01/20/2010 24470

EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATE 1

DEFINITION: This is professional complex educational research and evaluation work of educational programs or issues throughout the Commonwealth.

An employee in this job conducts research and evaluation studies of educational programs or issues affecting education within the State. Work involves defining the nature of the study, developing and refining the methods to be used, identifying data and information requirements, and determining the analytical and evaluative criteria to be utilized. Work includes designing and conducting controlled studies, performing comprehensive literary and data research, and analyzing and evaluating data collected using diverse, sophisticated statistical analytic techniques and the application of computer systems methodologies. Duties involve
communicating the results of studies through oral or written reports. Work includes providing assistance and collaboration with curriculum and program specialists within and outside the Department on research and evaluation processes. Work may also involve monitoring state sponsored research conducted by outside agencies for conformance with state and federal guidelines. Work is performed with independence under the general supervision of a professional or administrative supervisor and is reviewed through staff conferences and analysis of work performed.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Serves as a consultant on educational research and evaluation and educational design and methodology to department staff.

Analyzes and evaluates educational information and data to identify issues for study, defines research or evaluation needs, and determines analytical and evaluative methodologies appropriate for the investigation of issues identified.

Plans and conducts historical, descriptive, and experimental research and evaluation studies in the field of education.

Plans and develops research and evaluation design procedures, data collection instruments, and methods of analysis consistent with study requirements.

Analyzes and evaluates research and evaluation data collected using advanced and sophisticated statistical techniques, including the measurement of central tendency and variability, chi square, coefficients of correlation, analysis of variance and covariance, regression analysis, and non-parametric statistics.

Uses computer packages or specialized computer programs and systems to generate research and evaluation data for analysis and interpretation to perform complex data analyses and to prepare tables, graphs, and reports.

Formulates conclusions and recommendations and prepares written reports of findings for publication.

Conducts comprehensive literary and data research, using professional journals, dissertations, abstracts, and informational data bases and computerized literature searches.

Disseminates research and evaluation findings and reports at professional meetings and in professional publications.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of statistical methods and concepts and their application to educational research and evaluation.

Knowledge of scientific methods and philosophy and their application to educational research, measurement, and evaluation.

Knowledge of historical, descriptive, and experimental research design, methodologies, and techniques.

Knowledge of educational measurement and evaluation practices and methodologies and their appropriateness in the conduct of research or evaluation studies.

Knowledge of computer-based methodology and software for the collection and manipulation of data, and in the performance of data and statistical analysis and report generation.

Knowledge of educational and teaching principles, practices, and developments.

Knowledge of research journals, texts, publications, and sources of material and information in education and related fields.

Ability to identify and interpret complex issues in education and related fields that warrant research or evaluation.

Ability to formulate researchable hypotheses and to structure research designs to account for relevant variables and the nature of the issues to be studied.

Ability to develop, analyze and interpret measurement, testing, and evaluative procedures and instruments with reliability, relevance, and validity.

Ability to evaluate and interpret quantitative and statistical data for validity, reliability, and relevance to issues being studied.

Ability to present complex research and statistical findings, data, and studies orally and in written reports.

Ability to identify and interpret research material to obtain information needed for research and evaluation studies in education and related areas.

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Three years of professional educational research experience involving the performance of descriptive research;

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Three years of professional research experience; and one graduate level course each in research methodology, sampling and survey techniques, and educational psychology; and two graduate level courses each in statistics, statistical analysis, and educational measurement;

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An equivalent combination of experience and training.