Research questions in chemistry education research can be addressed using a variety of tools. The methods used by researchers can be classified as quantitative or qualitative in nature, with many studies utilizing techniques from both categories to fully explore the issues of interest. This poster will address some of the considerations related to the selection and application of methods using completed or in-progress research endeavors of the authors as examples. To measure students' perceptions of scientific research, the Awareness of and Attitudes Toward Scientific Research Inventory (AASRI) has been designed and evidence has been examined to assess the validity and reliability of the data produced by this instrument. This process involved both quantitative and qualitative research methods, with the former being much more heavily applied. More to the qualitative end of the spectrum, organic students' understandings of nucleophiles, electrophiles, and reactivity as it relates to organic chemistry concepts was explored through semi-structured interviews.

Development of the awareness of and attitudes toward scientific research inventory (AASRI) and probing organic chemistry students' understandings of organic reactivity: Two distinct research projects as a context for discussing methodological considerations in chemistry education research

248th National Meeting (2014)

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