Hypothesizing Exercise 11: program evaluation
©2003 Edward G. Rozycki
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edited 9/25/04
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HYPOTHESIZING
EXERCISES
Will Wundt, the forward-looking school superintendent of Yarlsborough, has instituted a new program of language instruction in the district, despite resistance from some of the older language teachers. He experimented first by seeking volunteers to teach the new program. Although cognitive outcomes for students were only slightly higher than those of students taught traditionally, measures of motivation and interest were greater for the new program. Dr. Wundt relishes his newly established role as an advocate for innovation.
Student Directions
A. What is the likely hypothesis that supports Dr. Wundt's reasoning? Can you devise competing hypotheses?
B. Can you combine two or more hypotheses within a more powerful hypothesis?
C. For each hypothesis determine what information you would need to disconfirm its competitors.
D. You will be given additional information. Use it to rule out some of the hypothetical alternatives.
Additional Information (to be supplied by Instructor)
A. Grade point averages in foreign language were compared as a measure of cognitive outcome. Teacher enthusiasm was factored in to measure affective outcomes.
B. The publishers of the new materials provided much additional support, e.g. language lab materials, films, etc. at no extra cost to the district.
C. The experimentation involved in the adoption of the new materials provided the basis for Wundt's doctoral dissertation.
D. Wundt's dissertation advisor often works as a consultant for the school district.
Additional Questions (to be answered after all information is in)
1. Linguistically and pedagogically knowledgable teachers prefer the new language materials. However, they are dismayed with Dr. Wundt's experiment. Could you design a better one?
2. Dr. Wundt is no fool. He deliberately avoided a technically more sophisticated research model. What do you think were his reasons?
3. What is your prediction about the longevity of the new language studies program? What factors will influence it ?
4. Is acceptance of innovation in this case an indicator of openness or insecurity?