EDU 50301 - Introduction To Educational Research

This course introduces graduate students to foundational concepts and methodologies in educational research, preparing them to be informed consumers and novice researchers. Students will explore the processes involved in conducting educational research, including developing research questions, reviewing literature, and designing research proposals. Emphasis will be placed on understanding various research methodologies-qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods, and action research-and evaluating the ethical considerations inherent in conducting research with human participants in an educational setting.

Cr. 3.
Student Learning Outcomes
1.  Analyze educational research studies critically to assess the validity and reliability of findings, methodologies, and interpretations within a variety of research traditions.
2.  Formulate clear, researchable questions and related hypotheses relevant to educational contexts, demonstrating an understanding of how research can inform practice and policy in P-12 and higher education settings.
3.  Conduct a comprehensive literature review using academic databases to identify and synthesize key research studies and theoretical frameworks that support a chosen research topic.
4.  Compare and contrast qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods, and action research designs, evaluating the strengths, limitations, and appropriate applications of each in investigating educational phenomena.
5.  Apply ethical research practices by recognizing potential ethical dilemmas, adhering to guidelines for conducting research with human participants, and ensuring the protection of vulnerable populations.
6.  Develop a well-structured research proposal that integrates the core components of research design, including research questions, literature review, methodology, and ethical considerations.
7.  Interpret and communicate research findings in a manner that is accessible to diverse educational stakeholders, demonstrating the ability to translate research into actionable insights for educational practice.