EDTD 6001 - Theory to Practice I - Craddock - Educational Theories & Practice

EDTD 6001 Annotated Bibliography assignment

Assignment Description: "Choose a different problem of practices that you described in module 1. Find at least five empirical research articles addressing the issue. Create a critical annotated bibliography for the articles correctly citing and referencing the articles."

To successfully complete this assignment, break it into 5 main steps:

Choose a problem of practice and refine it to your context.
Locate several empirical research articles to address the issue.
Evaluate and select at least five articles to include in your annotated bibliography.
Reference each article in APA Style.
Critically summarize each article in your own words.

Where to go in this Research Guide for advice on Step...

Step 1: Choose a problem of practice.
Step 2: Locate many articles
This page!
Step 3: Evaluate and select 5 articles
Step 4: Reference each article in APA Style
Step 5: Critically summarize each article

What is empirical research, and how do I find it?

What is empirical research?

Empirical research is based on observed and measured phenomena and derives knowledge from real experience instead of from theory or belief. Basically, empirical research is research conducted in the field; out in the real world. For teachers, most empirical research takes place in the classroom, school, or co-curricular setting.

The researcher collects data, referred to as empirical evidence, and then undertakes a qualitative and/or quantitative analysis to answer empirical research questions.

How do you know if a study is empirical?

Clues in the abstract: Does the abstract depict a study or investigation that the author/s conducted on a population group in a particular setting? If yes, that's a great sign!
Clues in the methodology section: Skim through the subheadings of the journal article, conference paper, etc. Look for a description of the 'methodology'. Skim read it.
Ask yourself: Could I recreate this study on my own or with colleagues, and test these results?

Confirm you found empirical research by identifying key characteristics:

Particular research questions to be answered
Definition of the population, behavior, or phenomena studied
Description of the process used to study this population or phenomena, including selection criteria, controls, and testing instruments (such as surveys)

Tip! Some scholarly journals use a specific layout, called the "IMRaD" format, to convey empirical research findings. Such articles typically have four (4) components:

Introduction, including a literature review: Summary of the study followed by a literature review -- what is currently known about the topic -- usually includes a theoretical framework and/or discussion of previous studies
Methodology: AKA "research design" or "research methods" -- how to recreate the study -- typically describes the population, research process, and analytical tools
Results: AKA "findings" -- discoveries made through the study -- usually appear as statistical data or as substantial quotations from research participants
Discussion: AKA "conclusion" or "implications" -- why the study is relevant -- usually describes how the research results influence professional practices or future studies.

Examples of empirical research in the field of education

Forslund F. K. & Chiriac, E. H. (2014). Group work management in the classroom. Scandinavian Journal of Educational Research, 58(2), 222–234. https://doi.org/10.1080/00313831.2012.725098
Abstract: This study aims to provide a better understanding of teachers' managing roles when using group work in the classroom. Building on Granström's 2 concepts of leadership and teachership, a more specific aim is to investigate teachers' managing roles when using group work and how teachers' presumptions affect the way in which they manage the pedagogical mode. The results show that teachers' managing roles influence teachers' willingness to use group work. Teachers may be unwilling to use group work based on their presumption that it teaches students only collaboration abilities and not subject knowledge. This may be a supplemental yet significant explanation as to why group work continues to decrease in classrooms.
Cameron, C. E., & Morrison, F. J. (2011). Teacher activity orienting predicts preschoolers’ academic and self-regulatory skills. Early Education & Development, 22(4), 620–648. https://doi.org/10.1080/10409280903544405
Abstract: Research Findings: This observational study of preschoolers (N = 140) in their classrooms (N = 41) examined variation in teacher orienting (defined as explanations and demonstrations about the procedures and rationale behind activities, including center projects, to the whole group or to individual children) and associations between orienting and children's academic and self-regulation skills. Orienting to individual children rarely occurred, but significant variation between classrooms in whole-group orienting was present. Children who experienced higher amounts of whole-group orienting had higher scores on general knowledge, mathematics, emergent literacy, and self-regulation in the spring when we controlled for child- and classroom-level background variables, including children's fall pretest scores, teacher education, and experience. For expressive vocabulary, greater exposure to orienting predicted higher spring vocabulary for younger but not older preschoolers. Practice or Policy: The results indicate the importance of reducing classroom disparities in children's preschool experience and suggest that more attention should be paid to teachers' efforts to explain upcoming activities in whole-group settings. Finally, the interaction between orienting and child age for vocabulary suggests the need to consider both child characteristics and aspects of the context to identify the optimal preschool experiences for individual children. Reprinted by permission of the publisher.
Conklin, C., Kamps, D., & Wills, H. (2017). The effects of class-wide function-related intervention teams (CW-FIT) on students’ prosocial classroom behaviors. Journal of Behavioral Education, 26(1), 75–100. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10864-016
Abstract: Students with challenging, disruptive behavior have difficulty learning in school, and their behavior adversely impacts the learning of other students and the classroom teacher. Class-Wide Function-related Intervention Teams (CW-FIT) is an evidence-based approach that teachers can use to prevent and reduce problem behavior and increase prosocial classroom behaviors. Previous studies have demonstrated that CW-FIT produced improvements in student appropriate classroom behaviors which led to increased available instruction time. The purpose of this investigation was to systematically replicate CW-FIT adding to the empirical research base supporting it. A novel aspect compared to prior studies was measurement of the student behaviors related to skills taught during CW-FIT (compliance, hand-raising, out-of-seat, and talking out), showing a direct relationship to students' improvements. Students in four classes and their teachers participated in this study. An ABAB reversal design was used to demonstrate intervention effectiveness and experimental control. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Hoff, K. E. , & Ervin, R. A. (2013). Extending self-management strategies: The use of a classwide approach. Psychology in the Schools, 50(2), 151–164. https://doi.org/10.1002/pits.21666
Abstract: Notwithstanding the wealth of research that documents the effectiveness of self-management programs in the classroom, few investigations have explored classwide use of self-management procedures as a universal intervention. To extend existing research in this area, we examined the effectiveness of a classwide self-management intervention for decreasing disruptive behaviors among three at-risk second-grade students. We used a multiple baseline across subjects design and evaluated the effects of the self-management program at both the individual and classwide levels during academic instruction time. Results of the study showed a decrease in disruptive behaviors of the target students and a general decrease in classroom disruptive behavior. In addition, teachers and students provided positive ratings of intervention acceptability and feasibility. Limitations, implications, and future directions for research are discussed.
Larson, K. E., Pas, E. T., Bradshaw, C. P., Rosenberg, M. S., Day-Vines, N. L., & Gregory, A. (2018). Examining how proactive management and culturally responsive teaching relate to student behavior: Implications for measurement and practice.
Abstract: The discipline gap between White students and African American students has increased demand for teacher training in culturally responsive and behavior management practices. Extant research, however, is inconclusive about how culturally responsive teaching practices relate to student behavior or how to assess using such practices in the classroom. Identifying proactive behavior management and culturally responsive teaching practices that are associated with positive student behavior may inform teacher training and bolster efforts to reduce disparities in behavioral and academic performance. The current study examined the association between student behaviors and the observed use of and teacher self-reported efficacy in using culturally responsive teaching and proactive behavior management practices. Data were collected from 274 teachers in 18 schools. Structural equation modeling indicated a statistically significant association between observations of culturally responsive teaching and proactive behavior management practices, with observed positive student behaviors in classrooms. Implications for measurement and practice are discussed.

Where is empirical research published?

You will find empirical research in scholarly, peer-reviewed journal articles, conference papers, and books.

How can I search for empirical research articles?

Unfortunately, GALILEO and most library databases do not offer a direct pathway to locate empirical research.

As a default, select Scholarly/Peer-Reviewed Journals. Not everything published in a scholarly/peer-reviewed journal is empirical research. But empirical research articles are almost always published in scholarly/peer-reviewed journals.
Search as you would typically for journal articles and identify empirical research by skimming through the abstracts.

Help! I am finding too many results that aren't empirical research. What can I do?

The following tips for GALILEO and a couple of relevant databases for education could help:

Database aggregator or database	Search Tips
GALILEO Discover	GALILEO has no direct method to locate empirical research. Only using 'empirical' as a keyword will find some studies but may miss many others. Go to "Advanced Search" Type your keywords/key phrases into the search boxes. In the last field, include keywords or key phrases to help you find empirical research. Combine them with Boolean Operator OR. For example: "empirical study" OR "empirical research" OR "empirical evidence" OR "research methods" OR "research design" OR methodology. Scroll down the page, select scholarly/peer-reviewed journals and other limits like publication date. Select Search
ERIC (via EBSCOhost)	ERIC (via EBSCOhost) has no direct method to locate empirical research. Using 'empirical' as a keyword will find some studies but miss others. Tips: Search for "Research Reports" Go to "Advanced Search" Type your keywords and/or key phrases into the search boxes Scroll down the page to "Document Type," and choose "143 Reports: Research." Choose scholarly/peer-reviewed journals limiter and other limits like publication date. Select Search If not finding enough relevant or recent results: Select Scholarly/Peer-Reviewed Journals Include empirical as a keyword but combine it with some research terminology recommended by ERIC thesaurus with the Boolean Operator OR. Some of these include: "Action Research" "Case Studies" Ethnography "Evaluation Methods" "Evaluation Research" Experiments "Focus Groups" "Field Studies" Interviews Mail Surveys "Mixed Methods Research" "Naturalistic Observation" "Online Surveys" "Participant Observation" "Participatory Research" "Qualitative Research" Questionnaires Research "Statistical Analysis" "Statistical Studies" "Telephone Surveys"
PsycINFO (via EBSCOhost)	To find empirical articles in PsycINFO (via EBSCOhost): Go to "Advanced Search" Type your keywords and/or key phrases into the search boxes Scroll down the page to "Methodology," and choose "Empirical Study." Choose other limits, such as publication date, if needed. Select Search

GALILEO searches across all of the Libraries' databases at once.
Enter a few keywords and/or "key phrases", or search by title or author > Search or hit Enter/Return

Find empirical research in databases - a "medium level" search

Top databases
Additional databases

Most databases do not have a specific filter for empirical research. A summary of tips on how to identify empirical research from the box above:

Select the Peer-Reviewed / Scholarly filter, if available
Skim read the abstracts and look for clues that the article or conference paper is one of empirical research
Skim read the article to be sure
If in doubt, check with a librarian or with your professor.

Why search within an individual or a set of databases rather than GALILEO?

As GALILEO covers a wide range of disciplines, searching within an individual, or a small set of subject-specialty databases can be more on target and efficient. Try GALILEO first, and then run a similar search in a subject database/set of databases, and compare the results.

Did you know EBSCOhost databases can be searched together?
Enter one of the EBSCOhost databases below > Select 'Choose Databases' > Select desired databases > OK.

Education Database (Proquest)
Education database (Proquest) provides articles from over 1,000 full-text journals on the study and application of education across all levels of education, including early childhood education, primary and secondary education, and higher education.
Education Source
Education Source (EBSCOhost) offers the largest and most complete collection of full-text education journals. Covers all levels of education - from early childhood to higher education - as well as all educational specialties, such as multilingual education, health education, and testing.
ERIC (at EBSCOhost)
ERIC (via EBSCOhost) provides literature, including journal articles, reports, and other sources, to support the use of educational research and information to improve practice in learning, teaching, educational decision-making, and research.
Child Development and Adolescent Studies
Child Development & Adolescent Studies (EBSCOhost) provides references to the current and historical literature related to growth and development of children through the age of 21.
Professional Development Collection (education)
Profesional Development Collection (EBSCOhost) provides journal articles and pamphlets, especially for professional educators. Includes abstract and index coverage for 800 professional development titles and searchable full text for over 500 journals covering the most current topics in the field of education.

Most databases do not have a specific filter for empirical research. A summary of tips on how to identify empirical research from the box above:

Select the Peer-Reviewed / Scholarly filter, if available
Skim read the abstracts and look for clues that the article or conference paper is one of empirical research
Skim read the article to be sure
If in doubt, check with a librarian or with your professor.

Did you know EBSCOhost databases can be searched together?
Enter one of the EBSCOhost databases below> Select 'Choose Databases' > Select desired databases > OK.

ERIC (at www.eric.ed.gov)
ERIC (via www.eric.ed.gov/) provides the same content as ERIC (via EBSCOhost), except via its original platform, the U.S. Department of Education database. Search features and functionality may vary.
PsycARTICLES
PsychARTICLES (EBSCOhost) includes full-text, peer-reviewed scholarly and scientific articles in general psychology and specialized basic, applied, clinical, and theoretical research in psychology.
Psychology & Behavioral Sciences Collection
Psychology & Behavioral Sciences Collection (EBSCOhost) includes articles from 410 full-text journal covering information concerning topics in emotional and behavioral characteristics, psychiatry & psychology, mental processes, anthropology, and observational & experimental methods.
PsycINFO
PsycINFO (EBSCOhost) is American Psychological Association's (APA) resource for abstracts of scholarly journal articles, book chapters, books, and dissertations, the largest resource devoted to peer-reviewed literature in behavioral science and mental health.

A summary of advanced search techniques and tactics

The table below outlines search techniques to help you find more relevant results. Go to each tab to find out more about each one.

Example Problem of Practice: Bullying in my elementary classroom due to lack of emotional intelligence. No students with disabilities in my class.

Firstly, brainstorm any synonyms: Think of additional synonyms or related keywords to include in your search. For example:

elementary classroom - elementary classroom, primary classroom
bullying - teasing

Apply the following search techniques wherever applicable to find more relevant results.

Search Technique	Format	Example
Exact Phrase Searching	"key phrase"	"emotional intelligence"
Boolean Operators	AND, OR, NOT	[Search Row 1] "emotional intelligence" AND [Row 2] bullying OR teasing AND [Row 3] "elementary classroom" OR "primary classroom" NOT [Row 4] disabilities
Parentheses Instead of using multiple search rows, you can input your search query in the simple search box using parentheses to group your search terms.	(keyword/phrase BOOLEAN OPERATOR keyword/phrase)	(bullying OR teasing) AND "emotional intelligence" AND ("elementary classroom" OR "primary classroom") NOT disabilities
Truncation Device	Typically an asterisk: * May vary according to the database, so check the database's Help menu to be certain.	[Search Row 1] "emotional intelligence" AND [Row 2] bully* OR teasing AND [Row 3] "elementary class" OR "primary class" NOT [Row 4] disabilit*
Wildcard	Typically a pound symbol or question mark. Varies according to the database, so check the database's Help menu to verify what the wildcard symbol is.	"classroom management" AND "STE#M class*")

Exact Phrase Search

What it does	The format	Example/s
Will retrieve results containing your "key phrase" in the order that you have inputted at least once in the record details or in the full text, i.e. the entire article, eBook, etc.	"Key phrase"	"classroom management" will find the phrase 'classroom management' at least once; it won't separate the words.

Boolean Operators

What they do	The format	Example
Boolean operators are 'connectors'. They combine keywords or key phrases in order to narrow or expand your search. In a simple search, if you use no Boolean Operator, the default operator is typically AND.	AND OR NOT	"Classroom management" AND bullying AND elementary NOT "high school"

Parentheses

What they do	The format	Example/s
Parentheses direct the search engine to perform your search in a certain order. They are great for expanding your search by combining synonyms and then connecting groups of synonyms with a Boolean Operator.	Example: (keyword/phrase BOOLEAN OPERATOR keyword/phrase) BOOLEAN OPERATOR (keyword/phrase BOOLEAN OPERATOR keyword/phrase)	"classroom management" AND bullying AND (elementary OR primary) NOT "high school"

Truncation

What it does	The format	Example
Enter part of a keyword and place the truncation symbol at the end. The database will return results that include any ending of that partial word.	Typically an asterisk i.e. * May vary from database to database.	"classroom management" AND bully* AND (elementary OR primary) NOT "high school" *** bully* will retrieve bully and bullying

Wildcard

What it does	The format	Example
A wildcard will substitute a symbol for one letter of a word. Great for including spelling variations of a keyword in your search. For some major databases, wildcards to account for American, Canadian, British, and Australian English spelling differences are unnecessary.	Typically a question mark or pound, i.e. ? or a # May vary according to the database. Consult the database's 'Help' or 'Search Tips' page to verify the wildcard symbol.	ne?t or ne#t will retrieve next, nest, neat, newt, etc.

Educational Theories & Practice: EDTD 6001 - Theory to Practice I - Craddock

EDTD 6001 Annotated Bibliography assignment

What is empirical research, and how do I find it?

What is empirical research?

How do you know if a study is empirical?

Confirm you found empirical research by identifying key characteristics:

Examples of empirical research in the field of education

Where is empirical research published?

How can I search for empirical research articles?

Help! I am finding too many results that aren't empirical research. What can I do?

Database aggregator or database

Search Tips

Find empirical research in databases - a "medium level" search

Most databases do not have a specific filter for empirical research. A summary of tips on how to identify empirical research from the box above:

Why search within an individual or a set of databases rather than GALILEO?

Most databases do not have a specific filter for empirical research. A summary of tips on how to identify empirical research from the box above:

A summary of advanced search techniques and tactics

Search Technique

Format

Example