AEE
578
Scientific Inquiry in Agricultural and Extension Education
Scientific Inquiry in Agricultural and Extension Education
| AEE
578
Scientific Inquiry in Agricultural and Extension Education |
Class 13:  |
Introduction to Qualitative Research Conducting Ethnographic Research in Agricultural and Extension Education |
Introduction:
 |
Have you ever been in
a college class and it is getting late in the semester and the
professor says something like, "We are a little behind so read chapters
18, 19, 20, 21 and 22 by next class period." The professor wants to
make sure the material gets covered. However "covering material"
doesn't mean the students have learned. The goal of education should be
to "uncover" information for the students as opposed to "covering"
information. This is somewhat like comparing qualitative research with quantitative research. Typically agricultural and extension educators do survey research and collect data with some type of questionnaire that contains a ton of questions then run all types of statistical analysis on it (quantitative research). Dr. Key at Oklahoma State refers to this as gathering data with a steam shovel and then analyzing it with a microscope. We may not really "uncover'" what we need to by utilizing this approach to research. If we really want to "uncover" the true problems and issues in the classroom, with our youth organizations, and the profession we might be better served by conducting qualitative research. In this lesson we will learn more about qualitative research and more specifically ethnographic research. |
Learning
Objectives:  |
 Explain what is meant
by the term "qualitative research." Describe five general
characteristics that most qualitative studies have in common. Describe some of the
steps involved in qualitative research. Identify at least
three ways in whcih qualitative research differs from quantitavie
research. Describe at least
four approaches to quantitative research. Define ethnographic
research Identify the
characteristics of ethnographic research Discuss the process of ethnographic
research Identify the strengths and concerns
regarding ethnographic research Describe how ethnographic research
could be used in agricultural and extension education |
| Instructional Activities:  |
Read Chapter 18 The
Nature of Qualitative Research and Chapter 21 Ethnographic Research in How
to Design and Evaluate Research in Education
(Fraenkel & Wallen). See what Trochim says about:
Read "A Synthesis of Ethnographic Research"
by Genzuk. This paper provides a good summary of issues and
processes of conducting ethnographic research. There is also a PDF
version. Some people have problems evaluating ethnographic research. Donald Ratcliff provides a framework for evaluating
ethnographic research in Evaluating
Ethnographic Research: 5 Attributes and 12 Components. Want to
see an example of ethnographic research in agricultural and extension
education? Read Stakeholder
Effect: A Qualitative Study Of The Influence Of Farm Leaders' Ideas On
A
Sustainable Agriculture Education Program For Adults published in the Journal of Agricultural
Education by Nancy Grudens-Schuck. Please
scan the article Elementary
And Middle School Agriculture Curriculum Development: An Account Of
Teacher Struggle At Countryside Charter School from the Journal of
Agricultural Education. Pay particular attention to the way the
findings are reported. The authors describe the research as a
qualitative case study. By the strictest definition this is not an
ethnographic study but it has many characteristics of ethnographic
research, especially in the reporting of the findings. The PowerPoint
Presentation on Ethnographic Research
is available for viewing or downloading. |
Preparation: |
View the PowerPoint
presentation
for: Chapter 18- (View or download) Chapter 21- (View or download) IF you want to see more (NOT required): From the text site: CHAPTER 18Main Points- Key Terms- Questions- Interactive Activities- Additional Web Links From the text site: CHAPTER 21Main Points- Key Terms- Questions- Interactive Activities- Additional Web Links The text's url is: http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0073525960/student_view0/.
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Assignments:
 |
Complete Worksheet
13 and submit it through Vista. |