{"id":1440,"date":"2018-11-27T16:47:00","date_gmt":"2018-11-28T00:47:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/research\/?page_id=1440"},"modified":"2024-01-11T14:08:06","modified_gmt":"2024-01-11T22:08:06","slug":"context","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/research\/projects\/report-reader\/checklist\/context\/","title":{"rendered":"Report Reader Checklist: Context"},"content":{"rendered":"

Information about the context of a study is usually included at the beginning and end of a report. At the beginning of a report, this context should be provided to describe past research and theory and then explain the focus of the study. At the end of a report, a contextual discussion can relate the findings of the study back to past research and suggest next steps to further understand the topic. When context is missing from a report, you may not understand how the study relates to or informs a general understanding of the topic. For example, you might not have a clear understanding of the background on the topic, how the study advances knowledge on the topic and how the results of the study can be applied. The following are important things to identify as you look for context in research reports:<\/p>

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a. The report describes the larger purpose or need for the study.<\/p>\n

The report provides a background on the topic, including relevant definitions, the context within which the study is conducted and a rationale for why the study was conducted.<\/p>\n

It is important for you to understand why the study was conducted, what the study attempted to accomplish, why the research is important to the field and how the results could be used.<\/p>\n

It is also important for you to know how this study fits into the larger body of research that has been conducted on this topic. If the study is the first study of its kind, that should be mentioned. Otherwise, look to see if the authors include references to studies previously published on the topic. This helps you understand how the study adds to or clarifies understanding of the topic.

[see examples<\/a>]<\/div><\/div>\n
b. The report explains the history of the study and\/or theoretical frameworks, if appropriate.<\/p>\n

Some studies in the field of online teaching and learning are repeated periodically. When this is the case, a report should include information, such as past participant rates, revisions to survey instruments or research protocols, or other changes to the study methodology since the previous findings were released.<\/p>\n

Study reports may also include theoretical frameworks<\/span><\/span>. Theories (or theoretical frameworks) associate a study with other studies done on a topic. These studies combined together (often called a body of research) can increase overall understanding of a topic and help you see where a study falls within a line of research. You should be able to understand the basic theoretical framework of a report without prior knowledge. If the study is based in theory, the theory can be described and it should be clear how the theory relates to the main focus of the study.

[see examples<\/a>]<\/div><\/div>\n
c. The report includes the research aims or goals addressed by the study.<\/p>\n

Research aims or goals are often included toward the beginning of the report after past research and theoretical frameworks have been explained. Research aims or goals (sometimes framed as questions) should be clearly identified in a report and can be written in a way that helps you understand what the study is investigating.<\/p>\n

[see examples<\/a>]<\/div><\/div>d. The report offers suggestions for further research.<\/p>\n

It is not uncommon for one research study to illuminate the need for future studies. Look to see if the report suggests what research might need to be done next to further understand the topic. Unlike other context items (a, b and c), suggestions for further research are often included at the end of a report.

[see examples<\/a>]<\/div><\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

Examples<\/h2>\n

a. The report describes the larger purpose or need for the study.<\/h3>\n
\nBailey, A., Vaduganathan, N., Henry, T., Laverdiere, R., & Pugliese, L. (2018). Making digital learning work: Success strategies from six leading universities and community colleges<\/em>. The Boston Consulting Group, Inc. [link<\/a>]\n