Glossary of Related Terms
Scientifically based research: Research based on systematic observations or experiments that obtains acceptance by peer-reviewed journals or a panel of independent experts.
Systematic and objective procedures: Methods used in research that are repeated consistently and with no variation to ensure accurate reporting.
Reliable: Using a consistent of a set of measurements or measuring instrument
Reliable across evaluators: This reflects that there is an objective system in place to ensure that all parties evaluating a program are consistent in expectations and reporting.
Reliable across multiple measurements: This reflects that the different research methods and measurements used to evaluate a program are equal and measure similar expectations.
Reliable across studies: This reflects that a program has consistent finding among several studies, and that these findings are relative to each other.
Valid: The study or tool is measuring what it is supposed to measure.
Empirical: Dependent on evidence or consequences that are observable by the senses. Empirical data is data that is produced by experiment or observation.
Experiment: A set of actions and observations, performed in the context of solving a particular problem or question, in order to support or falsify a hypothesis.
Experimental: Indicates that a program is in the observation stage and has not been tested thoroughly, or that test results cannot be shared due to a lack of accuracy.
Quasi-experimental: A research design that resembles an experimental design but has no random assignment. This design allows researchers to look at relationships between variables rather than causes and effects.
Action-based research: Learning by doing.” A group of people identify a problem, do something to resolve it, see how successful their efforts were, and if not satisfied, try again.
Controls: Identifying variables in order to explain why something happens in an experiment. A control is the variable. Controls are needed to eliminate alternate explanations of experimental results.
Random-assignment: Selecting by chance. Members of an experiment can be assigned to a group by random assignment.
Rigorous data analysis: A system of analysis that is repetitive and checks for reliability errors and validity.
Hypotheses: Either a suggested explanation for a phenomenon (an educated guess) that is proven or disproven by research.
Replication: Repeating an experiment to validate the results.
Peer-reviewed journal: A journal that publishes only research evaluated by other experts in a field. The other experts, or peers, typically belong to the organization that publishes the journal.
Interventions: Programs (for example, Accelerated Schools), products (for example, a textbook or a particular curriculum), practices (for example, mixed-age grouping), and policies (for example, class size reduction) that can be adopted by multiple schools and districts.
ethod: A body of techniques for investigating phenomena and acquiring new knowledge, as well as for correcting and integrating previous knowledge.
Research:
- Research originates with a question or a problem.
- Research requires a clear articulation of a goal.
- Research follows a specific plan of procedure.
- Research usually divides the principal problem into more manageable sub-problems.
- Research is guided by the specific research problem, question, or hypothesis.
- Research accepts certain critical assumptions. These assumptions are underlying theories or ideas about how the world works.
- Research requires the collection and interpretation of data in attempting to resolve the problem that initiated the research.
**The reports linked on this site were prepared in response to requests from Region 10 school districts to review specific programs and strategies to determine if these programs and strategies were scientifically based as defined by and required by the No Child Left Behind Act. The reports do not constitute an endorsement of any particular program. Region 10 does not receive any monetary gain or benefit in reviewing any of the programs or strategies listed. The reports are intended to be just one source of information that may help teachers, principals, and district personnel in selecting curriculum materials to provide effective instruction. The information found includes: extent to which their content, organization, and instructional strategies are consistent with scientifically based research. This listing is not comprehensive since many potentially useful programs have not yet been reviewed. Any interested individual or entity may submit information on programs or strategies that are not listed for consideration by Region 10 for inclusion on this list. Region 10 does not endorse programs, products, practices, or policies. Any program or intervention strategy that is listed or gets favorable results or a favorable review does not mean that Region 10 “approves” or “endorses” the program or strategy being studied or reviewed. It simply means that the program or strategy was designed and implemented in a way that allows Region 10 to publicize the results that it has obtained. Consistent with Region 10’s approach, the data and sources forming the foundation of the results listed are cited. Region 10 does not verify the accuracy of the information submitted, nor does it assess their qualifications.
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