Examples of Research Case

**Title:** *Investigating High School Teachers' Strategies for Engaging Learners in Mathematics through
Technology: A Mixed-Methods Study*

**Research Questions:**

1. What types of technological tools do high school teachers use to engage learners in mathematics?

2. How do high school teachers implement these tools to enhance engagement in mathematics?

3. What challenges do teachers face when using technology to teach mathematics?

**Research Methods / Approach:**

This study adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews.
By using both methods, the research aims to capture numerical trends in technology use as well as
detailed insights into teachers’ experiences.

**Research Paradigm:**

The study is rooted in the pragmatic paradigm, emphasizing practical solutions to the research problem
and the integration of both quantitative and qualitative data to answer the research questions.

**Participants and Sampling:**

Participants include 15 high school mathematics teachers from various schools within a district.
Purposive sampling was used to select teachers who regularly incorporate technology into their
teaching.

**Research Instruments:**

- **Surveys**: A quantitative survey was distributed to gather data on the frequency and type of
technology used.

- **Interviews**: Semi-structured interviews were conducted to gain in-depth understanding of

**Data Analysis:**
Quantitative survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to identify common patterns in
technology usage. Qualitative interview data were analyzed thematically to uncover recurring themes
and challenges related to technology integration in mathematics.

**Reliability and Validity:**

Reliability of the survey was ensured by conducting a pilot test and using established questions for
technology engagement. For validity, the study used triangulation by comparing survey and interview
findings. Member-checking was also employed, where interview participants reviewed summaries of
their responses to confirm accuracy.

### **Analysis Questions and Answers**

#### **1. Identify the research paradigm, approach, and design used in this study. (3 marks)**

**Answer**:

- **Research Paradigm**: Pragmatic

- **Research Approach**: Mixed-methods

- **Research Design**: Descriptive case study

#### **2. Evaluate whether there is coherence between the chosen research paradigm and research
approach, providing justification for your response. (3 marks)**

**Answer**:

Yes, there is coherence. The pragmatic paradigm focuses on practical solutions and allows flexibility in
method choice, making it compatible with a mixed-methods approach. This approach enables the
researcher to gather comprehensive data through both quantitative (survey) and qualitative (interview)
methods, aligning well with pragmatism's emphasis on practical problem-solving.

#### **3. Name the data collection instruments used in the study and explain how each instrument
addresses the research questions. (3 marks)**

**Answer**:

- **Surveys**: Used to gather quantitative data on the types and frequency of technology used, directly
answering Research Question 1.

- **Interviews**: Used to gather qualitative insights on implementation methods (Research Question 2)

**Answer**:

- **Sample Size**: 15 high school mathematics teachers.

- **Sampling Strategy**: Purposive sampling.

- **Evaluation**: The purposive sampling is appropriate because it selects teachers who already use
technology, ensuring relevant responses for the study’s focus. However, with only 15 participants,
findings may have limited generalizability but will provide detailed insights.

#### **5. Critique the reliability and validity measures used for the survey and interviews in this study.
(4 marks)**

**Answer**:

- **Reliability**: The survey’s pilot test contributes to reliability by refining questions for clarity, which
reduces the likelihood of response bias. Using established survey questions also supports reliability by
ensuring consistency in measurement.

- **Validity**: Triangulation (cross-verifying survey and interview data) and member-checking enhance
validity by ensuring that results accurately reflect teachers’ experiences. However, conducting a pilot
interview could further validate the interview guide for clarity.

#### **6. Given the study’s focus, suggest one improvement for enhancing data quality. Justify your
suggestion. (3 marks)**

**Answer**:

Adding classroom observations could improve data quality by allowing the researcher to witness
technology integration in real time. Observations provide an additional layer of validity, capturing non-
verbal cues and instructional strategies that might not emerge in surveys or interviews alone.

#### **7. Explain the main advantage of using a mixed-methods approach in this study. (2 marks)**

**Answer**:

The mixed-methods approach combines quantitative trends with in-depth qualitative insights, offering a
more holistic view of how teachers use technology. This approach allows the researcher to understand
not only which tools are used but also the context and challenges, providing a richer picture of
technology integration in math education.
#### **8. How might the pragmatic paradigm influence the interpretation of findings in this study? (2
marks)**

**Answer**:

The pragmatic paradigm encourages the researcher to focus on practical outcomes and actionable
insights. Findings are likely to be interpreted in terms of how they can directly improve or inform
technology use in mathematics education, emphasizing real-world applications rather than purely
theoretical insights.

Here are additional questions based on the same example case. These questions encourage deeper
analysis and critical thinking about the research design, methodology, and potential implications of the
study:

#### **9. Discuss one potential limitation of using a mixed-methods design in this study. (2 marks)**

**Answer**:

One limitation of mixed methods is the time and resources required to analyze both quantitative and
qualitative data. In this study, managing the survey data alongside thematic analysis of interview
transcripts may be time-intensive, potentially impacting the study’s feasibility and scope, especially with
a small sample size.

#### **10. If the researcher wanted to increase the generalizability of the study’s findings, what
sampling technique could be more appropriate, and why? (3 marks)**

**Answer**:

To improve generalizability, **random sampling** could be used to select participants from a broader
population of high school math teachers in various districts, rather than purposive sampling in one
district. Random sampling would reduce selection bias and ensure that findings are more representative
of diverse educational settings.

#### **11. Evaluate the effectiveness of using surveys to measure the types and frequency of
technology used in mathematics classes. (3 marks)**

**Answer**:

Surveys are effective for gathering structured, quantifiable data on the types and frequency of
technology tools used, as they allow for straightforward analysis of trends. However, they may lack
depth, as surveys often provide limited insight into *why* certain tools are preferred or the specific
conditions under which they are effective, requiring complementary qualitative data.

#### **12. Based on the data analysis methods used, suggest an additional software tool that could
enhance qualitative data analysis and justify its use. (3 marks)**
**Answer**:

**ATLAS.ti** could enhance qualitative data analysis by providing advanced coding, visualization, and
organization features for thematic data, which may offer more nuanced insights into teachers’
experiences with technology. It allows for efficient management of complex data, making it suitable for
identifying patterns across multiple interviews and observation notes.

#### **13. Identify one ethical consideration that researchers should address when conducting
interviews and explain its importance. (3 marks)**

**Answer**:

**Confidentiality** is essential, as teachers may share sensitive opinions about their school’s practices
or limitations in technology use. Ensuring that individual responses remain confidential encourages
openness and honesty, protecting participants from potential professional repercussions and fostering
trust in the research process.

#### **14. Given the interpretive elements of the study, what data collection method could be added to
strengthen the depth of understanding, and why? (3 marks)**

**Answer**:

**Reflective journals** for teachers could deepen understanding, as they would allow participants to
document their ongoing thoughts and reflections on using technology over time. This method would
capture a more continuous, real-time account of challenges and successes, offering richer insights than
one-time interviews.

#### **15. Critically assess the rationale behind choosing the pragmatic paradigm for this study,
considering the study’s aims and methods. (3 marks)**

**Answer**:

The pragmatic paradigm is well-suited as it supports the mixed-methods design, aiming for practical
outcomes that can inform educational practices. Pragmatism values both quantitative and qualitative
insights, aligning with the study’s focus on practical challenges and solutions in technology use. However,
if the study had a more theoretical focus, an interpretivist paradigm might offer more depth in exploring
teachers' perceptions and beliefs.

#### **16. Suggest one way the researcher could enhance the reliability of qualitative data collected
from interviews and explain its importance. (2 marks)**

**Answer**:
The researcher could enhance reliability by **using an interview protocol** with structured, open-
ended questions, ensuring consistency across all interviews. This approach reduces interviewer bias and
enables comparable responses, enhancing the trustworthiness of the qualitative findings.

#### **17. Identify and explain one reason why triangulation was used in this study. (3 marks)**

**Answer**:

Triangulation was used to cross-validate findings from surveys and interviews, increasing the credibility
of the results. By comparing quantitative and qualitative data, the researcher can identify convergent
patterns, which helps confirm the reliability of insights regarding technology use and challenges in the
classroom.

#### **18. What alternative research approach could the researcher have chosen if the study focused
solely on understanding teachers' subjective experiences with technology? Justify your answer. (3
marks)**

**Answer**:

A **qualitative phenomenological approach** would be suitable if the study’s focus was exclusively on
teachers' subjective experiences, as it emphasizes deep exploration of participants' lived experiences.
This approach would allow the researcher to explore personal meanings and perceptions around
technology use, without the quantitative component.

#### **19. Explain how member-checking can improve the validity of interview data in this study. (2
marks)**

**Answer**:

Member-checking allows participants to review and verify their interview responses, ensuring accuracy
in the recorded data. This process helps capture the true intent of participants’ answers, minimizing
misunderstandings and enhancing the authenticity of the qualitative findings.

#### **20. If the researcher wants to measure the effectiveness of specific technologies in improving
engagement, what additional variable could be introduced, and how should it be measured? (3 marks)**

**Answer**:

An additional variable could be **learner engagement levels**, which can be measured through
observation checklists assessing indicators like participation, attention, and enthusiasm during
technology-based activities. This quantitative measure could then be compared with teachers’ self-
reported strategies, providing an objective assessment of engagement outcomes.