Abstract:
Data analysis is an important step in the research process as it influences the quality and standard of reporting research findings. Based on a review of the content of 255 doctorate theses, the use of computer applications for data analysis in educational research was assessed. It was feasible to assess how extensively used and accepted computer packages had become in educational research using an aspect of the diffusion of innovations theory as part of the conceptual framework. The results showed that the use of computer applications to analyse data was more prevalent among researchers using quantitative and mixed-methods research methodologies than among qualitative educational researchers. Educational researchers have not yet fully adopted innovative computer data analysis techniques in their research. It is evident that they use traditional technologies more than computer applications in their research. Name dropping of the computer applications used without employing the language or visualisations features provided by the applications was rife. This article bridges the gap between methodological scholarship and the use of computer applications in data analysis. It illuminates the potential of computer software to enhance the quality of the reporting of findings. The article aims to contribute to improvements in the standard of research reporting and the attributes of the graduates. The practical methodological advice in this article is aimed at guiding researchers who consider using computer packages in data analysis, irrespective of their methodological orientation. It stimulates debate on the use of computer applications in data analysis.
摘要:
数据分析是研究过程中的重要步骤,因为它影响报告研究结果的质量和标准。根据对255篇博士学位论文内容的回顾,评估了在教育研究中使用计算机应用程序进行数据分析的情况。使用创新理论的传播作为概念框架的一部分,可以评估教育研究中广泛使用和接受的计算机软件包的发展情况。结果表明,使用定量和混合方法研究方法的研究人员比使用定性教育研究人员更普遍地使用计算机应用程序来分析数据。教育研究人员尚未在研究中完全采用创新的计算机数据分析技术。很明显,他们在研究中使用传统技术而不是计算机应用。在不使用应用程序提供的语言或可视化功能的情况下使用的计算机应用程序的名称删除很普遍。本文弥合了方法论奖学金与在数据分析中使用计算机应用程序之间的差距。它阐明了计算机软件提高调查结果报告质量的潜力。本文旨在帮助改进研究报告的标准和毕业生的属性。本文中的实用方法建议旨在指导考虑在数据分析中使用计算机软件包的研究人员,不管他们的方法论取向如何。它激发了关于在数据分析中使用计算机应用程序的辩论。