Part of the Web Site of Dr. Jeffrey Oescher
EDL 880 Index
EDL 880 Class Schedule - Summer 2014
Revised 29 May 2014
Specific topics, readings, resources, and assignments for the goals for each section of the course are
outlined below. The dates associated with each goal reflect the beginning and ending dates for our
consideration of it.
SECTION 1: QUANTITATIVE DATA COLLECTION METHODS
Goal 1: Field testing an instrument measuring a variable of interest.
Learning Objective 1: Identify a variable to be measured and the type of instrument needed to
do so.
Beginning and Ending Dates: June 5 – June 10
Discussion Topics Types of instruments
Response scales
Chapter 3 components
Research designs
Readings
Syllabus
Class Schedule
Background Material
Resources
Scientific Inquiry Slides
Introduction to Measurement Slideshow
Introduction to Measurement - Original PowerPoint
Slideshow Narration Notes
Chapter 3 Outline
Correlational Research Designs
Survey Research Designs
Cognitive Tests
Developments in Selected Response Tests
Cognitive Taxonomies
Affective Scales
Affective Characteristics and Response Scales
Performance Assessments
A Qualifying Paper Rubric
Assignment
Identify a variable you are interested in measuring and identify the type of
instrument most appropriate to measure it. Post your assignment to Moodle.
Learning Objective 2: Develop or select an instrument to be field tested.
Beginning and Ending Dates: June 12
Discussion Topics Locating tests and scales
Readings
Developing Assessments Slideshow
Developing and Scoring an Attitude Scale
Resources
Finding Tests and Scales
A Guide to Writing Selected Response Items
Scaling
General Issues in Scaling
Assignment
Identify a specific instrument for use in the field test.
Learning Objective 3: Establish the validity of the instrument you have chosen.
Beginning and Ending Dates: June 17
Discussion Topics Validity
1
Readings
Resources
Assignment
Evidence of validity
Validity and Reliability Slideshow
About Validity
Validity Evidence
Construct Validity in the Larger Picture
Discussion of Construct Validity
OK, I Know, Wikipedia?
Develop or cite any evidence of validity relevant to your instrument. Post this
information to Moodle.
Learning Objective 4: Prepare for the field testing of your instrument.
Beginning and Ending Dates: June 19 – June 24
Discussion Topics Electronic and pencil-and-paper tests and surveys
Cover letters
Directions for tests and surveys
Confidentiality and anonymity
Formatting
Sampling and IRB issues
Recording data
Readings
Cover Letters and Directions
Resources
Review of Online Survey Tools
Survey Monkey
Zoomerang
Survey Gizmo
Poll Daddy
Don't forget Moodle
Assignment
Submit to the instructor a final copy of the instrument as it will be administered.
Learning Objective 5: Field test your instrument.
Beginning and Ending Dates: June 24
Discussion Topics Anonymity and confidentiality issues
Waiting for responses
Response rates
Readings
Sample Cover Letter
Sample Directions
Resources
Online Response Rates
Assignments
Discuss the sample cover letter and directions in the appropriate forum in
Moodle.
Create a SPSS data set with the original responses from your field test.
Learning Objective 6: Analyze the field test data.
Beginning and Ending Dates: July 8 – July 10
Discussion Topics Coding data
Recording data
Scoring tests
Item statistics
Criteria for evaluating item functionality
Reliability indices
Descriptive statistics
Interpreting scores
Converting Microsoft Excel data to SPSS data
Readings
Developing and Analyzing Test Items
Developing and Analyzing Scale Items
Resources
SPSS Final Exam data
SPSS Syntax for scoring Final Exam data
SPSS Syntax for Final Exam item reliabilities
2
Assignment
Complete the revising test items assignment and post your answers to Moodle.
Create a SPSS data set with the original responses from your field test. Analyze
this data,
Learning Objective 7: Reflect on possible revisions to your instrument and prepare a final
report.
Beginning and Ending Dates: July 15
Discussion Topics Reflecting on item level data
Preparing a final report
Readings
Report of empirical results and reflections
Resources
Assignment
Submit a final report of the field test.
Goal 2: Field test a protocol for measuring an issue for which an in=-depth knowledge of
stakeholders’ perceptions is needed.
Learning Objective 1: Identify a legitimate issue for which an in-depth knowledge of
stakeholders’ perceptions is needed.
Beginning and Ending Dates: July 15
Discussion Topics Qualitative data collection methods
The purpose of interviews and focus groups
Emic and etic perspectives
Learning Objective 2: Develop a protocol for conducting a focus group to investigate this
issue.
Beginning and Ending Dates: July 17
Discussion Topics Developing protocols – questions and prompts
Learning Objective 3: Prepare the protocol for use.
Discussion Topics Preparation: practicing, note-taking, interviewing techniques
Data collection periods
Learning Objective 4: Field test the protocol.
Beginning and Ending Dates: July 17
Discussion Topics Collecting qualitative data
Recordings
Post-interview reflections – logs
Transcribing data
Learning Objective 5: Analyze the data.
Beginning and Ending Dates: July 23
Discussion Topics Coding data
Synthesizing data
Developing themes
Summarizing data
Learning Objective 6: Reflect on the analyses and prepare a report of the field testing
experience.
Beginning and Ending Dates: July 23
Discussion Topics Making sense of the results
Interpreting the results in the larger scheme of things
Goal 3: Write the data collection section of a dissertation proposal.
Learning Objective 1: Develop a detailed outline of the topics that are to be discussed.
Beginning and Ending Dates:
3
Discussion Topics
Readings
Chapter 3
Sections of Chapter 3
Dr. Oescher’s Outline of Chapter 3
Learning Objective 2: Write a narrative of the topics in the outline
Beginning and Ending Dates:
Discussion Topics Questions
4