Research and Teaching Key Terms

Action Research:  Action research refers to research conducted by teachers in the field. NCTE encourages  teachers to be reflective practitioners who conduct research in their classrooms in an  effort to constantly improve their instruction.

"Gold Standard" of assessment: The press, policymakers, and educators sometimes refer to scientifically-based research as the "gold standard" of  assessment, referring to the seemingly indisputable nature of randomized experimental  studies.

Mixed Research Methods:  A research study that employs mixed methodology combines qualitative and quantitative research methods.

Qualitative Research Methods:  This research method focuses on descriptive data, gathering observations and open-ended data.  Laitsch (2003) describes qualitative research as inclusive, because it focuses on the larger context of the event being studied, and inductive, because qualitative researchers look for pattersn seen during repeated observations.  For a more detailed discussion of research method definitions and the policy implications of those definitions, read this ASCD Infobrief by Laitsch.

Quantitative Research Methods: This research method is more number-focused, gathering quantifiable data and analyzing it statistically.  Laitsch (2003) describes quantitative research methods as exclusive, because it focuses on specific variables and not the larger context of an event being studied, and deductive, because the researcher using quantitative methods deduces relationships between variables.  For a more detailed discussion of research method definitions and the policy implications of those definitions, read this ASCD Infobrief by Laitsch.

Scientifically-Based Research: Scientifically-based research, often called SBR or SBRR (for scientifically-based reading  research), refers to research that conforms to scientific standards.  Scientific research,  using strategies like randomized experimentation, control groups, and double-blind trials  can be useful tools for assessing some kinds of educational initiatives.  However, scientific research is limited in its capacity to capture the full story of a child's  education.