Design Parameters for Impact Research in Science Education: A Multistate Analysis

• In Event: 31.092 - Poster Session 5
  In Poster Session: 31.092-1 - Methodological Approaches to Program Evaluation in the Schools

Abstract

The Common Guidelines for Education Research and Development were created in an effort to streamline education research and contribute to an accumulation of knowledge leading to improved student outcomes. One category of research in the Guidelines is impact research, or research aimed at providing evidence as to whether or not an intervention is effective. In order to achieve the level of rigor expected for an impact study, it is common that a research team will employ a cluster randomized trial (CRT). This paper provides empirical estimates of design parameters for planning adequately powered impact studies focused on science achievement. The findings from this paper will continue to strengthen the capacity of the field to design impact studies.

Authors

• Jessaca K. Spybrook, Western Michigan University

• Carl Westine, The University of West Georgia

• Joseph Taylor, Abt Associates Inc.