Empirical research is all about trying to model and predict the world. In this article, I discuss how design-based research methods can help do this effectively. In particular, design-based research methods can help with the problem of methodological alignment: ensuring that the research methods we use actually test what we think they are testing. I argue that our current notions of rigor overe...

This study explored tradeoffs between two research methodologies – scientifically based research and design experiments. We conducted this exploration through a case study of one teacher's four-year implementation of a multimedia learning environment called Astronomy Village®. During the first year of her implementation, she participated in the scientifically based summative evaluation of Astro...

This paper proposes a research methodology, Lab-based Action Design Research, which combines organizational intervention (action research), building innovative artifacts (engineering research) and studies of software development practice (behavioral research) within a laboratory environment. Seven principles for successful Lab-based Action Design Research are proposed – attract funding with a w...

Project-based learning has been illustrated to be an effective means of teaching students many of the "real-world" issues that arise during the course of engineering projects. However, project-based learning tends to have a product-centric focus. This paper describes an experimental run of a project-based learning program with a researchoriented focus, named "X-PBL." In this project, four colle...

This paper identifies ways in which conceptual, methodological and technical developments in e-research can contribute to solutions of key questions in learning science research and, in particular, design-based research (DBR). The paper focuses on DBR issues in three major areas: methodology, research process, and dissemination. By mapping DBR issues to the conceptual and technological features...

This paper describes the application of static var compensators, (SVC) on an electrical distribution network containing two large synchronous motors, one of which is excited via a three-phase thyristor bridge rectifier. The second machine is excited via a diode bridge rectifier. Based on linear optimization control (LOC), the measurable feedback signals are applied to the control system loops o...

One such educational research problem is the process of creating learning objects (LOs). Learning objects (LOs) have become valuable teaching and learning tools in a variety of instructional contexts (Bratina, 2002, Boyle, 2003, Wang, 2008). Creation of LOs involves multiple interactions between stakeholders from various domains such as the subject matter, instructional design, visual communica...

over the past decade of extensive research works, the thin un-stiffened steel plate shear wall(spsw) has now emerged as a promising lateral load resisting system. considering thedemand of performance-based seismic design (pbsd) philosophy in current and futureseismic design codes, a ductility-based design was recently proposed for spsw systems withpin-connected boundary beams. however, the effe...