. 3. Chin, G. (2003). A Mouse IQ Test. //Science//, //301//(5634), 735. Retrieved from Education Research Complete database. 4. Hsueh-Hua, C. (2010). Weblog-based electronic portfolios for student teachers in Taiwan. //Educational Technology Research & Development//, //58//(2), 211-227. Retrieved from Education Research Complete database. 5. Ioannou, A., & Artino, J. (2010). LEARN MORE, STRESS LESS: EXPLORING THE BENEFITS OF COLLABORATIVE ASSESSMENT. //College Student Journal//, //44//(1), 189-199. Retrieved from Education Research Complete database. 6. Hsiang-Ping, C., Chi-Jui, L., Annetta, L., & Yu-Ling, L. (2010). The Influence of an Educational Computer Game on Children's Cultural. //Journal of Educational Technology & Society//, //13//(1), 94-105. Retrieved from Education Research Complete database.