Introduction
Welcome to the Foundations of Formative Research instructional unit.
Much like a scientist tests theories, researchers must do the same for their instructional designs and theoretical frameworks. One method used to evaluate theories is Formative Research. In an effort to better explain the processes associated with this methodology, this unit was developed.
Although there are no specific perequisite classes, it is expected as doctoral students that you've taken research methods and instructional design courses. If you do not feel that you have a basic understanding of these concepts please take the time to review prior to starting this unit.
This unit does require you to have access to three books. You are only required to read specific sections which are listed throughout the unit however you are encouraged to read them entirely. This unit also requires you to have copies of relevant design documents due to your role as an instructional designer who seeks to improve a grounded design theory. It is assumed that you have instructional design case resources with appropriate design notes and plans. If you do not have these documents, please contact your instructor who will rememdy your situation. The required books are:
Hays, R.T. (2006). The science of learning: A systems theory approach. Boca Raton, Florida: Brown Walker Press.
Reigeluth, C. M., & Frick, T. W. (1999). Formative research methodology for creating and improving design theories. In C. M. Reigeluth (Ed.), Instructional design theories and models: A new paradigm of instructional theory Volume II (pp. 631-651). Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence, Earlbaum Associates.
Richey, R. C., & Klein, J. D. (2007). Design and development research. Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum.
The main goal of this lesson is to give you an introduction to the key concepts of formative research and to help you develop a formative research plan. Along the way, we'll discuss challenges that professors face while developing their own theories and deciding what type of formative research is best to use given a specific case. You'll be asked to reflect upon your learning experiences through self-reflection and using the classroom bulletin boards.
In order to navigate through this unit, please use the buttons on the left side of each page. On this page you'll notice two special links only for this page: the portfolio narrative and unit references. These sections were developed by the instructional designers as additional resources to the unit. We've also provided links to our Formative Evaluation protocol, instrument, analysis and findings.
Please use the Main Menu button on the left side of the page, to begin your formative research journey.
**Although this prototype was initially developed for a Web-based course, its recommended implementation is through a Mixed Mode setting due to its complexity. This is to allow an instructor to aid the facilitation of learning and to fill in any contextual gaps.