exploratory research
TRANSCRIPT
EXPLORATORY RESEARCHANDREE C. SWANSON, EDD, MHR, MAOMFORBES SCHOOL OF BUSINESS, ASHFORD UNIVERSITY
MANDATED RESEARCH REQUIREMENTS = FEAR
WHY RESEARCH?
“… research-based scholarly activity helps the individual faculty member to become a better teacher.”
(Richard & Parker, 1992, p. 79)
“… leads to new and useful theories…”
(Armstrong)
THEORY-BASED RESEARCHBOYER AND DEWEY
BOYER’S MODEL OF SCHOLARSHIP
BOYER’S MODEL OF SCHOLARSHIP
BOYER’S MODEL OF SCHOLARSHIP
BOYER’S MODEL OF SCHOLARSHIP
BOYER’S MODEL OF SCHOLARSHIP
BOYER’S MODEL OF SCHOLARSHIP
JOHN DEWEY THEORY OF EVIDENCE-BASED LEARNING
DEWEY DEFINING INQUIRY
“truth is inseparable from action and knowledge”
1. Indeterminate situation or an area of felt difficulty
2.Recognize and state the problem
3.Determine a reasonable and plausible solution
4.Action… test the hypothesis
WHY CONDUCT EXPLORATORY RESEARCH?
RESEARCH AND TEACHING
Necessary ingredient in effective teaching
Improves the practice of a particular discipline
Perpetuates the disciplineAll faculty should teach
and transmit knowledge(Richard & Parker, 1992, p. 79)
HIGHLIGHTS OF EXPLORATORY RESEARCH
Initial research conducted to clarify and define the nature of a problem
Does not provide conclusive evidence
Subsequent research expected
May not be as rigorousSample sizes may be
smallResults may lead to
your next study
FOUR METHODS TO IMPLEMENT EXPLORATORY RESEARCH
Focus groupsSecondary research (a
literature review… find the gaps)
Expert / experience survey
Open-ended questions
EXPERIENCE SURVEYS (EXPERT INTERVIEWS)
Select a topic for a research problem
Ask knowledgeable individuals
Conduct interviewsConduct surveys
SurveymonkeyQualtrics
PILOT STUDY
Any small scale exploratory study that uses sampling
Does not apply rigorous standards
Not necessary to use…Validated survey toolsMay generate a survey
tool or theory from the research results
CASE STUDY METHOD
Intensely investigates one or a few situations similar to the problem
Investigate in depthCareful study
May require…CooperationPermission
FOCUS GROUP INTERVIEWS
UnstructuredFree flowingGroup interviewStart with broad topic
and focus in on specific issues
GROUP COMPOSITION
6 to 10 peopleRelatively
homogeneousSimilar lifestyles and
experiences
IRB APPROVAL Don’t forget to run ALL research through your Institution’s Review Board.
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH VERSUS QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH DESIGN
QUALITATIVE VERSUS QUANTITATIVE
ROLE PLAY
Let’s consider some topics for potential research
BIOGRAPHYDR. ANDREE SWANSONFORBES SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AT ASHFORD UNIVERSITY
Assistant Professor and Chair of the Bachelors of Arts in Business Leadership, Forbes College of Business at Ashford University
Ed.D. Educational Leadership, University of Phoenix
MA, Organizational Management, University of Phoenix
MHR, Human Relations, University of Oklahoma
BS, Business Management and Administration, University of Maryland (European Division)
Worked as a Dean of General Education, National Training Manager, and the US government (DoD, USAF, & USA), corporations, and higher education.
DR. ANDREE SWANSON© 2014, Dr. Andree Swanson