Education Commons^™

Writing Publishable Mixed Research Articles: Guidelines For Emerging Scholars In The Health Sciences And Beyond, Nancy L. Leech, Anthony J. Onwuegbuzie, Julie P. Combs

Nancy Leech

In recent years, it has become more common for health science researchers to conduct and to write research reports and articles that involve the combining or mixing of quantitative and qualitative approaches within the same study. The purpose of this article is to delineate the challenges of writing mixed research studies and present a potential solution. The solution includes providing guidelines for writing mixed research that will be presented utilizing the framework designed by Leech and Onwuegbuzie (2010). Furthermore, examples of each step from a published mixed research study (Onwuegbuzie et al., 2007) will be presented. It is hoped that …

Mixed Research In Counseling: Trends In The Literature, Nancy L. Leech, Anthony J. Onwuegbuzie

Nancy Leech

No abstract provided.

Mixed Research In Gifted Education: A Mixed Research Investigation Of Trends In The Literature, Nancy L. Leech, Kathleen M.T. Collins, Q. G. Jiao, Anthony J. Onwuegbuzie

Nancy Leech

The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence of mixed research techniques in empirical studies published in gifted education journals. During Phase 1, empirical full-text databases and relevant electronic bibliographic databases related to gifted education were searched during a time span of 10 to 18 years, resulting in the identification of 32 mixed research studies. During Phase 2, frequency data were compiled detailing the types of methods (quantitative, qualitative, mixed) implemented in empirical studies published in three leading gifted education research journals covering the time span of 5 years. A sequential mixed analysis was conducted on Phase 2 …

Assessing Internal Consistency In Counseling Research, Nancy L. Leech, Anthony J. Onwuegbuzie, Rosemarie O'Conner

Nancy Leech

In counseling research, reliability is an extremely important concept. Reliability of scores refers to how consistent scores remain across time, instruments, and conditions. The most commonly reported methods of assessing reliability are Cronbach’s alpha and Kuder-Richardson's index of reliability, otherwise known as measures of internal consistency. The purpose of this article is to describe internal consistency reliability coefficients, delineate the history of these coefficients, depict contemporary issues in counseling research, and present recommendations for practice.

Educating Knowledgeable And Skilled Researchers In Doctoral Programs In Schools Of Education: A New Model, Nancy L. Leech

Nancy Leech

To better understand how skilled and knowledgeable researchers develop in schools of education, the process of becoming a successful researcher needs to be explored. The purpose of the paper is to present three theories/studies including scientific and technical human capital, Levine's study of schools of education, and Lovitts' model of the factors that lead doctoral students to be successful researchers; to review the extant literature; and to delineate a new model to assist faculty in thinking about educating skilled and knowledgeable researchers. It is hoped that this new model will advance our understanding about what it takes to educate skilled …

Agenda For Researching Teaching (Art): A Visual Model And Research Questions, Nancy L. Leech, Carolyn A. Haug, Ellen Hill Robinson

Nancy Leech

In response to the dearth of research agendas that connect teacher education and teaching in the field and to the call for more programmatic research, the purpose of this paper is to present the Agenda for Researching Teaching (ART). The ART is a visual research agenda that spans the time from a teacher candidate learning to teach to impacting student achievement as a teacher. Furthermore, we include research questions based on the extant literature for researching teachers and teacher education. It is hoped that the model will assist researchers who investigate teachers, teacher education programs, and so forth, to focus …

Beyond Constant Comparison Qualitative Data Analysis: Using Nvivo, Nancy L. Leech, Anthony J. Onwuegbuzie

Nancy Leech

The purposes of this paper are to outline seven types of qualitative data analysis techniques, to present step-by-step guidance for conducting these analyses via a computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software program (i.e., NVivo9), and to present screenshots of the data analysis process. Specifically, the following seven analyses are presented: constant comparison analysis, classical content analysis, keyword-in-context, word count, domain analysis, taxonomic analysis, and componential analysis. It is our hope that providing a clear step-by-step process for conducting these analyses with NVivo9 will assist school psychology researchers in increasing the rigor of their qualitative data analysis procedures. (Contains 9 figures and …

Understanding And Evaluating Research In Applied Clinical Settings, George A. Morgan, Jeffrey A. Gliner, Robert J. Harmon, H. C. Kraemer, Nancy L. Leech, J. J. Vaske

Nancy Leech

About this book: Clinically oriented professionals and students need to understand and evaluate the research and statistics in professional articles, especially given today's emphasis on evidence-based practice. This book demonstrates how the research approach and design help determine the appropriate statistical analysis. Understanding and Evaluating Research in Applied and Clinical Settings features: *short, independent, chapters that do not have to be read in order; *a guide to understanding why a particular statistic was selected; *an emphasis on effects sizes including measures of risk potency; *numerous cross-disciplinary examples to illustrate the material; and *methods to help determine practical and clinical significance …

Research Methods In Applied Settings: An Integrated Approach To Design And Analysis, Second Edition, Jeffrey A. Gliner, George A. Morgan, Nancy L. Leech

Nancy Leech

About this book:

Through its integrated approach to quantitative research methods, this text teaches readers how to plan, conduct, and write a research project and select and interpret data so they can become better consumers of research. This is not a statistics book―there are very few formulas. Rather, this book helps students master which statistic to use when and how to interpret the results. Organized around the steps one takes in conducting a research project, this book is ideal for applied programs and for those who want to analyze and evaluate research articles. Having taught in a variety of departments, …

Spss For Introductory And Intermediate Statistics: Ibm Spss For Introductory Statistics Use And Interpretation, George A. Morgan, Nancy L. Leech, Gene W. Gloeckner, Karen C. Barrett

Nancy Leech

About this book:

Designed to help students analyze and interpret research data using IBM SPSS, this user-friendly book, written in easy-to-understand language, shows readers how to choose the appropriate statistic based on the design, and to interpret outputs appropriately. The authors prepare readers for all of the steps in the research process: design, entering and checking data, testing assumptions, assessing reliability and validity, computing descriptive and inferential parametric and nonparametric statistics, and writing about outputs. Dialog windows and SPSS syntax, along with the output, are provided. Three realistic data sets, available on the Internet, are used to solve the chapter …

Ibm Spss For Intermediate Statistics: Use And Interpretation, 4th Edition, Nancy L. Leech, Karen C. Barrett, George A. Morgan

Nancy Leech

About this book: Designed to help readers analyze and interpret research data using IBM SPSS, this user-friendly book shows readers how to choose the appropriate statistic based on the design, perform intermediate statistics, including multivariate statistics, interpret output, and write about the results. The book reviews research designs and how to assess the accuracy and reliability of data: whether data meet the assumptions of statistical tests; how to calculate and interpret effect sizes for intermediate statistics, including odds ratios for logistic and discriminant analyses; how to compute and interpret post-hoc power; and an overview of basic statistics for those who …

Ibm Spss For Introductory Statistics: Use And Interpretation, Fifth Edition, George A. Morgan, Nancy L. Leech, Gene W. Gloeckner, Karen C. Barrett

Nancy Leech

About this book:

Designed to help students analyze and interpret research data using IBM SPSS, this user-friendly book, written in easy-to-understand language, shows readers how to choose the appropriate statistic based on the design, and to interpret outputs appropriately. The authors prepare readers for all of the steps in the research process: design, entering and checking data, testing assumptions, assessing reliability and validity, computing descriptive and inferential parametric and nonparametric statistics, and writing about outputs. Dialog windows and SPSS syntax, along with the output, are provided. Three realistic data sets, available on the Internet, are used to solve the chapter …

Problems With Null Hypothesis Significance Testing, Jeffrey A. Gliner, George A. Morgan, Nancy L. Leech, Robert J. Harmon

Nancy Leech

In our last column, we discussed inferential statistics and hypothesis testing, both instrumental in the process of null hypothesis significance testing (NHST). Although NHST has been the hallmark of biological, behavioral, and social sciences for most of the past century, objections and concerns have recently increased for two reasons. First, the logic underlying NHST is difficult to understand and appears to be backward. Second, and perhaps more important, NHST is often improperly used in medical and behavioral research.

Teaching Statistics Courses: Some Important Considerations, Anthony J. Onwuegbuzie, Nancy L. Leech

Nancy Leech

Most college students from the behavioral and social sciences are required to enroll in at least one statistics course. Unfortunately, many of these students often attain lower levels of achievement in these courses than in their other classes. Consequently, statistics instructors are faced with the challenge of deciding how to maximize student learning and minimize anxiety and disaffection. Thus, this paper provides a discussion of considerations upon which instructors must reflect in order to address students' needs: context (e.g., undergraduate vs. master's vs. doctoral), content (e.g., measurement vs. evaluation vs. research design), and pedagogical style (e.g., web-based vs. traditional; theory …

The Meaning Of Validity In The New Standards For Educational And Psychological Testing: Implications For Measurement Courses, Laura D. Goodwin, Nancy L. Leech

Nancy Leech

• The treatment of validity in the newest edition of Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing (Standards; American Educational Research Association, American Psychological Association, & National Council on Measurement in Education, 1999) is quite different from coverage in earlier editions of the Standards and in most measurement textbooks. The view of validity in the 1999 Standards is discussed, and suggestions for instructors of measurement courses are offered.

The Effects Of Full And Alternative Day Block Scheduling On Language Arts And Science Achievement In A Junior High School, Chance W. Lewis, R. Brian Cobb, Marc Winokur, Nancy L. Leech, Michael Viney, Wendy White

Nancy Leech

The effects of a full (4 X 4) block scheduling program and an alternate day (AB) block scheduling program in a junior high school were under investigation in this study through the use of an ex post facto, matched sampling design. Measures investigated were standardized achievement tests in science and language arts. Both forms of block scheduling had been in place for several years, and one teacher in science and one teacher in language arts had taught students under both forms of scheduling. Because the sampling designs and analyses were different for the science and the language arts areas, two …

Post-Hoc Power: A Concept Whose Time Has Come, Anthony J. Onwuegbuzie, Nancy L. Leech

Nancy Leech

This article advocates the use of post hoc power analyses. First, reasons for the nonuse of a priori power analyses are presented. Next, post hoc power is defined and its utility delineated. Third, a step-by-step guide is provided for conducting post hoc power analyses. Fourth, a heuristic example is provided to illustrate how post hoc power can help to rule in/out rival explanations in the presence of statistically nonsignificant findings. Finally, several methods are outlined that describe how post hoc power analyses can be used to improve the design of independent replications.

The Role Of Sampling In Qualitative Research, Anthony J. Onwuegbuzie, Nancy L. Leech

Nancy Leech

Many qualitative researchers state that sample size and sampling are not issues in qualitative research. However, we argue that making sampling and sample size considerations is central to qualitative research. First, we refute arguments made by qualitative researchers who claim that sampling and sample size considerations are not relevant. Second, we contend that sampling represents a multidimensional construct. Third, we posit that most qualitative studies involve some type of analytical generalization. Thus, choosing a sample size and sampling scheme represent an active process of reflection.

Taking The “Q” Out Of Research: Teaching Research Methodology Courses Without The Divide Between Quantitative And Qualitative Paradigms, Anthony J. Onwuegbuzie, Nancy L. Leech

Nancy Leech

The purpose of this paper is to provide evidence that the debate between quantitative and qualitative is divisive and, hence, counterproductive for advancing the social and behavioral science field. We advocate that all graduate students learn to utilize and to appreciate both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. As such, students will develop into pragmatist researchers who are able to utilize both quantitative and qualitative techniques when conducting research. We contend that the best way to accomplish this is by eliminating quantitative research methodology and qualitative research methodology courses from curricula and replacing these with research methodology courses at different levels …

On Becoming A Pragmatic Researcher: The Importance Of Combining Quantitative And Qualitative Research Methodologies, Anthony J. Onwuegbuzie, Nancy L. Leech

Nancy Leech

The last 100 years have witnessed a fervent debate in the USA about quantitative and qualitative research paradigms. Unfortunately, this has led to a great divide between quantitative and qualitative researchers, who often view themselves as in competition with each other. Clearly, this polarization has promoted purists, namely, researchers who restrict themselves exclusively either to quantitative or to qualitative research methods. Mono‐method research is the biggest threat to the advancement of the social sciences. Indeed, as long as we stay polarized in research, how can we expect stakeholders who rely on our research findings to take our work seriously? Thus, …

Researching Women's Groups: Findings, Limitations, And Recommendations, Nancy L. Leech, Nathalie L. Kees

Nancy Leech

Although most counselors believe that women's groups are helpful and important, there is little empirical research in this area. The purpose of this article is to report the current state of published research on women's groups. An overview of previous reviews of the literature is discussed, and 26 articles that were located through PsycINFO and ERIC and are analyzed and discussed. Recommendations for future research are included.

Understanding Correlation: Factors That Affect The Size Of R, Laura D. Goodwin, Nancy L. Leech

Nancy Leech

The authors describe and illustrate 6 factors that affect the size of a Pearson correlation: (a) the amount of variability in the data, (b) differences in the shapes of the 2 distributions, (c) lack of linearity, (d) the presence of 1 or more "outliers," (e) characteristics of the sample, and (f) measurement error. Also discussed are ways to determine whether these factors are likely affecting the correlation, as well as ways to estimate the size of the influence or reduce the influence of each.

Sexual Minority Youth Perspectives On The School Environment And Suicide Risk Interventions: A Qualitative Study, Philip A. Rutter, Nancy L. Leech

Nancy Leech

This qualitative study explored the experiences of five gay, lesbian, and bisexual adolescents' perspectives on their schools' acceptance of their sexual orientation, and perceptions of these schools' approach to suicide risk intervention. Focus groups were tape recorded, transcribed, and analyzed through constant comparative analysis. Themes that emerged from the data included participants feeling judged by school counselors and teachers, feeling unsafe at school, and concerned about school staff's response to suicide risk and interventions. Implications for school counselors, teachers and administrators are discussed.

Sampling Designs In Qualitative Research: Making The Sampling Process More Public, Anthony J. Onwuegbuzie, Nancy L. Leech

Nancy Leech

The purpose of this paper is to provide a typology of sampling designs for qualitative researchers. We introduce the following sampling strategies: (a) parallel sampling designs, which represent a body of sampling strategies that facilitate credible comparisons of two or more different subgroups that are extracted from the same levels of study; (b) nested sampling designs, which are sampling strategies that facilitate credible comparisons of two or more members of the same subgroup, wherein one or more members of the subgroup represent a sub-sample of the full sample; and (c) multilevel sampling designs, which represent sampling strategies that facilitate credible …

Toward A Unified Validation Framework In Mixed Methods Research, Amy B. Dellinger, Nancy L. Leech

Nancy Leech

The primary purpose of this article is to further discussions of validity in mixed methods research by introducing a validation framework to guide thinking about validity in this area. To justify the use of this framework, the authors discuss traditional terminology and validity criteria for quantitative and qualitative research, as well as present recently published validity terminology for mixed methods research. The authors discuss the rationale for their framework and how it unifies thinking about validity in mixed methods research. Finally, they discuss how the framework can be used.

Pathways To Teaching: African American Male Teens Explore Teaching As A Career, Margarita Bianco, Nancy Leech, Kara Mitchell Viesca

Nancy Leech

The need for African American male teachers is clear; however their pathway to teaching is in disrepair. This article shares research findings and a description of a pre-collegiate course designed to encourage high school students of color, including African American males, to explore teaching. More specifically, drawing from survey and interview data, the researchers examine factors that influence 11th and 12th grade African American males' (N = 5) consideration of a teaching career and explore the impact of a pre-collegiate pathway to teaching program, The results of this mixed methods study expose the complexity of effective recruitment while also demonstrating …

Understanding Urban High School Students Of Color Motivation To Teach: Validating The Fit-Choice Scale, Nancy L. Leech, Carolyn A. Haug, Margarita Bianco

Nancy Leech

The Factors Influencing Teaching Choice (FIT-Choice) scale was completed by 86 high school students of color prior to beginning a class focusing on motivating students to become interested in teaching. Findings based on confirmatory factor analysis support the underlying FIT-Choice scale factor structure reported in previous studies. Students’ perceptions about teaching and motivations to teach were significantly lower compared with predominantly White female pre-service and in-service teachers for the majority of factors. The high school students of color were most drawn to teaching by their respect for the proficiency required of a good teacher.

Conclusion: A Four-Phase Model For Teaching And Learning Mixed Research, Anthony J. Onwuegbuzie, Rebecca K. Frels, Kathleen M.T. Collins, Nancy L. Leech

Nancy Leech

In this editorial, we outline a model for teaching a doctoral-level mixed research course either face-to-face or on-line. This model is designed to provide doctoral students with varied opportunities to acquire the knowledge and skills to formulate, to plan, and to implement rigorous and successful mixed research studies and programs of research. We discuss the four overlapping phases of the model: conceptual/theoretical, technical, applied, and emergent scholar phases. Finally, we provide the challenges for instructors using this model via a qualitative inquiry, and challenges and learning benefits of students via a mixed research analysis of reflections of the course. In …

A Qualitative Study Examining Mexican Heritage Students’ Motivation To Succeed In Higher Education, Nate Easley Jr., Margarita Bianco, Nancy L. Leech

Nancy Leech

The disparity between the educational attainment of Mexican heritage and White individuals illustrate a need for research on factors associated with the high educational attainment of some immigrant and first-generation students of Mexican descent. Using autobiographies, student interviews, and family interviews as data sources, this article explores one prominent theme that emerged: Students’ desire to honor parental struggle and sacrifice with academic achievement—Ganas. The implications and recommendations for further research are discussed.

Do Effect-Size Measures Measure Up?: A Brief Assessment, Anthony J. Onwuegbuzie, Joel R. Levin, Nancy L. Leech

Nancy Leech

Because of criticisms leveled at statistical hypothesis testing, some researchers have argued that measures of effect size should replace the significance-testing practice. We contend that although effect-size measures have logical appeal, they are also associated with a number of limitations that may result in problematic interpretations of them in research on children and adults with learning disabilities (LD). The purpose of the present paper is to provide a framework for reporting and interpreting empirical research findings in LD research. Specifically, we recommend that: (1) researchers apply criteria of both statistical significance and substantive significance to help consumers of research assess …