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Qualitative Research PaperElizabeth AndrewsEDD/581-Action Research and EvaluationFebruary 23, 2015Jamie JenkinsQualitative Research PaperThe development of any research study requires thorough consideration of the research plan and data collection methods best suited to answer the questions and meet the needs of the research stakeholders. The researcher must adopt a research design and specific data collection methods that should be used before conducting research. This paper will address the research design and 3 data collection methods I will for my action research study on the impact of a Bring-Your-Own-Device-Policy (BYOD) in a high school art course. Qualitative Design My action research will involve a class of painting students and investigating the impact(s) that result from integrating the use of personal electronic devices into regular class-time activities. My research will focus on factors that are best suited to the qualitative research design known as a case study. Research that is focused on a program (the visual arts curriculum) and its application to a group of individuals (learners) is well suited for case studies. I believe this type of qualitative design will work well as I investigate the impact integrating Edwin O. Smith’s bring-your-own-device policy has on student learning in the visual arts classroom. Data Collection Methods To support my research design I will need to acquire evidence. “This process involves determining the types of data that must be collected to lead to meaningful, accurate, and appropriate conclusions regarding research questions”?(Hendricks, 2009, "Chapter 5"). When deciding on data collection methods I need to “consider how to best ensure that the findings of study are credible and valid” (Hendricks, 2009, "Chapter 5"). According to Hendricks (2009), I can establish credibility through triangulation, a process where I would collect and analyze multiple forms of data ("Chapter 5"). The multiple forms of data collection that I plan on using are student artifacts, observational data, and inquiry data. Hendricks states “Student?artwork?and student performances?are often used in studies that take place in art, music, or physical education classes”(Hendricks, 2009, "Chapter 5"). Since this study involves a painting class I believe that student artifacts should be used to gather data my students’ artistic skills and understanding. To support the data I derived from my students’ artwork I will use observational data. “Observational data are the most important source of information in an action research study. Whereas artifacts can help you decide whether an intervention has had an impact on achievement, observational data can help determine why an intervention was successful or unsuccessful and how the context of the setting impacted the study” (Hendricks, 2009, "Chapter 5"). The final form of data collection will be inquiry data in the form of surveys and interviews. They can be used to gather useful information on students’ and colleagues “perceptions about the effectiveness of an intervention, ways the intervention could be improved, and feedback regarding positive and negative aspects of the intervention” (Hendricks, 2009, "Chapter 5"). Inquiry data from surveys and interviews could help me answer the “why” questions in my study by providing others’ assessments of the effectiveness of my plan (Hendricks, 2009, "Chapter 5"). According to Hendricks (2009), this data will lead me to a more thorough understanding of the success or failure of my research plan ("Chapter 5").SummaryCredible and informative research begins with a strong and organized plan; my personal action research study is no different. To ensure that my research findings are valid, meaningful, and accurate I will use a case study. I chose this type of qualitative research design because it is well suited for documenting the outcomes adjustments have to my art program and its’ learners. This design will also include the triangulation of data through at least 3 different sources: student artifacts, observational data, and inquiry data. By carefully developing my action research design and data collection methods I have set up a foundation for a strong action research study. ReferencesHendricks, C. (2009).?Improving schools through action research. A comprehensive guide for educators?(2nd ed.). Retrieved from he University of Phoenix eBook Collection database. ................
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