3. Differences in Scores Between Groups

About this Lecture

Lecture

In this lecture, we think about another way numerical data is used – to compare scores between different groups – and how this is useful for education researchers, focusing in particular on: (i) comparing average scores between groups and the idea of the “politician’s error” in this type of analysis; (ii) an example of a randomised control trial which compared exam results between pupils who received a targeted literacy intervention and those who did not, and how research like this helps to improve education for disadvantaged groups; (iii) the place of randomised control trials in social research.

Course

In this course, Professor Stephen Gorard (Durham University) explores the use of numerical data in education research. In the first lecture, we think about why numbers are important in sociology and whether the distinction between qualitative and quantitative research is useful. In the second lecture, we look at comparing frequencies between groups. In the third lecture, we look at identifying differences between groups – with examples from education research. Next, we examine the concepts of correlation and causation by exploring the relationship between Free School Meal eligibility and attainment in school exams. In the fifth and final lecture, we put these different methods together to discuss more broadly the unfairness of life chances.

Lecturer

Professor Stephen Gorard is Professor of Education and Public Policy and Director of the Evidence Centre for Education at Durham University. He has written very widely on educational inequalities, education policy, and research methods. His recent publications include How to Make Sense of Statistics (2021), How Can We Get Educators to Use Research Evidence? (2019, co-author), and Education Policy: Evidence of Equity and Effectiveness (2018).