(Research Methodology)

Course Title: Research Methodology Qualitative & QuantitativeCourse Code : AIS 601

BY

DR.SHAZIA ZAMIR

Contents

IntroductionThe Nature of ResearchThe Characteristics of ResearchNeed for Research in Education

Sources of Acquiring knowledge

Human beings depend on several sources of acquiring knowledge as follows:Personal experienceTraditionFor example, in matters of food, dress, communications, religion, home remedies for minor ailments etcExperts and authoritiesEg a teacher, a parent , the boss , an expert or consultant etcLogic

Inductive(general conclusion on specific facts gathered through direct observation)

Deductive(derived from theory which provides evidence which supports, expands or contradicts the theory)

The scientific method

Inductive Reasoning

Deductive Reasoning

Deductive Vs Inductive

Inductive/Deductive

Inductive Reasoning

Example: Every research textbook examined contains a chapter on sampling.

Therefore all research textbooks contain a chapter on sampling.

Deductive Reasoning

Example: All research textbooks contain a chapter on sampling.

This book is a research text.

Therefore , this book contains a chapter on sampling

The Scientific MethodThe goal of the scientific method is to explain,

predict, and/or control phenomena.This involves the acquisition of knowledge and

the development and testing of theoryThe use of the scientific method is more efficient

and reliable than any other source of knowledge.Five steps in the scientific methodRecognition and definition of the problemFormulation of hypothesesCollection of dataAnalysis of dataStating conclusions

The Nature of Research Research can mean ‘re-search’ implying that the

subject matter is already known but, for one reason or another, needs to be studied again.

Research is an intellectual activity and it is considered as the application of scientific method in solving the problems.it is a systematic, formal and intensive process of carrying on the scientific method of analysis.

Cook has defined research as"Research is an honest, exhaustive, intelligent searching for facts and their meanings for implications with reference to given problem.

The Nature of Research

Best and Kahn agreed that research is the systematic and objective analysis and recording of controlled observations that may lead to the development of generalizations, principles or theories, resulting in prediction and possibly, ultimate control of events.

According to Gay “Research is the formal, systematic application of the scientific method to the study of problems”

Characteristics of ResearchResearch is Systematic, purposive and objectiveResearch Report is Precise (multiple interpretation is not

encouraged Research is Testable/MeasurableResearch is VerifiableResearch is analytical & critical ( going deeper into the

depth of the idea)Patient and unhurried activityResearch demands a clear statement of the problem.Research seeks direction through appropriate hypothesesResearch deals with the main problem through sub

problems.

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Educational ResearchThe application of the scientific method to study educational problems

The goal is to explain, predict, and/or control educational phenomena.

Generally, educational research is defined as research that investigates the behavior of students, teachers, administrators, parents and other members of the community who interact with educational institutions. The word behavior is taken broadly to mean such phenomena as learning, attitudes, aptitudes, abilities, interests, practices, processes, emotions and so forth.

Educational Research

Educational Research is the systematic application of scientific method for solving educational problem.

Travers thinks, ―Educational Research is the activity for developing science of behavior in educational situations. It

allows the educator to achieve his goals effectively.According to Whitney, ―Educational Research aims at

finding out solution of educational problems by using scientific method.

Thus, Educational Research is to solve educational problem in systematic and scientific manner, it is to understand, explain, predict and control human behavior.

Need for Research In Education

Education is a social science and mostly concerned with human behavior and human behavior is not so simple so needs research in education. Within the realm of educational planning, many things are always changing: the structure of the education system, curriculum and textbooks, modes of teaching, methods of teacher training, the amount and type of provisions to schools such as science laboratories, textbooks, furniture, classroom supplies, and so on.

Class Activity

Do students in poorer school buildings have lower achievement scores than those in better buildings?

Identify an issue in your place of work or surrounding that has been bugging you which you want to investigate.

Why do you need to divide the main problem into sub-problems or research questions?

Steps for Educational Research

Steps for conducting educational research◦ Selection of a problem◦ Use of specific research procedures to design

and collect data◦ Analysis of data◦ Statement of conclusions based on the

results of the data analyses

Difficulties Conducting Educational Research

Involves human beings and the complexities associated with them

Difficulties generalizing from specific studies Problems when imposing sufficient controls to

conduct research in educational settings Complications when observing in educational settings Indirect measurement of the variables being studied -------------------------------

Characteristics of Educational Research It is highly purposeful. It deals with educational problems regarding students and

teachers as well. It is precise, objective, scientific and systematic process of

investigation. It attempts to organize data quantitatively and

qualitatively to arrive at statistical inferences. It discovers new facts in new perspective. i. e. It

generates new knowledge. It is based on some philosophic/rational theory. It depends on the researchers ability, creativity and

experience for its interpretation and conclusions.

Characteristics of Educational Research

It needs interdisciplinary approach for solving educational problem.

It demands subjective interpretationIt uses classrooms, schools, colleges department

of education as the laboratory for conducting researches.

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Scope of Educational Research

Educational research changes with the gradual development occurs with respect to knowledge and technology, so educational research needs to extend its horizon. It involves - Individuals (Student, teachers, educational managers, parents.)- Institutions (Schools, colleges, research – institutes)Other factors (curriculum, A.V Aids, academic achievement etc)It discovers facts and relationship in order to make educational process more effective. It includes process like investigation, planning (design) collecting data, processing of data, their analysis, interpretation and drawing inferences/conclusions.It covers areas from formal education and non-formal education as well.----------------------------------------------