COMPREHENSIVE EXAM

Comprehensive Exam Questions



Abstract

The paper discusses the use of research methods according to the nature of the study. It identifies the principles and applications of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed research methods for different study purposes. The next section mentions the concept of transformational leadership and its prelateship and use in the special education. The paper is also an account of the concept of inclusion, no child left behind, and the issues related to the inclusion of the special students with mild disability.

Table of Contents

Qualitative Method5

Introduction5

Principles What, How and Why Question6

Study Design7

Application11

Quantitative Method13

The Principles13

Application15

Mixed Method: Integrating qualitative and Quantitative approaches17

Differentiating the researches19

Conclusion22

The Study: Overall High Drop-Out Rate in Special Education23

Hypothesis24

The Research Method24

Appropriateness of the chosen method24

Transformational Leadership27

Introduction27

Research Context27

Transformational Leadership by Bass28

Transformational leadership by Leithwood33

The Transformational and Transactional Leadership34

Precursors of the Transformational Leadership Concept34

Strengths of Transformational Leadership38

Dimensions of Transformational and Transactional Leadership40

Transformational Leadership in Educational Institutions41

Application in Special education42

Conclusion46

Inclusion of Special Education Students with Mild to Moderate Disabilities46

Introduction46

Defining Inclusion46

Regular class room inclusion requirements47

Arguments for full Inclusion48

Reform of No Child Left behind49

Common Practices50

Selection criteria for inclusion51

Positive effects of class room learning52

Issues53

Conclusion56

Final Word57

References59

Comprehensive Exam Questions

Research approach choice is based on several elements. Indeed, the professional context in which a researcher and the respondent fits, influence the choice of research. For example, one must be able to answer the following questions: was the research effective? Has it produced the desired effect? Are the objectives achieved? What is the relationship between results and resources used? The focus should be on the rigorous evaluation of the extent of the study. The criteria for research is largely dependent on what question does it answer in individual context. In the sociological context, the analysis can promote methodological approach that would integrate the qualitative and the quantitative methods and suggest the strategies and tools for collecting and data processing, the researcher's epistemological position can also play a role in this regard. The second aspect that the paper discusses is the concept of transformational leadership, its strengths, and weaknesses and its application in the special education institutions. Besides, it gives a detailed account of the implications and issues related to the inclusion of mildly disable students in regular schools.

Qualitative Method

Introduction

The question addresses the principles and feasibility of qualitative, quantitative and mixed study methods. It also identifies the differences among the three research area, because it is important to analyse the use of individual studies with respect to the area of research.

Principles What, How and Why Question

Qualitative research is rooted in the interpretive tradition. The studies in social sciences and human behavior cannot be simply explained in terms of biological mechanism. The actions of human beings are seen in terms of intentions, beliefs, motives, and social values and norms; therefore, qualitative research takes these factors into account while answering the research questions. In terms of the method of how the explanation is generated, the qualitative research is characterized by the process of analytical induction (Tichy, 2002). In this process, the researcher moves from observation to generalization, that is the inferences are made ...