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| Reviewed: |
Oct 07, 2004 by Teacher Education |
| Overview: |
This learning object is a basic research methods text with many interactive
links. The on-line text covers the entire research process including:
formulating research questions; sampling; measurement research design for
experimental and quasi-experimental research; data analysis; and, writing of the
research paper.
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| Learning Goals: |
The major learning goal of this interactive learning object is to introduce the
viewer to the basic concepts of research methodology from the design of the
research project, formulation of the research question, data analysis, and the
writing of the research report.
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| Target Student Population: |
Undergraduate aor graduate level students in an introductiory research methods
course or a prfessional who simply wants to brush up on some of the basics of
research.
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| Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills: |
This is a very basic overview of the whole process of research from beginning to
end. It is explained in a non-pedantic fashion. The users does not have to be
grounded inresearch methodology or statistics.
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| Type of Material: |
Tutorial site with interactive features that allows the viewer to learn first
hand each of the topics covered. There are numerous links to other sites that
reinforce the more difficult concepts.
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| Recommended Uses: |
Optional text to supplement classroom instruction.
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| Technical Requirements: |
None
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| Strengths: |
The content of this on-line learning tool, is consistent with the major print
text in the field of research methodology. This learning tool offers a clear
explaination of the content/principle in a language that is not intimidating to
the novise researcher. It begins with the introduction of vocabulary used in
research, and then guides the learner through carefully designed lessons through
each step of the research process. The individual learning modules are well
sequenced, provides excellent examples to explain the concept under
investigation.
Dr. Trochim is one of the more knowledgeable instructors in this field. His
information is very user friendly.
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| Concerns: |
Because the author states that there is no committment to maintaining this site,
he cautions users about relying only on this site for teaching. The users of
this site should approach with caution and supplement all content with other
references and classroom instruction.
In the section of the site that deals with writing and referenceing papers, the
author should identify the style of writing that he is advocating. It appears
to be APA, but the edition of the APA style is not mentioned. The author also
failed to inclued electronic citation examples for the viewers.
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Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool |
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| Strengths: |
Because research methods is a topic that many students approach with reluctance,
Dr. Trochim has designed his on-line learning tool to dispell their fears and
easily luers them into the complex topic. Through language that is easily
understood by the new student to research and the use of interactive modules,
Dr. Trochim engages the student in a real an interesting way.
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| Concerns: |
This is not a "self-taught" course in research methodology. The uses of this
excellent learning object should be a supplement to the traditional face to face
learning experience or through a quality designed on-line learning class.
It would be of help to the viewers if the author would put a disclamer on the
opening page that this should not replace the interaction that takes place
between student and teacher in a traditional or on-line learning experience.
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Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty |
| Rating: |
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| Strengths: |
The site is easy to navigate by both student and faculty. The site takes the
faculty and their students through a logical and well developed sequence of
learning modules culuminating in the writing of a research project.
The use of a "Table of Content" located on the left side of the home page assist
the users in the navigation. The content buttons again appear at the top of all
subsequent pages in each section of the module. Following the "Table of
Content" button on the left side of the page is a Navigation button. This takes
the user to a page designed by the author to assist the user in getting through
the site. It is user friendly and very helpful.
On the right side of the home page, the topic "What is the KB?", the author
outlines the requirements for use of the on-line version of the text.
It simply required that the user notify the publisher of the text being used,
giving the author credit, and not printing any portion of the on-line version.
At present the resources are all here and free to the user.
Very Easy to use.
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| Concerns: |
The author states that there is no claim to maintaining the site or posting
revisions to this site. All revisions of the content will be made to the
document on the publisher web site.
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| Other Issues and Comments: |
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