Using Randomised Controlled Trials in Education

Using Randomised Controlled Trials in Education
Author: Paul Connolly
Publisher: SAGE
Total Pages: 201
Release: 2017-07-03
Genre: Education
ISBN: 147396587X

The use of randomised controlled trials (RCTs), most commonly a medical sciences research tool, is a hotly debated topic in Education. This book examines the controversial aspects of RCTs in Education and sets out the potential and pitfalls of the method. Drawing on their own extensive experience of running RCTs, and their work at the Centre for Evidence and Social Innovation (CESI) at Queen’s University, Belfast, the authors provide a thorough practical introduction to the use of randomised controlled trials in education. Using real data sets, chapters equip the reader with all of the key knowledge and skills required to design, run, analyse and report an RCT. Coverage includes: · Step-by-step guidance on analysing data · How to assess the reliability and validity of results · Advice on balancing the demands of various stakeholders Essential reading for postgraduate and more experienced researchers, as well as teachers and educationalists seeking to increase their knowledge and understanding of the use of such methods in education.

Running Randomized Evaluations

Running Randomized Evaluations
Author: Rachel Glennerster
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Total Pages: 480
Release: 2013-11-24
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 140084844X

A comprehensive guide to running randomized impact evaluations of social programs in developing countries This book provides a comprehensive yet accessible guide to running randomized impact evaluations of social programs. Drawing on the experience of researchers at the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab, which has run hundreds of such evaluations in dozens of countries throughout the world, it offers practical insights on how to use this powerful technique, especially in resource-poor environments. This step-by-step guide explains why and when randomized evaluations are useful, in what situations they should be used, and how to prioritize different evaluation opportunities. It shows how to design and analyze studies that answer important questions while respecting the constraints of those working on and benefiting from the program being evaluated. The book gives concrete tips on issues such as improving the quality of a study despite tight budget constraints, and demonstrates how the results of randomized impact evaluations can inform policy. With its self-contained modules, this one-of-a-kind guide is easy to navigate. It also includes invaluable references and a checklist of the common pitfalls to avoid. Provides the most up-to-date guide to running randomized evaluations of social programs, especially in developing countries Offers practical tips on how to complete high-quality studies in even the most challenging environments Self-contained modules allow for easy reference and flexible teaching and learning Comprehensive yet nontechnical

Taming Randomized Controlled Trials in Education

Taming Randomized Controlled Trials in Education
Author: Keith Morrison
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 203
Release: 2020-07-07
Genre: Computers
ISBN: 1000089924

There is a recent surge in the use of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) within education globally, with disproportionate claims being made about what they show, ‘what works’, and what constitutes the best ‘evidence’. Drawing on up-to-date scholarship from across the world, Taming Randomized Controlled Trials in Education critically addresses the increased use of RCTs in education, exploring their benefits, limits and cautions, and ultimately questioning the prominence given to them. While acknowledging that randomized controlled trials do have some place in education, the book nevertheless argues that this place should be limited. Drawing together all arguments for and against RCTs in a comprehensive and easily accessible single volume, the book also adds new perspectives and insights to the conversation; crucially, the book considers the limits of their usefulness and applicability in education, raising a range of largely unexplored concerns about their use. Chapters include discussions on: The impact of complexity theory and chaos theory. Design issues and sampling in randomized controlled trials. Learning from clinical trials. Data analysis in randomized controlled trials. Reporting, evaluating and generalizing from randomized controlled trials. Considering key issues in understanding and interrogating research evidence, this book is ideal reading for all students on Research Methods modules, as well as those interested in undertaking and reviewing research in the field of education.

Getting Started in Your Educational Research

Getting Started in Your Educational Research
Author: Clive Opie
Publisher: SAGE
Total Pages: 244
Release: 2019-04-08
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1526480476

A one-stop shop for anyone undertaking educational research for the first time, this text focuses on the development and application of key skills necessary for successful research. Packed with useful exercises, checklists and case studies, this book will allow the reader to apply their skills across a range of essays, presentations and reports. Using digestible language to explain complex terminology and processes simply, the authors explore working with and presenting data and the software options available to students, including NVivo, SPSS and Excel. The text will help students to: Understand the language of educational research Frame their research questions and design their research Judge the quality of educational research Explore and justify research approaches and procedures (methods) Analyse and present their data

Research and Education

Research and Education
Author: Will Curtis
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 238
Release: 2013-12-04
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1317936388

Educational researchers take a number of decisions that define the credibility and scope of their enquiry – the approaches they adopt, the strategies they employ, the methods they use and the ways they present their findings. This core text provides an easy-to-read, comprehensive introduction to educational research that will develop your understanding of research strategies, theories and methods. Specifically written for undergraduate education studies students, the book guides you through the process of planning a research project, the different research methods available and how to carry out your research and write it up successfully. Highlighting the theoretical and methodological debates and discussing important ethical and practical considerations, the book is structured to help you tackle all the different aspects of your project from writing your literature review, designing a questionnaire and analysing your data to the final writing up. The book will give you the confidence and enthusiasm to discuss and write about your research effectively. Features include: extension tasks -- to introduce new material and encourage you to think critically case studies -- with information on important studies and examples of research that have utilised specific approaches practical advice and tips -- to help you relate the topics discussed to your own on-going project work annotated further reading lists -- providing you with an opportunity to access more detailed and specific resources. Part of the Foundations of Education Studies series, this timely textbook is essential reading for students undertaking a research methods course or a piece of educational research.

Research Methods in Education

Research Methods in Education
Author: Louis Cohen
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 1830
Release: 2017-10-12
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1315456516

This thoroughly updated and extended eighth edition of the long-running bestseller Research Methods in Education covers the whole range of methods employed by educational research at all stages. Its five main parts cover: the context of educational research; research design; methodologies for educational research; methods of data collection; and data analysis and reporting. It continues to be the go-to text for students, academics and researchers who are undertaking, understanding and using educational research, and has been translated into several languages. It offers plentiful and rich practical advice, underpinned by clear theoretical foundations, research evidence and up-to-date references, and it raises key issues and questions for researchers planning, conducting, reporting and evaluating research. This edition contains new chapters on: Mixed methods research The role of theory in educational research Ethics in Internet research Research questions and hypotheses Internet surveys Virtual worlds, social network software and netography in educational research Using secondary data in educational research Statistical significance, effect size and statistical power Beyond mixed methods: using Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) to integrate cross-case and within-case analyses. Research Methods in Education is essential reading for both the professional researcher and anyone involved in educational and social research. The book is supported by a wealth of online materials, including PowerPoint slides, useful weblinks, practice data sets, downloadable tables and figures from the book, and a virtual, interactive, self-paced training programme in research methods. These resources can be found at: www.routledge.com/cw/cohen.

USING RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIALS IN EDUCATION.

USING RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIALS IN EDUCATION.
Author: PAUL. CONNOLLY
Publisher:
Total Pages:
Release: 2017
Genre: Education
ISBN: 9781473923478

This book examines the controversial aspects of Randomised Controlled Trials (RCT) in education and sets out the potential and pitfalls of the method. Drawing on their own extensive experience of running RCTs, the authors provide a thorough, practical introduction to the use of RCTs in education.

The What Works Centres

The What Works Centres
Author: Michael Sanders
Publisher: Policy Press
Total Pages: 278
Release: 2023-02
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 1447365097

The last decade has seen a growing focus on producing evidence-based policy and practice in governments around the world - with a specific focus on causal evidence of the impacts of a particular policy on outcomes for citizens. The UK is a key example of this, with the establishment of 14 What Works Centres which collate, create and translate evidence in different policy and practice domains. In this book, leaders, researchers and practitioners from these institutions share insights to help understand what has worked so far in the Centres, and what could be done better in future. It offers guidance to policy makers and funders looking to establish new centres, and for academics looking to create similar institutions that can have a practical impact on the improvement of the world around us.

How To Do Primary Care Educational Research

How To Do Primary Care Educational Research
Author: Mehmet Akman
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 232
Release: 2021-07-13
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 1000396452

Primary care is a rapidly growing academic branch of learning and developing its own body of research is the hallmark of a maturing academic discipline. This practical guide is the first designed specifically to support those planning, conducting and disseminating primary care educational research. While research informs clinical practice, organisation of primary care services and teaching the discipline, educational practices and modes of delivery are rapidly changing, particularly in response to new information technologies. Primary care practitioners must be engaged in life-long learning and keep abreast of developments in many arenas and educational research into how to address this has thus become of paramount importance. Key Features: The first ‘how-to’ guide to designing, conducting and disseminating primary care educational research Focus on inter-professional education, co-design and participatory research approaches, in line with current primary care models of care involving inter-disciplinary teams Wide in scope, exploring the current research environment in the contexts of undergraduate teaching, postgraduate training, continuing professional development, and patient education, for academics and educationalists at all levels Step-by-step introduction to the processes of literature review (establishing the existing knowledge base), choosing a topic, research questions and methodology, conducting research and disseminating results Supported by the WONCA Working Parties on Research and Education This book will encourage and upskill academics at universities and institutions teaching primary care in both undergraduate and postgraduate settings, providing support and guidance on how to conduct their own research and evaluate their own programmes, and will help to grow academic research in this discipline in high and, importantly, also low- and middle-income countries.