Data+Collection+Techniques


 * Data Collection Techniques**

Education research is normally classified as either //**Quantitative or Qualitative Research**//. Quantitative research is the collection and analysis of numerical data to describe, explain, predict or control phenomena of interest. Quantitative Research is very similar to the scientific method approach to research. When quantitative research is being conducted, researchers state the hypotheses to be examined and specify the research procedures that will be used to carry out the study. They also maintain a control over contextual factors that may interfere with the data collection and identify a sample of participants large enough to provide statistically meaningful data. There is little to know interaction with the subjects in Quantitative Research as the research is conducted through data analysis, not any interpersonal actions (ie. subject interviews.)
 * **Research Questions** || DS1 || DS2 || DS3 ||
 * 1. What is the average number of disciplinary-incident referrals on a weekly basis? || Guidance/Administration || Child Study Team || Teachers ||
 * 2. Are there preconceived perceptions of conflict resolution through a peer mediation program? || Pre and Post Student Survey || Pre and Post Teacher Survey || Pre and Post Parent Survey ||
 * 3. What are conflict resolution techniques used at home? || Student survey || Parent survey ||  ||
 * 4. Is there an impression of the school campus being unsafe? || Studenty survey || Parent survey || Teacher survey ||
 * Triangulation Matrix**

In contrast, qualitative research uses narrative, descriptive approaches to data collection to understand the way things are and what the research means from the perspectives of the participants in the study. Qualitative research is more common in the Social Sciences environment. Qualitative approaches include in-person interviews with subjects, environment observations, and video and audio recordings of subjects.


 * Sample Pre/Post Survey Questions:**
 * How many referals do you send per week? (teacher pre-survey)
 * Are you nervous to walk through the hallways between classes or during recess? (student pre-survey)
 * Do you worry about your child's safety during the school day? (parent pre-survey)
 * Have you noticed fewer conflicts during lunch /recess since the program started? (teacher post-survey)
 * Do you think having peer mediators have made a difference in the school? (student post-survey)
 * What were the good things about being a mediator? (student post-survey)
 * Have you been able to apply the skills you learned in peer mediation to conflicts at home? (student post-survey)

Sample student, parent and teacher surveys

Conflict Resolution Peer Mediation Survey []


 * Review:**
 * **Qualitative Research:** Qualitative research uses observations, narrative, descriptive approaches to data collection.

> This research method is used:
 * **Quantitative Research:** Quantitative research is a formal, objective, systematic process in which numerical data are used to obtain information about the world.
 * to describe variables;
 * to examine relationships among variables;
 * to determine cause-and-effect interactions between variables.' (Burns & Grove 2005:23)