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Image of Researcher AEE 578--Scientific Inquiry in Agricultural and Extension Education

Class 1:
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Introduction to Scientific Inquiry

Introduction:
When I agreed to accept a graduate assistantship at Ohio State in 1973, I accepted with three stipulations: 1.) The assistantship had to start on July 1, 2.) I had to receive at least $7,200 and 3.) I would only teach, not do research.  To me, research was something I didn't know anything about and it was sort of like voodoo in my mind. I wanted no part of it.

However, I did take some research methodology courses during my graduate study and soon became excited about research. It was fun and exciting. I ended up obtaining a minor in research/statistics. Since then I have conducted numerous research studies, published over 100 journal articles and made over 125 research presentations at professional conferences. Research is a vital part of our profession. In this course and lesson, you will start on a journey which will hopefully end with you feeling the same way about research that I do.

Learning Objectives:
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bullet icon Explain what is meant by the term "educational research," and give two examples of the kinds of topics educational researchers might investigate;
bullet icon Explain why a knowledge of scientific research methodology can be of value to educators;
bullet icon Name and give an example of four ways of knowing other than the method used by scientists;
bullet icon Explain what is meant by the term "scientific method";
bullet icon Give an example of six different types of research methodologies used by educational researchers;
bullet icon Describe briefly what is meant by critical research;
bullet icon Describe the differences among descriptive, associational, and intervention-type studies;
bullet icon Describe briefly the difference between quantitative and qualitative research;
bullet icon Describe briefly what is meant by mixed methods research; and
bullet icon Describe briefly the basic components involved in the research process.

Instructional
Activities:
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bullet icon Take the interactive pretest to see how much you know about research basics.

bullet icon  H. M. Hamlin was one of the most respected agricultural educators in the nation during the 1930-1960 era. His article "What is Research" published in the American Vocational Association Journal in 1966 is considered a classic. Be and sure to take note of his definition of research.

bullet icon Read Chapter 1 " The Nature of Educational Research in the course text, How to Design and Evaluate Research in Education (Fraenkel & Wallen, 7th Edition, 2009).

bullet icon Read Ways of Knowing by Bill Huitt at Valdosta State (Georgia).

bullet icon View the PowerPoint presentation on Introduction to Scientific Inquiry. If you have PowerPoint you can download the presention to your computer.

bullet icon The Albers Communication Group tell when Qualitative and Quantative approaches should be used.

Lagniappe:
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Lagniappe is a term commonly used in Louisiana and means an unusual or unexpected gift or treat. From time to time there will be a little lagniappe in these classes. You might enjoy looking at some of the research related cartoons at Nearingzero. I liked the new publication cartoon.

Review:

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bullet icon Go to the text web site and complete the multiple choice review questions for this lesson.

Assignments:
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Complete Worksheet 1. This worksheet is on identifying the different types of research. The PowerPoint presentation and the textbook should be useful in completing this worksheet. It is due next week and can be e-mailed or turned in as a paper copy. Please pay careful attention and really think about the questions. It is not uncommon for some students to make 60 on this exercise while others make 90 or higher. 


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