Research Methodology, pdf - 2B2B.org

with the ideas expressed by Heaney, Miles Horton, Paulo Freire, and Jack Mezirow since their
approach is to empower the populace through education in order to create a democratic society.
Since it is necessary to have an educated public in order to have democracy function efficiently,
democracy is dependent on the educational system to survive.
Research question:
How has direct democracy, utililizing computer and Internet technology, been implemented and
used in various countries and institutions and what has been and could be the role of educational
systems in the implementation and continuing use of direct democracy?
2. Is it research or is it action?
As I view them, simply stated, a research project looks into the past whereas an action plan looks
toward the future. The research project delves into previous studies and statistics on the
researched topic while the action project is a particular plan and a projected time schedule for
implementing the proposed plan. Since my first project was an action plan with a plan for the
future this project will be more research based to look into what has been done before concerning
the topic of direct democracy and its function in the educational system.
Heaney, Thomas. Adult Education for Social Change: From Center Stage to the Wings and Back
Again. (1996). Retrieved October 15, 2003 from
http://www.nl.edu/ace/Resources/Documents/ERIC1.html
Gall, M.D., Borg, W., & Gall, J.P. (2003). Educational Research: An Introduction. 7th Ed.
Boston: Pearson Education, Inc.
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Discuss the differences between research designed to find out something and research designed
to bring about change. Is it a good idea to try to do both in your research project? Why or why
not? How about in your professional life?
from Stepanie: Research designed to "find out something" is sometimes called Theoretical
Research. It is generally performed in a strict scientific manner employing the scientific method
and attempting to test a hypothesis, construct a theory, or build a model.
Research designed to "bring about change" is Action Research. Action Research takes a less
scientific, more personal approach to research and attempts to produce change and improvement.
There is a great table in the Gall text on page 580 that compares the two types of research. One
of the more interesting differences include the theoretical researcher's emphasis on using a
random sampling of data and participants while the action researcher will generally use her own
classroom and students.
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