Methodology and methods

Methodology and methods

            Methods refer to the various procedures and tools used in research questions. It shows how the researcher intends to collect the data.  According to Patton (2002, Pg. 104), these methods can be classified as; qualitative and quantitative research methods. Qualitative research focuses on exploratory research. On the other hand, quantitative research methods are used to quantify the problem by providing numerical data. A quantitative research method focuses on attitudes, opinions, and behaviors. Howell (2009, Pg. 3) describes methodology as an overall research strategy that outlines the way to carry out research. It is also defined as a systematic way to solve a problem (Marshall & Rossman, Pg. 147)..

Practitioner research

According to a journal by chancellor’s doctoral program, it is a research method that is conducted by an individual or group that assumes a dual role, that is, both as a service provider and as a researcher (Www2.calstate.edu, 2018 Pg. 2). Its sole purpose is to advance in the practice. The aim of this research is to carry out a practitioner research in education.(Copeland e,t al, 1993 Pg. 350)

Research design

Research design refers to the general strategy chosen to compile the different aspects of the study in an understandable and logical way which will ensure that it effectively addresses the research problem (Ghaye, 2010 Pg. 3). The design is used to ensure the results obtained are used to fully address the research problem logically and precisely (Marshall & Rossman, Pg. 147). Some of the methods of data collection includes; experiments, surveys, questionnaires and interviews. Data generation involves the theory and methods that are used by researchers to create data from data sources.

Positivism and interpretivism

Thompson,(2018 Pg  5) says positivism involves the use of quantitative methods. Positivists prefer these methods because they highly reliable and provide adequate representativeness. This tradition emphasizes the importance of conducting quantitative research for example surveys, which would help in getting an summary of the society in general and to discover social trends. Positivism is more interested in trends and patterns rather than individuals (Lingard, Albert and Levinson, 2008 Pg 30). Interpretivism tends to focus more on qualitative research methods like unstructured interviews or participant observation (Thompson, 2018 Pg 34).

Methods

The main purpose of this research is to determine the trends in the performance of boys alongside their female counterparts when writing is concerned. It aims to identify the most effective strategy for improving writing and bridging the gap in achievement between the genders. To appropriately carry out research into this matter, sampling method was used. The data was collected by means of qualitative interviews based on an interview guide (Patton, 2002 Pg. 104). The sampling method was purposeful and opportunistic (Seidman, 2006 Pg. 9). Despite the hindrance by limitations of access and the time, the sample was able to achieve its purpose since the students were currently involved in writing classes. The participants were 1000 students of age 10-13 whose first language is not English (EAL).these participants in key stage 1(KS1} both boys and girls randomly chosen in the international school in the United Arab Emirates. Through the help of colleagues and contacts in the institutions, an interviewees panel was developed. Their selection was conducted through a process which led to a pool of 23 interviewees. The pupils are chosen because the vast majority of this research focuses on the less researched EAL community.

Methodology

Seidman (2006 Pg 15)  suggests that proper methodology should take into consideration the research method chosen. This study is found on numerous basic theoretical approaches. The sample can then be used to observe the expected trends and outcomes of the rest of the boys. Seidman (2006, pg 32) notes that research has autobiographical roots. This methodology is ideal for this project since an interview is appropriate so as to get their opinions and stories towards the subject (Marshall & Rossman, Pg. 144). The above methods are examples of qualitative approach which offers the best means to uncover the understanding and beliefs associated with an individual’s lived experience.

References

Marshall, C., & Rossman, G. B. (2011). Designing qualitative research (5th ed.). Los Angeles,      CA: Sage

Patton, M. Q. (2002). Qualitative research & evaluation methods (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Seidman, I. (2006). Interviewing as qualitative research: A guide for researchers in education and             the social science (3 rd ed.). New York, NY: Teachers College Press.

Lingard, L., Albert, M. and Levinson, W. (2008). Grounded theory, mixed methods, and action   research. BMJ, 337(aug07 3), pp.a567-a567.

Thompson, K. (2018). Positivism and Interpretivism in Social Research ~ ReviseSociology.            online] ReviseSociology. Available at:           https://revisesociology.com/2015/05/18/positivism-interpretivism-sociology/ [Accessed        24 Nov. 2018].

Www2.calstate.edu. (2018). The Chancellor’s Doctoral Incentive Program (CDIP)| CSU.             [online] Available at: https://www2.calstate.edu/csu-system/faculty-staff/cdip [Accessed        24 Nov. 2018].

Copeland, W.D., Birmingham, C., de la Cruz, E. and Lewin, B., 1993. The reflective practitioner             in teaching: Toward a research agenda. Teaching and Teacher Education, 9(4), pp.347-359.

Howell, D.C., 2009. Statistical methods for psychology. Cengage Learning.

Ghaye, T., 2010. Teaching and learning through reflective practice: A practical guide for   positive action. Routledge.