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School of Education

Educational Research

What is Education Research?

Educational research is the process of studying how people learn and how teaching can be improved. It involves asking questions about classrooms, learning, schools, and policies, and using evidence to find answers that help students and teachers succeed.

Below are some common topics in educational research, along with some basic research strategies that can help you locate resources. 

Common Topics in EDU Quick Search

Research Basics

Information Literacy @ Cairn

Research Skills, a large part of Information Literacy, are built over time.
Use the Masland Library's Information Literacy Module to learn more so you can:

  • Find quality sources efficiently
  • Evaluate their credibility for strong arguments
  • Use evidence ethically to avoid plagiarism

Click here to learn more about Research skills

Research Process at a Glance

  1. Choosing a Topic

  2. Find Background Information

  3. Search for Material

  4. Evaluate Sources

  5. Cite Sources

Moving from research assignment to thesis statement

Your assignment may specify particular areas that can help you choose your topic; otherwise, you can also narrow your focus with the steps below:

1. Area: Start with a general area of interest. 

2. Subject: List subjects that fit within that area.

3. Topic: Select just one of the subjects to be the topic of your research.

4. Aspect: List different aspects of the topic.

5. Description: Choose the aspect of the topic that you want to explore further and formulate a description of your topic.

 

Choosing a Topic

Learn how to select a research topic with the Information Literacy Module. Explore this tutorial to discover strategies for identifying a compelling and manageable topic for your assignment.

 

How to Narrow Your Topic

Refine your research skills with the Information Literacy Module. Watch this video to learn strategies for narrowing your topic, including how to sharpen your focus, conduct strategic searches, and adapt your approach for a more effective research process.

Background Research

Reference materials are designed to help you get started on your research and to give you a better understanding of a topic​.

Examples of Reference Materials

  • Handbooks – Provide concise, factual information on a subject ​

  • Dictionaries – Contain brief explanatory entries of terms​

  • Encyclopedias – Authoritative summary of information​

  • Atlases – Highlight how geography relates to the topic

Check out more information here: Find References Sources.

Reference Source Quick Link

Keywords

Many databases and search engines use keywords to locate information. To effectively find resources, you will need to break down your topic or research question into the most important ideas or concepts.

Example: 

  • The role of social media on college students' procrastination habits. 

The specifics of the topic will help with selecting sources, but for searching, you only need the most essential components. 

Try a Search: Social Media AND College Students AND Procrastination

Looking for a particular term? 

Use a "PHRASE SEARCH" strategy to search for several words in a phrase, such as a proper name. 

  • Cloning AND "Genetic Engineering" 

This will bring back results that only use that exact phrase.

Examining Sources

Examining sources involves diving into the resources you have found relating to your topic or research question. 

  • Critically read and understand the content of your sources.
  • Identifying the main arguments, evidence, and conclusions.

Watch a short video here: 

Evaluating Sources

Investigating and Verifying Sources

To get a deeper understanding of the criteria above, explore the following videos and tutorials from the Information Literacy Module:

What is Authority 

Introduction to Bias

Types of Basis 

Understanding Misinformation

Evaluating Digital Sources Using Lateral Reading