Educational Research: A Perspective. Occasional Paper 05/84.

Based on an analysis of the trends in educational research, the paper presents a conceptual model, general trends, and areas of need in educational research. Following an introduction, a conceptual model is presented which helps readers visualize three sets of variables. Set 1 variables center around the educational influences of social class, home, school, and curriculum. Set 2 variables focus on the child's developmental stages and processes of learning, and set 3 variables deal with learning outcomes. In addition, a distinction is made between micro- and macro-level problems of teaching and learning. Next, trends of educational research are discussed. Major areas of research at the beginning of this century are related to the conceptual model and to current trends in research. Current trends include an increase in the study of complex interactions between social variables, learning processes, and outcomes; teaching processes, teacher behavior, and teacher effectiveness; individual differences (particularly those between underachievers and talented students); and measurement and evaluation of learning outcomes. There has also been an increase in methodolgical sophistication and input by other disciplines. Finally, major areas of need in educational research are identified, including the need to further understand social, cultural, and historical influences; consider non-cognitive learning outcomes; conduct more longitudinal studies; encourage greater communication of research findings; and keep pace with methodological and technical developments in research. (LH)