Chapter 1

Introduction to Educational Research

The purpose of Chapter One is to provide an overview of educational research and
introduce you to some important terms and concepts. My discussion in this set of lectures
will usually center around the same headings that are used in the book chapters. You
might want to have your book open as you read through my lectures. My goal is to help
you to better understand the material in the book.
Why Study Educational Research?
Here are a few reasons to take this course and learn about educational research:
To become "research literate."
Because we live in a society that's driven by research.
To improve your critical thinking skills.
To learn how to read and critically evaluate published research.
To learn how to design and conduct research in case the need arises one day.
Areas of Educational Research
There are many areas in educational research. As you can see in Table 1.1 (reproduced
here for your convenience), there are 10 major divisions in our largest Association and
there are many special interest groups (SIGs). Do you see any areas that are of interest to
you?
To learn more about the areas of educational research and current issues, we recommend
that you explore the AERA website at http://aera.net . By the way, The AERA has great
student membership rates.
Examples of Educational Research
Many examples of educational research are discussed throughout your textbook. To get
you started, we have reproduced the abstracts from four journal articles in this section of
the book.
An excellent way to see examples of recent educational research articles is to browse
through educational journals. One excellent journal to get you started is entitled the
"Journal of Educational Psychology."
General Kinds of Research
In this section we discuss five general kinds of research: basic research, applied research,
evaluation research, action research, and orientational research.
Basic and Applied Research
Basic research is research aimed at generating fundamental knowledge and theoretical
understanding about basic human and other natural processes. Applied research is
focused on answering practical questions to provide relatively immediate solutions.
Basic and applied research can be viewed as two endpoints on a research continuum, with
the center representing the idea that research can be applied research can contribute to

basic research and vice versa. Here is the continuum:

Basic............................Mixed.............................Applied
Research examining the process of cognitive "priming" is an example of relatively basic
research; a comparison of the effectiveness of two approaches to counseling is an
example of relatively applied research.
Basic and applied research are generally conducted by researchers at universities.
Evaluation Research
Evaluation involves determining the worth, merit, or quality of an evaluation object.
Evaluation is traditionally classified according to its purpose:
Formative evaluation is used for the purpose of program improvement.
Summative evaluation is used for the purpose of making summary judgments
about a program and decisions to continue of discontinue the program.
A newer and currently popular way to classify evaluation is to divide it into five types:
Needs assessment, which ask this question: Is there a need for this type of
program?
Theory assessment, which asks this question: Is this program conceptualized in a
way that it should work?
Implementation assessment, which asks: Was this program implemented properly
and according to the program plan?
Impact assessment, which asks: Did this program have an impact on its intended
targets?
Efficiency assessment, which asks: Is this program cost effective? Evaluation is generally
done by program evaluators and is focused on specific programs
or products.
Action Research
Action research focuses on solving practitioners local problems. It is generally
conducted by the practitioners after they have learned about the methods of research and
research concepts that are discussed in your textbook. It is important to understand that
action research is also a state of mind; for example, teachers who are action researchers
are constantly observing their students for patterns and thinking about ways to improve
instruction, classroom management, and so forth. We hope you get this state of mind as
you read our textbook!
Orientational Research
Orientational research is done for the purpose of advancing an ideological position. It is
traditionally called critical theory. We use the broader term orientational research because
critical theory was originally concerned only with class inequalities and was based on the
Karl Marxs theory of economics, society, and revolution.
Orientational research is focused on some form of inequality, discrimination, or
stratification in society. Some areas in which inequality manifests itself are large

differences in income, wealth, access to high quality education, power, and occupation.
Here are some major areas of interest to orientational researchers:
Class stratification (i.e., inequality resulting from ones economic class in
society).
Gender stratification (i.e., inequality resulting from ones gender).
Ethnic and racial stratification (i.e., inequality resulting from ones ethnic or
racial grouping).
Sexual orientation stratification (i.e., inequality and discrimination based on
ones sexual preferences)
Many orientational researchers work for universities or interest group organizations.
Sources of Knowledge
In this section we discuss how people learn about the world around them and gain
knowledge. The major ways we learn can be classified into experience, expert opinion,
and reasoning.
Experience
The idea here is that knowledge comes from experience. Historically, this view was
called empiricism (i.e., original knowledge comes from experience).
The term empirical means "based on observation, experiment, or experience."
Expert Opinion
Because we dont want to and dont have time to conduct research on everything, people
frequently rely on expert opinion as they learn about the world. Note, however, that if
you rely on an experts opinion it is important to make sure that the expert is an expert in
the specific area under discussion and you should check to see if the expert has a vested
interest in the issue.
Reasoning.
Historically, this idea was called rationalism (i.e., original knowledge comes from
thought and reasoning).
There are two main forms of reasoning:
Deductive reasoning (i.e., the process of drawing a specific conclusion from a set
of premises). Deductive reasoning is the classical approach used by the great
rationalists in the history of western civilization. Note that, in formal logic and
mathematics, a conclusion from deductive reasoning will necessarily be true if the
argument form is valid and if the premises are true.
Inductive reasoning (i.e., reasoning from the particular to the general). The
conclusion from inductive reasoning is probabilistic (i.e., you make a statement
about what will probably happen). The so called problem of induction is that
the future might not resemble the present.
The Scientific Approach to Knowledge Generation

Science is also an approach for the generation of knowledge. It relies on a mixture of

empiricism (i.e., the collection of data) and rationalism (i.e., the use of reasoning and
theory construction and testing).
Dynamics of science.
Science has many distinguishing characteristics:
Science is progressive. In other words, "We stand on the shoulders of giants"
(Newton).
Science is rational.
Science is creative.
Science is dynamic.
Science is open.
Science is "Critical."
Science is never-ending.
Basic Assumptions of Science
In order to do science, we usually make several assumptions. Here they are as
summarized in Table 1.3.
Scientific Methods
There are many scientific methods. The two major methods are the inductive method and
the deductive method.
The deductive method involves the following three steps:
1. State the hypothesis (based on theory or research literature).
2. Collect data to test the hypothesis.
3. Make decision to accept or reject the hypothesis.
The inductive method. This approach also involves three steps:
1. Observe the world.
2. Search for a pattern in what is observed.
3. Make a generalization about what is occurring.
Virtually any application of science includes the use of both the deductive and the
inductive approaches to the scientific method either in a single study or over time. This
idea is demonstrated in Figure 1.1. The inductive method is as bottom up method that
is especially useful for generating theories and hypotheses; the deductive method is a
top down method that is especially useful for testing theories and hypotheses.
Theory
The word "theory" most simply means "explanation." Theories explain "How" and
"Why" something operates as it does. Some theories are highly developed and encompass
a large terrain (i.e., "big" theories or "grand" theories); others theories are "smaller"
theories or briefer explanations.

We have summarized the key criteria to use in evaluating a theory in Table 1.4 and
reproduced it hear for your convenience.
The Principle of Evidence
According to the principle of evidence, what is gained in empirical research is evidence,
NOT proof. This means that knowledge based on educational research is ultimately
tentative. Therefore, please eliminate the word "proof" from your vocabulary when you
talk about research results. Empirical research provides evidence; it does not provide
proof. Also note that, evidence increases when a finding has been replicated. Hence, you
should take NOT draw firm conclusions from a single research study.
Objectives of Educational Research
There are five major objectives of educational research.
1. Exploration. This is done when you are trying to generate ideas about something.
2. Description. This is done when you want to describe the characteristics of
something or some phenomenon.
3. Explanation. This is done when you want to show how and why a phenomenon
operates as it does. If you are interested in causality, you are usually interested in
explanation.
4. Prediction. This is your objective when your primary interest is in making
accurate predictions. Note that the advanced sciences make much more accurate
predictions than the newer social and behavioral sciences.
5. Influence. This objective is a little different. It involves the application of research
results to impact the world. A demonstration program is an example of this.
One convenient and useful way to classify research is into exploratory research,
descriptive research, explanatory research, predictive research, and demonstration
research.

Captulo 1
Introduction to Educational Research Introduccin a la Investigacin Educativa
The purpose of Chapter One is to provide an overview of educational research and El
propsito del Captulo Uno es proporcionar una visin general de la investigacin educativa
y
introduce you to some important terms and concepts. presentarle a algunos trminos y
conceptos importantes. My discussion in this set of lectures Mi discusin en esta serie de
conferencias
will usually center around the same headings that are used in the book chapters. por lo
general giran en torno a las mismas partidas que se utilizan en los captulos del libro. You
Usted
might want to have your book open as you read through my lectures. puede ser que desee
tener su libro abierto mientras usted lee a travs de mis conferencias. My goal is to help Mi
objetivo es ayudar a
you to better understand the material in the book. a entender mejor el material en el libro.
Why Study Educational Research? Por qu estudiar Investigacin Educativa?
Here are a few reasons to take this course and learn about educational research: Aqu estn
algunas de las razones para tomar este curso y aprender de investigacin educativa sobre:
To become "research literate." Para llegar a ser "la investigacin leer y escribir."
Because we live in a society that's driven by research. Debido a que vivimos en una
sociedad que es impulsada por la investigacin.
To improve your critical thinking skills. Para mejorar sus habilidades de pensamiento
crtico.
To learn how to read and critically evaluate published research. Para aprender a leer y
evaluar crticamente la investigacin publicada.
To learn how to design and conduct research in case the need arises one day. Para
aprender a disear y realizar investigaciones en caso de necesidad un da.
Areas of Educational Research reas de Investigacin Educativa
There are many areas in educational research. Hay muchas reas en la investigacin
educativa. As you can see in Table 1.1 (reproduced Como se puede ver en la Tabla 1.1 (que
se reproduce

here for your convenience), there are 10 major divisions in our largest Association and aqu
para su conveniencia), hay 10 grandes divisiones en el ms grande de nuestra Asociacin y
there are many special interest groups (SIGs). hay muchos grupos de intereses especiales
(SIGs). Do you see any areas that are of interest to Ves todas las reas que son de inters
para
you? que?
To learn more about the areas of educational research and current issues, we recommend
Para obtener ms informacin acerca de las reas de la investigacin educativa y temas de
actualidad, se recomienda
that you explore the AERA website at http://aera.net . que explore el sitio web de AERA en
http://aera.net. By the way, The AERA has great Por cierto, la AERA tiene un gran
student membership rates. miembros las tasas de los estudiantes.
Examples of Educational Research Ejemplos de Investigacin Educativa
Many examples of educational research are discussed throughout your textbook. Hay
muchos ejemplos de la investigacin educativa se discuten a travs de su libro de texto. To
get Para obtener
you started, we have reproduced the abstracts from four journal articles in this section of
the book. empezar, hemos reproducido los resmenes de cuatro artculos de revistas en esta
seccin del libro.
An excellent way to see examples of recent educational research articles is to browse Una
excelente manera de ver ejemplos de los ltimos artculos de investigacin educativa es
buscar
through educational journals. a travs de revistas educativas. One excellent journal to get
you started is entitled the Un blog que ha sido excelente para empezar tiene derecho el
"Journal of Educational Psychology." "Revista de Psicologa de la Educacin."
General Kinds of Research General Tipos de Investigacin
In this section we discuss five general kinds of research: basic research, applied research,
En esta seccin se discuten cinco tipos generales de investigacin: investigacin bsica,
investigacin aplicada,
evaluation research, action research, and orientational research. evaluacin de la
investigacin, la investigacin-accin, y la investigacin de orientacin.

Basic and Applied Research Investigacin Bsica y Aplicada

Basic research is research aimed at generating fundamental knowledge and theoretical La
investigacin bsica es la investigacin dirigida a la generacin de conocimientos
fundamentales y tericos
understanding about basic human and other natural processes. comprensin bsica de otros
procesos naturales y humanos. Applied research is La investigacin aplicada es
focused on answering practical questions to provide relatively immediate solutions. se
centr en responder a las cuestiones prcticas inmediatas para proporcionar soluciones
relativamente.
Basic and applied research can be viewed as two endpoints on a research continuum, with
La investigacin bsica y aplicada puede considerarse como dos extremos de un continuo
de investigacin, con
the center representing the idea that research can be applied research can contribute to el
centro que representa la idea de que la investigacin se puede aplicar la investigacin puede
contribuir a
basic research and vice versa. investigacin bsica y viceversa. Here is the continuum: Esta
es la continuidad:
Basic............................Mixed.............................Applied Bsicos ............................
Mixta .................... ......... Aplicada
Research examining the process of cognitive "priming" is an example of relatively basic
Investigacin que examina el proceso de cognitivos "cebado" es un ejemplo de
relativamente bsico
research; a comparison of the effectiveness of two approaches to counseling is an la
investigacin, una comparacin de la eficacia de dos enfoques para el asesoramiento es una
example of relatively applied research. ejemplo de investigacin aplicada relativamente.
Basic and applied research are generally conducted by researchers at universities.
Investigacin bsica y aplicada son generalmente realizados por investigadores de las
universidades.
Evaluation Research Evaluacin de la Investigacin
Evaluation involves determining the worth, merit, or quality of an evaluation object. La
evaluacin consiste en determinar el valor, el mrito o la calidad de un objeto de
evaluacin.

Evaluation is traditionally classified according to its purpose: La evaluacin es

tradicionalmente clasificadas segn su finalidad:
Formative evaluation is used for the purpose of program improvement. La evaluacin
formativa se utiliza con el fin de mejorar el programa.
Summative evaluation is used for the purpose of making summary judgments La
evaluacin sumativa se utiliza para el propsito de hacer juicios sumarios
about a program and decisions to continue of discontinue the program. sobre un programa y
la decisin de continuar de suspender el programa.
A newer and currently popular way to classify evaluation is to divide it into five types: Una
manera popular y en la actualidad ms reciente para clasificar la evaluacin es que se
dividen en cinco tipos:
Needs assessment, which ask this question: Is there a need for this type of Evaluacin de
las necesidades, lo que hace esta pregunta: Es necesario para este tipo de
program? programa?
Theory assessment, which asks this question: Is this program conceptualized in a Teora
de la evaluacin, lo que hace esta pregunta: Es este programa conceptualizado en una
way that it should work? forma en que debera funcionar?
Implementation assessment, which asks: Was this program implemented properly
evaluacin de la aplicacin, que se pregunta: Fue correcta aplicacin de este programa
and according to the program plan? y de acuerdo con el plan del programa?
Impact assessment, which asks: Did this program have an impact on its intended
Evaluacin de impacto, que se pregunta: Este programa tiene un impacto sobre su
intencin
targets? objetivos?
Efficiency assessment, which asks: Is this program cost effective? Evaluacin de la
eficiencia, que se pregunta: Es este costo eficaz de los programas? Evaluation is generally
done by program evaluators and is focused on specific programs La evaluacin es
generalmente realizado por los evaluadores del programa y se centra en programas
especficos
or products. o productos.
Action Research Investigacin-Accin

Action research focuses on solving practitioner's local problems. La investigacin-accin se

centra en la solucin de los problemas locales de practicante. It is generally Por lo general,
conducted by the practitioners after they have learned about the methods of research and
llevada a cabo por los profesionales despus de que han aprendido sobre los mtodos de
investigacin y
research concepts that are discussed in your textbook. conceptos de investigacin que se
tratan en el libro de texto. It is important to understand that Es importante entender que
action research is also a state of mind; for example, teachers who are action researchers
investigacin-accin es tambin un estado de nimo, por ejemplo, los profesores que son
investigadores de accin
are constantly observing their students for patterns and thinking about ways to improve
estn constantemente observando a sus estudiantes para los patrones y pensando en
maneras de mejorar
instruction, classroom management, and so forth. instruccin, la gestin del aula, y as
sucesivamente. We hope you get this state of mind as Esperamos que obtener este "estado
de nimo", como
you read our textbook! leer nuestro libro de texto!
Orientational Research De orientacin de investigacin
Orientational research is done for the purpose of advancing an ideological position. la
investigacin de orientacin se realiza con el propsito de avanzar en una posicin
ideolgica. It is Es
traditionally called critical theory. tradicionalmente se llama la teora crtica. We use the
broader term orientational research because Utilizamos la ms amplia investigacin a largo
plazo de orientacin, porque
critical theory was originally concerned only with class inequalities and was based on the la
teora crtica se refera originalmente slo a las desigualdades de clase y se bas en la
Karl Marx's theory of economics, society, and revolution. La teora de Marx Karl de la
economa, la sociedad, y la revolucin.
Orientational research is focused on some form of inequality, discrimination, or la
investigacin de orientacin se centra en algn tipo de desigualdad, discriminacin o
stratification in society. estratificacin de la sociedad. Some areas in which inequality
manifests itself are large Algunas reas en las que la desigualdad se manifiesta son grandes

differences in income, wealth, access to high quality education, power, and occupation.
diferencias en el ingreso, la riqueza, el acceso a educacin de alta calidad, el poder y la
ocupacin.
Here are some major areas of interest to orientational researchers: stos son algunos de las
principales reas de inters para los investigadores de orientacin:
Class stratification (ie, inequality resulting from one's economic class in la
estratificacin de clase (es decir, la desigualdad resultante de la propia clase econmica
society). la sociedad).
Gender stratification (ie, inequality resulting from one's gender). la estratificacin de
gnero (es decir, la desigualdad resultante de su gnero).
Ethnic and racial stratification (ie, inequality resulting from one's ethnic or Origen tnico
y la estratificacin racial (es decir, la desigualdad resultante de la propia etnia o
racial grouping). grupo racial).
Sexual orientation stratification (ie, inequality and discrimination based on la
orientacin sexual de estratificacin (es decir, la desigualdad y la discriminacin basada en
one's sexual preferences) una de sus preferencias sexuales)
Many orientational researchers work for universities or interest group organizations.
Muchos investigadores de orientacin de trabajo para las universidades o grupo
organizaciones de inters.
Sources of Knowledge Fuentes del Conocimiento
In this section we discuss how people learn about the world around them and gain En esta
seccin se discute cmo la gente aprende sobre el mundo alrededor de ellos y ganar
knowledge. del conocimiento. The major ways we learn can be classified into experience,
expert opinion, Las principales formas que aprendemos se puede clasificar en la
experiencia, opiniones de expertos,
and reasoning. y el razonamiento.
Experience Experiencia
The idea here is that knowledge comes from experience. La idea aqu es que el
conocimiento proviene de la experiencia. Historically, this view was Histricamente, esta
visin se

called empiricism (ie, original knowledge comes from experience). empirismo llamada (es
decir, el conocimiento original proviene de la experiencia).
The term empirical means "based on observation, experiment, or experience." El trmino
significa emprica ", basada en la observacin, experimentacin, o la experiencia."
Expert Opinion Opinin del Experto
Because we don't want to and don't have time to conduct research on everything, people
Debido a que no quieres y no tienes tiempo para llevar a cabo investigaciones sobre todo, la
gente
frequently rely on expert opinion as they learn about the world. con frecuencia se basan en
opiniones de expertos a medida que aprenden sobre el mundo. Note, however, that if
Ntese, sin embargo, que si
you rely on an expert's opinion it is important to make sure that the expert is an expert in
que se basan en la opinin de un experto, es importante asegurarse de que el perito es un
experto en
the specific area under discussion and you should check to see if the expert has a vested el
rea especfica objeto de debate y usted debe comprobar para ver si el experto tiene un
inters
interest in the issue. inters en el tema.
Reasoning. Razonamiento.
Historically, this idea was called rationalism (ie, original knowledge comes from
Histricamente, esta idea fue llamado racionalismo (es decir, el conocimiento original
proviene de
thought and reasoning). pensamiento y razonamiento).
There are two main forms of reasoning: Hay dos formas principales de razonamiento:
Deductive reasoning (ie, the process of drawing a specific conclusion from a set El
razonamiento deductivo (es decir, el proceso de elaboracin de una conclusin especfica
de un conjunto
of premises). de los locales). Deductive reasoning is the classical approach used by the
great El razonamiento deductivo es el mtodo clsico utilizado por la gran
rationalists in the history of western civilization. racionalistas de la historia de la
civilizacin occidental. Note that, in formal logic and Tenga en cuenta que, en la lgica
formal y

mathematics, a conclusion from deductive reasoning will necessarily be true if the las
matemticas, una conclusin de un razonamiento deductivo necesariamente ser verdadera
si el
argument form is valid and if the premises are true. forma del argumento es vlido y si las
premisas son verdaderas.
Inductive reasoning (ie, reasoning from the particular to the general). Razonamiento
inductivo (es decir, el razonamiento de lo particular a lo general). The La
conclusion from inductive reasoning is probabilistic (ie, you make a statement conclusin
del razonamiento inductivo es probabilstica (es decir, hacer una declaracin
about what will probably happen). acerca de lo que probablemente suceder). The so called
problem of induction is that El llamado "problema de la induccin" es que
the future might not resemble the present. el futuro no se parecera a la presente.
The Scientific Approach to Knowledge Generation El enfoque cientfico de la Generacin
del Conocimiento
Science is also an approach for the generation of knowledge. La ciencia es tambin un
enfoque para la generacin de conocimiento. It relies on a mixture of Se basa en una
mezcla de
empiricism (ie, the collection of data) and rationalism (ie, the use of reasoning and
empirismo (es decir, la recopilacin de datos) y el racionalismo (es decir, el uso del
razonamiento y
theory construction and testing). teora de la construccin y pruebas).
Dynamics of science. La dinmica de la ciencia.
Science has many distinguishing characteristics: La ciencia tiene muchas caractersticas
distintivas:
Science is progressive. La ciencia es progresiva. In other words, "We stand on the
shoulders of giants" En otras palabras, "Estamos en los hombros de gigantes"
(Newton). (Newton).
Science is rational. La ciencia es racional.
Science is creative. La ciencia es creativo.
Science is dynamic. La ciencia es dinmica.

Science is open. La ciencia es abierta.

Science is "Critical." Ciencia es "crtico".
Science is never-ending. La ciencia no tiene fin.
Basic Assumptions of Science Supuestos bsicos de la Ciencia
In order to do science, we usually make several assumptions. Con el fin de hacer ciencia,
por lo general hacen varias hiptesis. Here they are as Aqu son tan
summarized in Table 1.3. resumen en la Tabla 1.3.
Scientific Methods Mtodos de la Ciencia
There are many scientific methods. Hay muchos mtodos cientficos. The two major
methods are the inductive method and Los dos mtodos principales son el mtodo inductivo
y
the deductive method. el mtodo deductivo.
The deductive method involves the following three steps: El mtodo deductivo consiste en
los siguientes tres pasos:
1. 1. State the hypothesis (based on theory or research literature). Estado de la hiptesis
(basada en la teora o la literatura de investigacin).
2. 2. Collect data to test the hypothesis. Recopilar datos para probar la hiptesis.
3. 3. Make decision to accept or reject the hypothesis. Tomar la decisin de aceptar o
rechazar la hiptesis.
The inductive method. El mtodo inductivo. This approach also involves three steps: Este
enfoque tambin implica tres pasos:
1. 1. Observe the world. Observar el mundo.
2. 2. Search for a pattern in what is observed. Buscar un patrn en lo que se observa.
3. 3. Make a generalization about what is occurring. Hacer una generalizacin sobre lo que
est ocurriendo.
Virtually any application of science includes the use of both the deductive and the
Prcticamente cualquier aplicacin de la ciencia incluye el uso tanto de la deductiva y la

inductive approaches to the scientific method either in a single study or over time. mtodos
inductivo al mtodo cientfico, ya sea en un solo estudio o en el tiempo. This Este
idea is demonstrated in Figure 1.1. idea se muestra en la Figura 1.1. The inductive method
is as bottom up method that El mtodo inductivo es como "de abajo hacia arriba", mtodo
que
is especially useful for generating theories and hypotheses; the deductive method is a es
especialmente til para la generacin de teoras e hiptesis, el mtodo deductivo es un
top down method that is especially useful for testing theories and hypotheses. "De arriba
hacia abajo" mtodo que es especialmente til para probar las teoras e hiptesis.
Theory Teora
The word "theory" most simply means "explanation." La palabra "teora" ms simplemente
significa "explicacin". Theories explain "How" and Las teoras explican "cmo" y
"Why" something operates as it does. "Por qu" algo funciona como lo hace. Some
theories are highly developed and encompass Algunas teoras estn muy desarrollados y
abarcan
a large terrain (ie, "big" theories or "grand" theories); others theories are "smaller" un
terreno de gran tamao (es decir, "grandes" teoras o grandes "teoras"), las teoras de los
dems son "ms pequeos"
theories or briefer explanations. teoras o explicaciones breves.
We have summarized the key criteria to use in evaluating a theory in Table 1.4 and Hemos
resumido los principales criterios a utilizar en la evaluacin de una teora en la Tabla 1.4 y
reproduced it hear for your convenience. reproducido orlo para su conveniencia.
The Principle of Evidence El principio de la evidencia
According to the principle of evidence, what is gained in empirical research is evidence, De
acuerdo con el principio de la prueba, lo que se gana en la investigacin emprica es
evidencia,
NOT proof. la prueba no. This means that knowledge based on educational research is
ultimately Esto significa que el conocimiento basado en la investigacin educativa es en
ltima instancia
tentative. provisional. Therefore, please eliminate the word "proof" from your vocabulary
when you Por lo tanto, por favor, eliminar la palabra "prueba" de su vocabulario cuando se

talk about research results. Discusin sobre los resultados de la investigacin. Empirical
research provides evidence; it does not provide La investigacin emprica proporciona
evidencia, que no prev
proof. prueba. Also note that, evidence increases when a finding has been replicated.
Tambin tenga en cuenta que, cuando aumenta la evidencia de un hallazgo ha sido
replicado. Hence, you Por lo tanto, usted
should take NOT draw firm conclusions from a single research study. por que no sacar
conclusiones firmes de un estudio de investigacin individual.
Objectives of Educational Research Objetivos de la Investigacin Educativa
There are five major objectives of educational research. Hay cinco grandes objetivos de la
investigacin educativa.
1. 1. Exploration. Exploracin. This is done when you are trying to generate ideas about
something. Esto se hace cuando usted est tratando de generar ideas acerca de algo.
2. 2. Description. Descripcin. This is done when you want to describe the characteristics
of Esto se hace cuando se quiere describir las caractersticas de
something or some phenomenon. algo o algn fenmeno.
3. 3. Explanation. Explicacin. This is done when you want to show how and why a
phenomenon Esto se hace cuando se quiere mostrar cmo y por qu un fenmeno
operates as it does. opera como lo hace. If you are interested in causality, you are usually
interested in Si usted est interesado en la causalidad, que suelen estar interesados en
explanation. explicacin.
4. 4. Prediction. Prediccin. This is your objective when your primary interest is in making
Este es su objetivo cuando su inters principal es en la toma de
accurate predictions. predicciones exactas. Note that the advanced sciences make much
more accurate Tenga en cuenta que las ciencias avanzadas hacen mucho ms precisa
predictions than the newer social and behavioral sciences. predicciones de lo social y
ciencias de la conducta posterior.
5. 5. Influence. Influencia. This objective is a little different. Este objetivo es un poco
diferente. It involves the application of research Se trata de la aplicacin de la investigacin
results to impact the world. resultados para impactar el mundo. A demonstration program is
an example of this. Un programa de demostracin es un ejemplo de esto.

One convenient and useful way to classify research is into exploratory research, Una forma
cmoda y til para clasificar la investigacin est en la investigacin exploratoria,
descriptive research, explanatory research, predictive research, and demonstration
investigacin descriptiva, la investigacin de motivos, la investigacin de prediccin, y la
demostracin
research. de investigacin.