It’s impossible for a researcher not to carry biases into their work. An effective researcher will be aware of these biases. This awareness allows researchers to monitor the effects of these biases on their work and adjust accordingly.
With my research topic, does increased technology in classrooms improve test scores; I am carrying several biases into the study. First and foremost, I have witnessed the marginalization of teachers. The respect for the profession has decreased a great deal of the recent past. I think a growing number of people feel that the teacher’s job is simply administrative and that the education of students can be effectively out sources to technology. I believe that, and I have to be careful about this beliefs influence on my study.
Another bias that piggy-backs on the previous one is the reallocation of funds away from education professional and towards electronic gadgetry. I am constantly hearing stories of increased classroom sizes, because of under staffing, but at the same school, students will be provided ipods and/or laptops. The clear implication is that technology, not education professionals are the key to a successful education.
Wow Charlie- we have the same biases regarding technology! However, I do wonder if the use of technology (fluency in this domain)is important to the education of a modern student. Are you considering in your research the possible connections between student engagement and success? Also, how will you determine or segregate teachers that are using technology correctly? Are you measuring the use of any technology in a classroom- (a hook/gimmick), or the use of technology as a means to increase learning. Good luck!
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