Major Research Paradigms

Research Design

Research Paradigms and Designs

There are three major research paradigms and various designs that fall within each paradigm. The three major research paradigms are: quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods.

First let’s look at the quantitative paradigms many components. When explaining the quantitative paradigm it is important to note that data is numerical, objective, and follows the framework of scientific realism (Lodico, et al., 2006). “Scientific realist further assume that the social and psychological world can be studied in the same way as the natural world by breaking complex phenomena and problems into small parts (constructs and variables)” (Lodico, et al., 2006). Quantitative research deals with cause-and-effect

Single-subject design is a form of experimental research that does not involve random assignment (Lodico, et al., 2006). Under the single-subject experimental design the researcher can assemble a small selection of participants, who will be both the control and treatment group (Lodico, et al., 2006). The research question stated previously can be conducted as a single-subject experimental design. The kindergarteners of one classroom, who receive typical sight word instruction for months, will have a collection of the formerly recorded data. This compilation of data will be reviewed to determine whether or not the students have successfully reached the sight word benchmark. The kindergarten students below standard will act as both the control and treatment group and the initial data gathered on those students will represent the baseline periods (Lodico, et al., 2006). Then the small group of participants, will go through intervention of the treatment (multi-sensory learning techniques), while measures of data collection for the treatment period continue. After that, remove the treatment and reassess baseline results another time. This particular method of collecting data is called the A-B-A design (Lodico, et al., 2006). In this case, data collection includes: observations, pre- and post-testing, observational checklists, and

The action research design lands in the mixed-methods category and is used for educational research purposes. Action research creates an opportunity for educators to look at current practices and make the necessary adjustments promptly in their specific teaching environments (Lodico, et al., 2006). The basic steps of action research entail: selecting a problem or topic to improve upon, collect and analyze data, devise a action plan, implement action plan, reassess after implementation, evaluate the totality of data, and make conclusions (Lodico, et al., 2006). Using the previously mentioned research question, a researcher can create a small intervention group of kindergarteners who have shown through pre-testing that they have difficulty retaining sight words. The intervention teacher will use multi-sensory learning activities involving the sight word list to increase retention rates. Data collection methods are pre and post testing, observation of reading, and student