Research Translation 2

Learning in the visual arts and the worldviews of young children.

James S. Catterall and Kylie A. Peppler

RESEARCH PROBLEM

Is the problem clearly stated? 

 Yes, well sort of. It isn’t stated as a problem per say. It reads, “This research explores relationships between participation in high-quality visual arts education and what children believe about themselves and their future prospects.” (Catterall and Peppler)

Is the importance of the research discussed? 

Not clearly, but there is a story at the beginning giving an example of the importance of the study where a student through his own exploration with texture comes to the conclusion that “I believe in art now”.

 Are the variables and other important terms clearly defined?

Yes, the variables are defined as social learning theory, motivation, self-efficacy, and creativity.

LITERATURE REVIEW

Is the review of previous research well organized?

 Are the cited sources relevant? 

 Are the cited sources current? primary? secondary? Discuss.

Yes, the review of previous research is very well organized. The sources are also relevant and current.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS or HYPOTHESES

Are research questions and/or hypotheses stated clearly?

Are the hypotheses null? directional?

The hypotheses clearly states, “…hypotheses projecting positive effects on children’s views of the future and their abilities to control important outcomes for themselves.” (Catterall and Peppler)

DATA SOURCES/SAMPLING  

Is the data source/sample clearly described? Discuss. 

The data source consisted of 103 inner city 9yr olds, third graders, from both Los Angeles and St. Louis.

Is the method of selection clearly described?

The schools and surroundings were impacted by poverty and hardship. Participants received regular instruction from artists at Inner City Arts in LA and through the Center of Contemporary Arts in St. Louis.  ICA and COCA were pivotal in the selection of the schools involved.

MEASUREMENT TOOLS

Is an adequate description of all measurement tools provided?

Yes, they used a treatment-comparison group design in which learning measures for arts participants were compared to learning measures for comparison students. They also used pre and post surveys that were completed by all subjects as well as regular structured classroom observation to provide reliable information about how the ICA and COCA programs operate.

 Are validity and reliability data reported? If so, discuss.

No

 If a measurement tool was developed for the study, is the process by

which it was designed clearly described?

Yes, surveys were developed. The surveys were worded with appropriate-level language for below-average 9yr olds and were administered with research assistants reading while the students followed along with rulers to guide their attention.

METHODOLOGY/PROCEDURES

Are adequate descriptions of the methods and procedures provided? 

Not really, but based on the information from the measurement tools conclusions can be drawn as to the procedures used in the study.

 What, if any, important information is missing?

Information on the methodology and procedures of the study.

RESULTS

Are the results understandable?

Yes, the results are understandable. Because of the quantitative nature of the study there are a lot of results and it is a little over my head but yes they are understandable.

 Were the research questions answered?

Since it wasn’t really stated as a question it’s hard to say but they certainly did what they set out to do.

 Were all hypotheses tested?

Yes, the hypothesis was tested.

DISCUSSION

Are the conclusions related to the hypotheses and research

questions? Yes the conclusions are exactly about the hypotheses and research statement.

Are the generalizations made by the author appropriate?

Yes, and I am so glad that they make generalizations because the numbers can get confusing.

Is the research of any practical importance? Discuss. 

Yes because this study “adds to the sparse array of extant studies examining motivation-related effects of participation in the visual arts.” (Catterall and Peppler)