Design for Learning- Principles, Processes, and Praxis, 2021a

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Conducting Research for
Design
Daniel R. Winder
Every field of expertise has elements that need to be investigated, and
regardless of the discipline, how you discover evidence for learning is
very similar. In this chapter I will present common issues I have
encountered in the field of instructional design when planning a
research study. This is followed by discussion of when and how to use
certain research methodologies. Finally, I will discuss how to conduct
research and report results.
When and How to Use Research
Methodologies
Novice researchers will often limit themselves as only being a
qualitative or quantitative researcher. In practice, the nature of the
question will dictate the most appropriate research method that
should be used. In addition, using mixed methods often yields
stronger results. For example, survey teachers about what to cut or
reduce in a curriculum, then follow up with focus groups to yield
stories and experiences that explain the survey numbers.
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