Demystifying Research

Abstract

Despite the need to adopt evidence-based school reform practices, administrators are often stymied by the proliferation of instructional strategies not supported by research data. In this article, misconceptions about research terms are clarified, and sources for reliable studies are suggested. We offer practical guidelines for determining whether findings are credible and relevant for a particular context. By demystifying research, it is hoped school administrators will be encouraged to be critical consumers of research studies when making administrative decisions.

Keywords

research-based best practice decision making educational leadership administration and management school reform

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