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Contact Information Dropbox

Availability: Item is hidden from students. It was last available on Jan 22, 2020 11:30 PM.
Attached Files:  ContactInfo.doc (23.5 KB)

Download the attached Word file and complete the associated information. Save the file on your
computer as a Word document (.doc or .docx) and then submit to this assignment as an attachment.

For information and assistance submitting an Assignment, go to the Start Here page listed in the
course menu at your left. Then click "About Course Technology" and read the module titled, "About
Assignments." DO NOT PASTE IN ASSIGNMENTS.

Due Date: Wednesday 1/22

Research Topic
Availability: Item is hidden from students. It was last available on Jan 27, 2020 11:30 PM.
Attached Files:  Variables in Research.doc (35 KB)
 Selection and Refinement of Research Topics.doc (29 KB)
 Preparation Guidelines Research Topic.docx (14.003 KB)

 Before attempting to devise a research topic, be sure to read the attached handouts:
"Selection/Refinement of Research Topic" and "Variables" so that you will be able to frame your
topic in the format of an independent and dependent variable. These handouts are attached. You may
have previously sent your ideas for a research topic via course email to the instructor--and received
feedback regarding revisions, if needed. If the topic was approved by your instructor at that
point, simply submit it for this assignment as is, or as revised.

Submit with the topic, the abstract and reference of a published, primary source, quantitative
research article related to your topic (not necessarily ON it--but related). What is a primary
resource document? Read about these distinctions in the course textbook, Chapter 5, pp. 58-59. Also
in that chapter you can learn about other sources for locating research documents, e.g., ERIC and
Goggle Scholar. Carefully read the abstract to get an idea about how the research  article was
designed and with what kinds of variables. In some cases, abstracts may be  generalized and you will
need to read some portions of the full article. You can initially search the Marshall University Library
article databases to locate potential articles. Most all databases work off of "key words" or "search"
terms.
The handout on Narrowing a Topic will also help to frame an outline for a topic. It can be accessed
via the Content tab in the left pane. Also, in Chapter Three of the textbook review the preliminary
considerations for selecting topics and the discussion of how to limit a topic and then how to refine
and to clarify its variables. Table 3.1 on page 32 provides some examples of narrowing broadly stated
topics. Then between pages 32-34, Mertler outlines an array of potential research topics related  to
various kinds of variables.It will also be helpful to become familiar with the terminology beginning on
pages 34-35 as these terms are basic to preparing a quantitative research topic. I emphasized
quantitative because EDF 621 focuses exclusively on quantitative research projects and proposals
and the related assignments.

The Guidelines for the  preparation and evaluation of the assignment are attached.

This and the next assignment are very important tasks because  the topic and its variables  are at the
heart of designing a project.Give these your careful attention and study.

Due Date: Monday 1/27

Refined Research Topic

Availability: Item is hidden from students. It was last available on Feb 3, 2020 11:30 PM.
Attached Files:  Refined Topic Preparation Guidelines.docx (13.702 KB)

Previously you submitted a research topic and have received feedback and are now ready to make
refinements or revisions toward a final topic. This is the final topic that will be the basis for the
preparation of the research proposal assignments.

The refined topic may be the same as the research topic previously submitted assuming that your
instructor approved that topic without any revisions.

Submit the revised topic and its related variables as a Word file attachment.

The refined topic should specifically indicate the independent and dependent variables and how these
relate. Example: "The effect on the achievement of reading comprehension skills (dependent
variable)  among 3rd graders given computer--based instruction compared to their peers given
conventional, literacy instruction" (independent variable: type of instruction and two factors or
attributes). The dependent variable, or the outcome, is "achievement of reading skills" and the
independent variable is the "method or type of  instruction"--and its two factors are computer-based
instruction and conventional instruction.  Also the Refined Topic should identify who are the subjects
or participants.Write the Refined topic as a single declarative sentence arranging its variables so it is
clear where the research  is going: "Effect of computer-based instruction and conventional literacy
instruction on reading achievement  scores of  third graders."

See the attached guidelines for preparation and evaluation.

Due Date: Monday 2/3

Statement of the Problem and Research Question

Availability: Item is hidden from students. It was last available on Feb 10, 2020 11:30 PM.
Attached Files:  Translating topic.htm (27.757 KB)
 Statement of the Problem Assignment.docx (19.208 KB)

The Statement of the Problem (SOP) is the term used to identify the "purpose" of your research. It
is a declarative statement (not a question) or sentence specifically describing what it is the research
problem that you are trying to determine. It is a major component of a research proposal and is very
much related to the content that you have written for the previous research topic assignments and the
related variables.
Its length can vary from a single sentence to several paragraphs or even pages. The latter would
normally occur in research studies with multiple independent and dependent variables. Usually, in
EDF 621, it consists of one or two sentences which essentially describe what the researcher
proposes  to do or to determine IN SPECIFIC TERMS. The SOP is accompanied by a related
research question which serves as a "speculation" about the outcome. 

Read the linked handouts which will help to frame your replies for the assignment. 

Due Date: Monday 2/10

Hypotheses
Availability: Item is hidden from students. It was last available on Feb 17, 2020 11:59 PM.
Attached Files:  Translating topic.htm (27.757 KB)

Hypotheses are predictions of research outcomes and are usually expressed in two forms: "null" and
"research" (or "alternative"). A null hypothesis predicts that there will be "no differences" in regard to
the relationship or the effects among the variables. A research hypothesis predicts what the researcher
expects to find as an outcome, e.g., something lesser or greater. Research hypotheses have two
variations: directional and non-directional. Read about these in the text in Chapter Three (pp. 36-
37).You will write null and research hypotheses for this assignment that specifically address the
outcome that is stated in your SOP. Read carefully what you have written in the SOP and in the RQ)
because it will need to be  measured as stated per the hypotheses. Tip: The terms in the SOP and
both hypotheses should be essentially the same, including the independent and dependent variables,
the subjects, and the actions of the variables. Additionally, you will identify  an operational definition
for the relevant terms in the hypotheses. See the handout on Operational Definitions at Content
Guidelines, which is accessed at the Content link on the homepage.
Prepare the assignment to include:

1. The "Statement of the Problem" previously submitted.

2. Write a null hypothesis that will test the terms and conditions related to the SOP.
3. Write the "inverse" of the Null or a Research hypothesis related to the terms in the SOP.
4. Hypotheses should include the following:  
a. relevant variables (independent and dependent);
b. the subjects or participants); and
c. the "actions" of these in regard to what is being predicted as an outcome. 
5. Identify an"operational definition" for the dependent variable in the HOs.  Check the
Content link about "operational definitions." Examples are also found in the Facsimile
proposal. 

Access the linked handout "Translating a Topic..." Use the example of the format given there for
describing and arranging hypotheses in a "blocked" format.  Point Value : 10

Due Date: Monday 2/17

Selecting Samples
Availability: Item is hidden from students. It was last available on Feb 24, 2020 11:30 PM.
Attached Files:  Selecting Samples Assignment.docx (13.499 KB)

Selecting a sample for a research study is a "tricky" process and involves some careful thinking about
who are the subjects, how they will be selected, arranged or grouped as well as the numbers needed
for the type of research. An important distinction is understanding the differences between samples
and populations.

For previous assignments, you have identified a research topic and its related variables, framed these
into a statement of the problem, or purpose, and have written related hypotheses. The latter two of
these assignments included who are the subjects of your proposal. For this assignment, you will
further describe and detail the subjects, or the "participants, and the process and procedures for their
selection."

Read carefully in the text about the distinction between random and nonrandom assignments and the
various ways these models can be applied. Also note the need for adequate sample sizes. An
important consideration for sampling is "feasibility".

READ THE ATTACHED FILE WITH THE GUIDELINES FOR PREPARING THE SAMPLES
ASSIGNMENT.

Due Date: Monday 2/24

Measurement Tools Assignment

Availability: Item is hidden from students. It was last available on Mar 2, 2020 11:30 PM.
Attached Files:  Reliablity of Measurement.docx (20.439 KB)
 Measurement Tool Assignment.docx (23.52 KB)

For previous assignments, you have identified a research topic and its related variables, framed it into
a statement of the problem, or purpose, have written related hypotheses, and described subject
selection. For this assignment, you will describe the measurement tool or technique that will be
used to measure the dependent variable as noted in the null hypotheses. All experimental research
investigations collect quantitative data from subjects, such as classroom test scores, standardized
test scores, frequencies, ratings, and rankings. These, collectively, are known as "dependent
variables." To collect these kinds of data, a "measurement tool" or technique is needed. Review the
information on the attached file for preparing the assignment. Access the attached handouts to
supplement completion.

Note: Keep in mind that we are not collecting data. We are just proposing how it needs to be done.

This assignment is to address the criteria on the handout linked for Measurement Tool Assignment
Evaluation Criteria.

Due Date: Monday 3/2

Review of Primary Quantitative Research Article

Availability: Item is hidden from students. It was last available on Mar 9, 2020 11:30 PM.
Attached Files:  Research Article Summary.docx (23.095 KB)

Soon, you will be preparing the Draft Proposal assignment, which consists of three chapters. Chapter
Two is a mini "Review of the Literature," which will include five written summaries of full-text
quantitative research articles that are related (not necessarily on) to your proposal topic. One of the
five summaries is written beforehand and is the focus of this assignment. You will locate a published,
full-text, research-based article from a primary, scholarly source that is related to the  research topic
and/or the statement of the problem of your proposal. (You may have previously selected an
appropriate research article when identifying an abstract related to the Research Topic
assignment).

The summary is a narrative but specifically describes the basic information and content of the article,
keyed to the specific criteria outlined in the attachment with the instructions for this assignment. Be
careful to select a QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH ARTICLE in which the author has investigated a
research problem by collecting and analyzing data for groups of subjects. If the article selected is not
appropriate, you will not have the right kind of information to complete the criteria for the assignment.
Also, be sure that it is a primary research article (where the author who is describing the contents of
the article actually did the research, rather than a secondary source where an  author is describing the
works of others. Read about the differences between primary and secondary research articles and
sources in Chapter 5. If you are unsure about the appropriateness of the article, send the actual title
and abstract.
Write a doubled-spaced summary, not to exceed one full page. See the attachment for details
regarding  the criteria for summarizing. Additional examples of summarized research articles can be
found in chapter two of the research proposal facsimile available at the  Content link on the menu in
the left pane of the homepage. Also, there are examples of good and poor summaries available at the
Content link. Point Value : 20   

Due Date: Monday 3/9

Draft Proposal Assignment

Availability: Item is hidden from students. It was last available on Mar 16, 2020 11:30 PM.
Attached Files:  Guidelines for Draft Proposal.docx (39.74 KB)
 Draft Proposal Scoring Rubric.docx (42.418 KB)

Submit your completed assignment (as a Word document file attachment) to this assignment.

Assignment Overview

This is a complete draft of the full proposal prepared  and organized in three chapters:

1. Chapter 1: Introduction
2. Chapter 2: Review of Literature 
3. Chapter 3: Methodology

Chapter 3 must be organized into 5 sections:

1. Design
2. Subjects
3. Instruments
4. Procedures 
5. Data Analysis

The primary resources for preparing the Draft proposal are the detailed criteria outlined in
the"Guidelines for Draft Proposal," which are attached. Review and study these in depth beforehand
to get a big picture of how these all come together. You have completed some of these criteria via
previous assignments: research topic, sop and related research question; hypotheses and operational
definitions; measurement tools and  research article summary. These can simply be arranged in with
the additional criteria in each case. Additionally, The Facsimile Proposal shows the overall
organization and development of the proposal. Access it at the Course Content link, and scroll to
Content Guidelines. 

The various handouts  referred to for this assignment can be found in the manner as referred to
above for the Facsimile Proposal.

It is a good idea to have the Draft Proposal Guidelines in front of you as each Chapter is prepared.
Also, when each chapter is completed, self-evaluate it using the Draft Proposal Scoring Rubric
(attached)

Chapter 1

Begin with an Introduction to the topic and its research issue, supported with background
information. This will include the assignments previously completed for the SOP, Hypotheses,
Independent and Dependent Variables, and Operational Definitions. The handout: "Differences in
Math Achievement..." illustrates an Introduction and its organization. Keep in mind that the
Introduction is a general discussion of the research issue, what its issue has been "historically," who
has been affected and how, and what are some of the remedies. This is followed by why you might 
think or believe that your intervention or variable would benefit. The Introduction is not about
the particular research setting for your proposal (e.g., school, county, grade  level). This is to
be written in your words--no quotations, listings, or citations of other sources.
It is a good idea to have Chapter One of the Draft Proposal Guidelines in front of you as you prepare
it.

Chapter 2

Chapter Two includes the research article assignment previously summarized and 4 additional
summaries. Two handouts at Content Guidelines show how and how not to summarize an article:
Example of an "ill-prepared" article summary and example of a "well-prepared" article summary.
Again, Chapter Two of the Draft Proposal Guidelines is a primary resource for preparing it. Follow the
sequence closely for summarizing the articles.

Chapter 3

Chapter 3 must be organized by the 5 subtopics listed above (under Assignment overview). You have
previously completed a portion of the chapter including the Samples assignment, the Measurement
assignment, a restatement of the null hypothesis; and independent and dependent variables for the
Design section.. The handout on Types of Research Models refers to the Design section. The
Reliability and Measurement Scale handouts refer to the Instruments section.

Additional Submission Details

Approach the completion of the Draft Proposal as a "near final draft." In doing so, it is quite likely that
the preparation of the Final Proposal will be much less extensive, depending on the instructor's
evaluation of the Draft and the revisions needed.

Submit your completed assignment (as a Word document) to this upload.

Due Date: Monday 3/16

Final Proposal Dropbox

Availability: Item is hidden from students. It was last available on Apr 20, 2020 11:30 PM.
Attached Files:  Final Proposal Guidelines.docx (13.297 KB)

The Final Proposal is organized in the same three-chapter format as was prepared for the Draft
Proposal but also includes the additional items noted on the attached file for Final Proposal.

Access the Guidelines for the Final Proposal to review the information needed for its completion.

IMPORTANT! Place all revisions made inside the three chapters for the FINAL proposal in boldface,
excluding the additional items noted on the Guidelines for Final Proposal. If you should choose not to
make revisions to the three chapters, then simply submit the THREE CHAPTERS AS IS, but  include
the additional information noted in the attached guidelines.

Submit your completed assignment (as a Word document) to this dropbox.

Due Date: Monday 4/20

IRB CITI Modules

Availability: Item is hidden from students. It was last available on May 1, 2020 12:00 PM.
Attached Files:  IRB Directions.doc (16.646 KB)

IRB CITI MODULES ASSIGNMENT: PROTECTION OF HUMAN RESEARCH PARTICIPANTS.

The IRB (Institutional Research Board) is a body of faculty and administrators at MU who have the
responsibility to ensure that research conducted under the MU umbrella does not violate the individual
rights of research participants, including ethical/legal issues of consent, privacy, deception,
confidentiality and protection from physical and psychological harm/duress. The Board has a number
of procedures in place to ensure these outcomes, one of which is an on-line training program(CITI) that
addresses and assesses one's understanding of the various human protection issues noted above.

Although you are only completing a research proposal at this point, this activity has been chosen
because it will provide (and verify) a competent understanding and application of the related
ethical/legal guidelines and requirements for the use of human subjects, particularly for minors or those
who may be incapable of understanding potential harm. Moreover, for those of you who have
subsequent, field-based research projects and theses requirements, IRB Training is a requirement.
Following successful completion, a certificate is provided which is valid for one year, after which only a
brief refresher program is required for renewal. Also, a Score Report is provided which shows the
percentages achieved on each of the required modules.

Assignment:

A. Read the related information about ethical and legal issues in research in Chapter 4 of the text.

B. Successfully complete the required content modules of the on-line program for Social and
Behavioral Sciences (IRB #2). (NOT THE MEDICAL MODULES.) Be careful to access the correct
training. At this writing there were 9 required modules. Two modules are optional. Also, be careful not
to do the "Refresher Course."

C. Scoring: At the completion of each module, a posttest is given with several multiple choice items.
The criterion for passing is 80%, overall, for the 9 modules for full assignment credit. Tip: It is helpful to
download the respective module content, study it, and then have it accessible as you complete the
post-assessment. Assignment Value: 50 points (with score report of overall 80 %). Scores averaging
less than 80% will be credited by the percentage score earned x 50. When completed, download and
save the Score Report. (It will list the modules completed and the evaluative percentages). Upload the
Score Report to the assignment.

This assignment can be submitted anytime during the semester, but must be completed by Friday, May
1st at NOON. If you have previously completed this training and own a valid score report, provide me
a copy of the full report, which shows the specific content modules completed and the respective
percentage scores. If you completed a Refresher" course, you will still need to submit the original full
module report.

See the handouts attached with Directions for accessing the program for this assignment.

Due Date: Friday 5/1 at NOON