When the Assignment Is a Question

What were the issues, successes,

and failures of the Civil Rights
movement from the 1960s
through the 1970s?
Notice it begins with What were.
This is a good clue that you
should identify the issues,
successes, and failures

QUESTION WORDS - WHAT THEY

USUALLY MEAN

 What is/are . . .

define or identify
What caused . . .
identify or explain
How are/does . . .
explain or evaluate
How is X like . . .
compare
How is X different . . .
contrast
In what way . . .
illustrate
Do you agree? .
argue
Why is/does . . .
explain
What do you think of X? .
evaluate

Understanding Direction Words

Analyze .. Divide the issue into its main parts and

discuss each part. Consider how the parts interact and how
they work together to form the whole.
Argue . Express your opinion about the subject, and
support it with evidence, examples, and details.
Assess See evaluate.
Classify ... Organize the subject into groups and explain
why the groupings make sense.
Compare . Point out similarities.
Contrast . Point out differences.
Define Give the meaning of the subject.

 Describe Show readers what the subject is like; give

an account of the subject.

Discuss
Point out the main issues or
characteristics of the subject and elaborate.
Evaluate Make a judgment about the effectiveness
and success of the subject. What is good and bad about it?
Why? Describe your criteria for your judgment.
Explain . Make your position, issue, process, etc. clear
by analyzing, defining, comparing, contrasting, or
illustrating.
Identify . Name and describe.

 Illustrate .

Provide examples of the subject.

Indicate . Explain what you think the subject means
and how you came to that interpretation (what makes you
conclude that it means X).
Relate .. Point out and discuss any connections.
Summarize . Describe the main ideas or points.

2.2.1. Survey Research

The gathering of opinions about a subject
Carefully selecting a representative group

(sample)
Gathering and analyzing opinions from the
sample
Generalizing the results from the sample

2.2.2. Longitudinal Research

A study that examines and analyzes the same

group or unit over a long period of time in

order to determine patterns & sequences of
development
Example: the development of aggression

2.2.3. Case study

To study a unit in depth in order to understand

how the unit functions in its setting

Ex: analyzing in depth the speaking problems
of IU students

2.2.4. Correlation study

Investigating the degree of relationship between

phenomena or variables
Information gained helps to understand and
predict relationships (serving as predictive
guides);
Ex: - the relationship b/w reading achievement and
classroom and student variables.
- the relationship b/w 2 variables: creativity & personality

2.2.5. Ex Post Facto Study

Faced with a problem, researcher tries to

determine the possible causes by searching and

examining data in retrospect;
Results help to understand causes of problems,

thus preparing preventive measures at an

earlier stage

2.3. Experimental Research

A theory or problem is analyzed by studying

cause-&-effect relationships;
An independent variable is manipulated

study its effect on a dependent

variable;

to

2.3. Experimental Research (contd)

Independent variable: the treatment,

experimental, or manipulated variable.

Dependent variable: the outcome variable;
Example:
- In research on effectiveness of reading
method of students achievement;
- Independent var.: method of reading;
- Dependent var.: gain or loss in
achievement.

3. Action Research
Aim at the solving of a problem in a local

setting such as the classroom

The researcher is not interested in generalizing
the results to other settings;

Research Procedure
A systematic process:
1.

State the problem / hypothesis;

2.

Review the literature;

3.

Describe how to solve the problem;

4.

Determine the results (Data analysis);

5.

Comment &/or make final conclusion;