Experimental research is one of the most
powerful research methodologies that researchers can use. It is the best way to establish
cause-and-effect relationships among variables.
Experimental research, according to Fraenkel et.al. (2012), is a
research that is quantitative in nature and in which at least one independent
variable is manipulated, other relevant variables are controlled, and the
effect on one or more dependent variable is observed. According to them, it is
unique in two important respects: it is the only type of research that directly
attempts to influence a particular behavior, and when properly applied, it is
the best type for testing hypothesis for a cause-and-effect relationship.
To
better understand the research methodology, I read an experimental study entitled
“Improving Students’ Spelling, Grammar and Academic Performance through
Teacher’s SMS Feedback and Correction” (please spare me for not mentioning the
name of the author – for confidentiality sake).
It aims to determine the effect of teacher’s SMS feedback and correction
on grammar, spelling and academic performance of Grade 8 students. As regard to the problem, the following
hypotheses were presented: (1) there is no significant effect; (2) there is no
significant effect; (3) there is no significant effect and; (4) there is no
significant effect.
As
I mentioned earlier, the research methodology used is experimental research. Specifically, the researcher utilized a Quasi-Experimental
Design of Quantitative Research. Since Quasi-experimental design do not include
the use of random assignment, the researcher used purposive sampling to select
the desired respondents to at least reduce the threats to internal validity
(Fraenkel et.al 2012). Under such
design, the Matching-Only Pretest-Posttest Control Group Design was used
wherein the researcher matched the subjects in the experimental and control
groups on certain variables.
It has always
been an issue to Quasi-Experimental Design of Quantitative Research the threats
to internal validity. But in the study,
it has been carefully handled through matching the individuals receiving one
treatment with the individuals receiving the other treatments with respect on
certain variables. And it is highly
commendable for a study having two matched groups knowing the absence of
randomization.
Another, it is stated in the methodology
that the study is a combination of quantitative and qualitative type of
research. Since the study used
Quasi-Experimental Design, it is surely a quantitative type of research. However, it is also a qualitative type of
research due to the use of interview as one of the methods of gathering
information. But, I do not know if I’m
mistaken because I can’t see any results presented regarding the interviews
done. I just think so (not so sure of
that thing).
The Data
Gathering Procedure was quite bloody but worthy. The researcher began the study by letting the
respondents, both in experimental and control groups, write a pre-composition
writing answering the first question.
Next, the teacher-researcher sent questions to the respondents through
SMS, once a day for 6 weeks during their English class period with the
teacher-in-charge in each school. The
teacher-researcher feedbacked and corrected the responses of the respondents in
the experimental group and sent them back to the respondents while the control
group received no treatment or intervention.
This is the most significant part of the methodology, wherein the
researcher manipulates the experimental group only, leaving the control group
alone, and later on study the effect of the treatment or intervention. After 6 weeks, all the respondents wrote a
post-composition writing answering the second question administered by the
teacher-researcher. Then a survey
questionnaire was floated to the respondents in the experimental group and a
follow-up interview after that was administered to the respondents. The pre-composition writings, answers sent
through SMS, post-composition writings, and interview data were all vital for
the findings of the study. These are the
essential part of the study wherein the findings will be used as a guide for
all language educators on how to help their language students more effectively. Anyway, that is the use of researches or
studies in education, to create knowledge regarding the field of education,
most especially on how to improve the teachers’ pedagogy.
*(Thank you and
kudos to the researcher.)
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