Activities for Chapter 1:  Locate an original report of empirical research in your field, read it, and respond to the following questions:

Are there any obvious sampling problems? Explain

The study that I read and responded to was on the impact of leadership on student outcomes.  The study was done by compiling empirical data from a 3 year mixed-methods national study that investigated the works of principals in effective and improving schools.  A critical survey of existing literature on the topic of school leadership was also done, followed by a national survey that looked at principals' perceptions and actions that impacted student achievement.  Finally, a case study using 20 schools , primary and secondary, was dissected.  The sample of 20 schools was enough to determine patterns and causal relationships that had an impact on school improvement.

Are there any obvious measurement problems? Explain

The researchers used a mixed-methods approach instead of a one dimensional quantitative or qualitative approach.  I believe that this approach provided a more indepth and clearer understanding of the behaviors and leadership of principals who were effective and were able to sustain that effectiveness.

Has the researcher examined only a narrowly defined problem?  Is it too narrow?  Explain

The research examined a well-defined problem-leadership impact on student outcomes and school improvement.  Providing historical views and past works on the topic from a number of resources gave a more indepth look at the problem and its historical significance and impact on schooling today.  It examined both instructional and transformational approaches that impacted school improvement using research that focused on either qualitative or quantitative research methods.  The researchers then shared their methods and made a case that using a combination approach to research methodology yielded a less one- dimensional view of the problem.

Did you notice any flaws? Explain

No flaws were noticed in the studies.  The researchers pointed out that past studies may have been one dimensional and that by using the mixed methods approach, they were able to avoid that pattern.  They believed that focusing solely on one type of approach decreased the possibilities of finding patterns and causal relationships.  They felt that their method was better to show the link between leadership practices that affected student outcomes.

Overall, do you think the research make an important contribution to advancing knowledge? Explain.

As a school principal, I found the research to be very helpful.  It confirmed what I already held to be true, that as a school leader, it is important to not only focus on instructional strategies, but also building relationships and changing school culture to impact student achievement.  It also opened my eyes to selecting the appropriate research methodology to effectively gather data for my study.