Data+Collection


 * Data Collection Techniques **

** Data Sources ** **Qualitative research** is a method of inquiry employed in many different academic disciplines, Qualitative research aim to gather an in-depth understanding of human behavior and the reasons that govern such behavior. This research investigates the why and how of decision making not just what, where, when. Qualitative research provides detailed narrative descriptions and explanations of phenomena investigated with lesser emphasis given to numerical quantifications. In other words qualitative research involves the analysis and interpretation of observational data. Methods used to collect qualitative data include practices such as observation and interview.
 * ** Research **
 * Questions ** || **Data Source**
 * 1** || **Data Source**
 * 2** || **Data Source**
 * 3** ||
 * 1. Student scores in Social Studies and History? || Pre- test || Posttest ||  ||
 * 2. P reexisting knowledge? || Teacher Survey || Teacher Interview || Questionnaire ||
 * 3. How w ould you rate your interest in role playing in your classroom? || Pre and Post Teacher Survey || Pre and Post Student Survey || Teacher Interview ||
 * 4. What would prevent role playing from being an effective learning tool? What problems do you anticipate? || Administra-tion || Teacher survey || Student Survey ||


 * Our Qualitative Data Sources:**


 * Daily observations and analysis
 * Interview students & teachers
 * Photos, video and audio recordings
 * Portfolios or less formal examples of students work
 * Reflections
 * Record keeping
 * Field notes
 * Informal interviews
 * Structured formal interviews
 * Participant observations (active participant)
 * Privileged active observer
 * Passive observer

Methods used to collect quantitative data include practices such as questionnaire and experiments. One of the main benefits of quantitative research compared with qualitative research is that it is more precise and easy to analyze. Qualitative research requires more subjective evaluation. Quantitative data also tend to offer a more efficient picture of the results; they are also usually more objective as researchers are not able to manipulate the numbers or scores when the studies are conducted accurately and without bias. With qualitative studies, researchers break down opinions and thoughts and may have bias. Quantitative research is also more efficient to carry out when dealing with a larger sample size.
 * Quantitative research ** is a quantifiable research approach in which raw data are collected and turned into usable information by mathematical manipulation that leads to forward-looking predictions. Statistical comparisons and percentages are common numerical metrics used in quantitative research. All data are collected in numerical or statistical format. Relative to qualitative data, quantitative data are more often recommended during latter phases of a research project or process, according to psychologist and researcher James Neill.


 * Our Quantitative Data Sources: **


 * Pre & post test scores
 * Pre & post writing samples
 * Survey students & teachers
 * Questionnaires

Difference between Qualitative and Quantitative Research Qualitative research is distinct from quantitative research in four key ways. First, qualitative researchers select their subject matters in a directed fashion, while quantitative researchers may simply look at masses of data. Second, qualitative researchers accept a more dominant role in the proposal, acceptance and discussion of the research, as the nature of the research necessitates a degree of subjectivity. Third, qualitative research focuses on communicative modes of interaction between subjects, while quantitative research tends to focus on physical modes of interaction. Finally, qualitative research most often emphasizes hypotheses, debate and discussion, as opposed to quantitative research, which emphasizes finality and conclusions


 * Survey/focus group questions **


 * Is role playing an effective teaching method?
 * Does role playing make learning more meaningful to students?
 * What preexisting knowledge do you (teacher) have about role playing?
 * What preexisting knowledge do you (student) have about role playing?
 * How does role playing enhance students understanding of the topics they are role playing/acting out?
 * Will students take role playing seriously?
 * What are some obstacles to role playing in the classroom?
 * Do teachers believe in the effectiveness of role playing as a teaching strategy?
 * Will role playing increase engagement of all students?
 * Will role playing have the most significant impact on the results of kinesthetic learners?
 * Have you ever participated in role play before? If so, in what way and how was that experience?
 * What does role playing mean to you and why?
 * What does role playing feel like to you and why?
 * What do you feel that you bring to role playing?
 * What do you like about role playing?
 * What don't you like about role playing?
 * What do you feel that you get out of role play?
 * Have you ever learned something after playing a role?

1) What is role-playing? 2) Do you enjoy role-playing? 3) Have you role-played in any of your classes before? If yes, which classes?
 * Questionnaire **

Rate the following statements using the scale below: 1 – Strongly Disagree 2 – Disagree 3 – Neutral 4 – Agree 5 – Strongly Agree
 * STUDENT SURVEY **

1) I enjoy role-playing projects. 2) If given a choice, I would prefer to do projects that include a role-playing activity. 3) Role-playing helps me remember information more than traditional methods. 4) I enjoy working with others during role-playing projects. 5) I prefer hands-on activities compared to lecture note learning.

1) What did you think about the project? 2) What did you learn by doing the project? 3) What do you think of role-playing? Why? 4) Have you ever done role-playing before? How was it different? 5) Do you believe role-playing makes your learning more meaningful? Why or why not? 6) Do you believe role-playing was helpful in understanding the topic better? Why or why not? 7) Would you enjoy similar projects in the future? Why or why not? 8) What types of teaching methods do your teachers use? 9) What type of teaching method is your favorite? Why?
 * INTERVIEW QUESTIONS**