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AEE
578
Scientific Inquiry in Agricultural and Extension Education


Class 1:
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      Introduction to Scientific Inquiry

Learning
Objectives:



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bullet icon Explain what is meant by the term "educational research," and give 2 examples 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 6 different types of research methodologies used by ed 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.
bullet icon Describe briefly the basic components involved in the research process.

Instructional
Activities:


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bullet icon  H. M. Hamlin was one of the most respected agricultural educators during the 1930-1960 era. His article "What is Research?" published in the American Vocational Association Journal in 1966, is considered a classic. Be 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).

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 tells when Qualitative and Quantative approaches should be used.

Preparation:


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bullet icon The text site of support materials has some excellent information, you should check it out:
    Chapter Outline-
    Main Points-
    Key Terms-
 

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

bullet icon IF you want to see more (NOT required):
    View another PowerPoint or download it-
    Additional Web Links-

bullet icon Also the text's url is: http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0073525960/student_view0/.

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. A word version of the worksheet is also available. 


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