UNIT-1: Introduction to Research | BICTE | Six Semester |

 

UNIT-1: Introduction to Research

1.1  Meaning of         research           and      educational research

1.2  Research issues and problems in educational field

1.3  Steps in educational research

1.3.1          Selecting a problem

1.3.2          Reviewing the literature

1.3.3          Designing the research

1.3.4          Collecting the data

1.3.5          Analyzing the data

1.3.6          Interpreting the findings

1.3.7          Drawing conclusions

 

Research is an in-depth inquiry (investigation) in to a problem which need an amicable (agreeable) solution. Every invention in the world happens as a result of a scientific enquiry. See the example of Isaac Newton when the apple falls on his head, he started the question with why? He searched for truth, reason or discover to new knowledge. He applied common sense in his enquiry. The continuous search resulted in solving his problem. Finally, he built a theory named as Gravitation force theory with empirically proved body of knowledge. Hence research can be termed as the search for truth or discovery of new things or builds body of knowledge regarding a phenomenon. Researchis a systematic, scientific, objective activity, which includes the collection relevant information, and careful analysis of data, recording and reporting of valid conclusion, that may lead to creation of new knowledge, development of theory, principles, and generalization. The developed theory, Knowledge, principles or generalization may help the researcher or concerned authority to predict occurrences of certain possible events and thereby make possible to ultimate control of unwanted events.

Research also means that the process of testing the validity of assumptions and formulated hypotheses. When we come to the educational research it is the process of scientific inquiry to solve the problems of educational sector of a country. It includes theoretical elaboration, quality enhancement matters, policy draft and implication, classroom dimension and so forth. It involves a continuous enquiry in search of knowledge, advancement, problem solving methodology and an attempt to realize the truth from an objective point of view based on factual understanding and systematic study. Hence research is a systematic process of inquiry consisting of three elements or components: (1) a question, problem or hypothesis (2) Data (3) Analysis and interpretation of data.

 

 

1.1      Meaning of Research

The term "research" has clearly visible two morphemes, 're' and 'search'. The prefix 're' may refer to the way of doing things again and again. The root 'search' has a dictionary meaning, i.e. to examine things closely and carefully to find out a solution. Thus, the word 'research' refers to a process of examining and finding out a solution to the particular problem that we have identified in our field. It is also defined as a systematic field of inquiry. It is totally academic and systematic process that is aimed at searching for knowledge through logical and justifiable means. Logic, evidence and data are central in every research work.

Definition of research

 

Ø  Research is a systematic process of inquiry consisting of three elements or components: 1. question, problem or hypothesis. 2. Data. 3. Analysis and interpretation of data. (Nunan)

 

Ø  Research is the study of an event, problem or phenomenon using systematic and objective methods, in order to understand it better and to develop principles and theories about it. (Richards et al.)

 

Ø  Research is one of the ways to find answer to your questions. (Kumar)

 

These definitions of research successfully lead us to precise conclusion that it is a process which involves a systematic investigation about a problem that is identified in one's field.

The systematic investigation usually involves data collection and analysis procedures. The results of such systematic process may also help us to sketch new theories, principles and understanding about an issue of the related field.

 

 

Characteristics of research

Research is commonly defined as a systematic process of investigation facts and theories about an identified issue. This process involves basically collecting, analyzing and interpreting the relevant information. There are some characteristic /features of research that prove it to be systematic process of investigation. The characteristics pointed out by Kumar (2014) are briefly discussed below.

1.     Controlled

Research is a controlled activity. A researcher has to control the factors that influence its results. For example, if one is carrying out research on the role of motivation in the learning of IT, there can be other various factors to influence IT learning.

2.     Rigorous

Research is a rigorous study. Being rigorous is one of the characteristic features of social science research. It means that the researcher must be sincere, careful and serious about each component and procedure of the research.

3.     Systematic

Research is a systematic process of investigation. Each step must follow systematic procedures. There is a logical sequence of the activities in the research. When the problem is mapped out, the research questions and objectives are set.

4.     Valid and verifiable

The research results need to be valid and verifiable. They provide the answers of all research questions accurately with facts, figures and logics. The accuracy and effectiveness of research findings can be tested and verified by anyone else through further research and examination.

5.     Empirical

Another important characteristic feature of research includes being empirical which means that research is mostly based on hard evidence such experiments, experiences, observations, face to face interactions, authentic responses and so on.

6.     Critical

Research allows 'critical scrutiny'. According to Ranjit Kumar, critical scrutiny of the procedures used and the methods employed is crucial to research enquiry.

7.     Consistent, formal and academic

Research writing is characterized by the features such as being consistent, formal and academic

Characteristics of research

-          The research should focus on priority problems.

-          The research should be systematic. It emphasizes that a researcher should employ a structured procedure.

-          The research should be logical. Without manipulating ideas logically, the scientific researcher cannot make much progress in any investigation.

-          The research should be reductive. This means that the findings of one researcher should be made available to other researchers to prevent them from repeating the same research.

-          The research should be replicable. This asserts that there should be scope to confirm the findings of previous research in a new environment and different settings with a new group of subjects or at a different point in time.

-          The research should be generative. This is one of the valuable characteristics of research because answering one question leads to generating many other new questions.

-          The research should be action-oriented. In other words, it should be aimed at reaching a solution leading to the implementation of its findings.

-          The research should follow an integrated multidisciplinary approach, i.e., research approaches from more than one discipline are needed.

-          The research should be participatory, involving all parties concerned (from policymakers down to community members) at all stages of the study.

-          The research must be relatively simple, timely, and time-bound, employing a comparatively simple design.

-          The research must be as much cost-effective as possible.

-          The results of the research should be presented in formats most useful for administrators, decision-makers, business managers, or the community members

 

1.2      INTRODUCTION TO EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH

Educational research refers to the systematic collection and analysis of data related to the field of education. Educational Research may involve various aspects of education including student learning, teaching methods, teacher training, and classroom dynamics.

Education research is the scientific field of study that examines education and learning processes and the human attributes, interactions, organizations, and institutions that shape educational outcomes. Scholarship in the field seeks to describe, understand, and explain how learning takes place throughout a person’s life and how formal and informal contexts of education affect all forms of learning. Education research embraces the full spectrum of rigorous methods appropriate to the questions being asked and also drives the development of new tools and methods.

Education research is a process of solving problems related to education. Education. It is careful and critical search for knowledge related to education. It is the formal process to correct precious errors, manipulate and control variables, verify and extend theories and generalities and discover new things with an ultimate objective to advance for the welfare of the society.

The overall aim of educational research is to provide teachers, clinicians, managers and learners with systematically obtained information that helps to improve the quality of the learning process. The difference between doing educational research and other healthcare research is that often the immediate effects of the intervention are seen and assessed on the educators or their students, rather than on the processes and outcomes of patients.

MEANING OF EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH:

Educational Research as nothing but cleansing of educational process. Many experts think Educational Research as under-

According to Mouly, ― 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 philosophical method.

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

Educational Research Characterizes as follows:

•          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 theory.

•          It depends on the researcher's ability, ingenuity and experience for its interpretation and       conclusions.

•          It needs interdisciplinary approach for solving educational problem.

•          It demands subjective interpretation and deductive reasoning in some cases.

•          It uses classrooms, schools, colleges department of education as the laboratory for conducting researches.

•          Educational research is scientific in the sense that it involves the testing of hypotheses.

•          Educational research corrects previous errors and misconceptions and brings new factsinto light.

•          -It suggests improvements in different areas related to education.

•          It opens new channels for investigation.

•          Constructivism of knowledge is the goal of education research.

 

1.3      Steps in educational research

Research is a systematic process of investigation. In terms of process and procedure, it is complex and requires careful operation. Kumar presents an eight-step model for conducting research in social sciences such as education, psychology, and English language teaching. The model includes:

1. Formulating a research problem

2. Conceptualizing a research design

3. Selecting an instrument for data collection

4. Selecting a sample

5. Writing a research proposal

6. Collecting data

7. Processing and displaying data

8. Writing a research report 

According to course of study of ICT the following step should be follow in education research:

•       Selecting the problem

•       Reviewing the literature

•       Designing the research

•       Collecting the data

•       Analyzing the data

•       Interpreting the findings

•       Drawing the conclusion

 

1.3.1      Selecting a problem:

The first step in the process is to select a problem or develop a research question. The journey of research begins with a research problem. It is the topic or area of your field that you think requires to be studied. It is not necessary a problem as difficulty. It is an issue or subject matter of one's field of occupation. The researcher identifies the problem for his or her research in many ways. When selecting the research problem /topic there are number of considerations to keep in mind. These help to ensure that your study will be manageable and that you will remain motivated. These considerations are:

•       Interest

•       Magnitude

•       Measurement of concept

•       Level of expertise

•       Relevance

•       Availability of data

•       Ethical issues

 

We can follow the following steps to select the problem for educational:

•       Identify a board field or subject area of interest to you

•       Dissect the board area into subareas

•       Select what is of most interest to you

•       Raise research questions

•       Formulate objectives

•       Assess your objectives

•       Double check

 

1.3.2      Reviewing the literature

After selecting a topic, the next step for the researcher is to develop concepts and ideas by reviewing all relevant materials. In fact, the literature review begins with the search for a suitable topic and continues throughout the research process. Now that the problem has been identified, the researcher must learn more about the topic under investigation. To do this, they must review the literature related to the research problem, providing foundational knowledge about the area. The literature review also educates the researcher about previous studies, their methodologies, and their conclusions in the problem area.

There is a significant importance of review of literature in any types of research works, some are:

1.     Identification of research problem and relevant variables:

When the researcher makes a careful review of the literature, he/she becomes aware of the important and unimportant variables in concerned area of research. A careful review also helps the researcher in selecting the variables lying within the scope of own interest, in defining and operationalizing variables and in identifying variables which are conceptually and practically important.

2.     Avoidance of repetition:

A review of the literature helps the researcher in avoiding any duplication of work done earlier. A careful review always aims at interpreting prior studies and indicating their usefulness for the study to be undertaken. Thus, prior studies serve as the foundation for the present study.

3.     Synthesis of prior work:

A careful review of literature enables the researcher to collect and synthesize prior studies related to the present study. This, in turn, helps the researcher in building a better perspective for future research. A synthesized collection of prior studies also helps a researcher to identify the significant overlaps and gaps among the prior works.

4.     Determining meaning and relationship among variables:

A careful review of the literature enables the researcher in discovering important variables relevant to the area of the present research. When significant variable is discovered, the relationship among them can be identified.

Sources of review:

•       Books and journals

•       Reviews (short articles)

•       Abstract (abstract provide a summary of the research report done by different field)

•       Index (indexes show the title of the research report without any abstract.)

•       Dissertation(thesis/essay/study)

•       Encyclopedias

•       Internal bibliography (A bibliography is a serially numbered list of written sources either published of unpublished, in the preparation of the report during the course of research, books, periodical articles, government document, unpublished materials, pamphlets, films, radio or television broadcast, records, lecture, interviews etc.)

 

Phases in the review:

1.     Locating: (identify the source of review)

2.     Obtaining: (the materials or sources from which researcher has to review are available: libraries, online sources, other resources)

3.     Reading: After collecting the materials from concerned sources, the next step is traced out the position of review material and to read.

     •       Efficient and selective reading

     •       Keeping track of reference

    •       Annotating the reference

   •       Developing a structure

4.     Organizing

 

1.3.3      Designing the research

Research design is defined as a framework of methods and techniques chosen by a researcher to combine various components of research in a reasonably logical manner so that the research problem is efficiently handled. It provides insights about “how” to conduct research using a

particular methodology. Every researcherhas a list of research questions which need to be assessed

– this can be done withresearch design.

The sketch of how research should be conducted can be prepared using research design.The design of a research topic is used to explain the type of research (experimental, survey, correlation, semi-experimental, review) and also its sub-type (experimental design, research problem, descriptive case-study). There are three main sections of research design: Data collection, measurement, and analysis.

The type of research problem an organization is facing will determine the research designand not vice-versa. Variables, designated tools to gather information, how will the tools be used to collect and analyze data and other factors are decided in research design onthe basis of a research technique is decided.

An impactful research design usually creates minimum bias in data and increases trust on the collected and analyzed research information. Research design which produces theleast margin of error in experimental research can be touted as the best. The essential elements of research design are:

1.     Accurate purpose statement of research design

2.     Techniques to be implemented for collecting details for research

3.     Method applied for analyzing collected details

4.     Type of research methodology

5.     Probable objections for research

6.     Settings for research study

7.     Timeline

8.     Measurement of analysis

 

Preparation of Research Design

Research design is considered as the blueprint of the proposed research. It includes the preparation of following essential elements.

1.     State the problem

2.     Set up of research variables, such as dependent, independent, classificatory, extraneous and intervening variables.

3.     Provide operational definition of the key terms or research variables which the investigator wants to measure or observe.

4.     Set up Objectives for the study/ what exactly researcher wants to find out through the proposed study?

5.     Formulate Hypotheses/ tentative solution based on intelligent guess (if applicable)

6.     Determine the representative sample size from the population of the study

7.     Identify suitable sampling Technique

8.     Develop or make available standardized tool for data collection

9.     Select suitable statistical techniques to fulfill the objectives as well as to test thehypotheses (if applicable)

10.  Prepare the organization of research report and time bound budget allocationto complete the proposed study

 

Research Design Characteristics

There are four key characteristics of research design:

1.     Neutrality: The results projected in research design should be free from bias and neutral. Understand opinions about the final evaluated scores and conclusion from multiple individuals and consider those who agree with the derived results.

2.     Reliability: If research is conducted on a regular basis, the researcher involved expectssimilar results to be calculated every time. Research design should indicate how the research questions can be formed to ensure the standard of obtained results and this canhappen only when the research design is reliable.

3.     Validity: There are multiple measuring tools available for research design but valid measuring tools are those which help a researcher in gauging results according to the objective of research and nothing else. The questionnaire developed from this research design will be then valid.

4.     Generalization: The outcome of research design should be applicable to a population and not just a restricted sample. Generalization is one of the key characteristics of research design.

 

Types of Research Design

A researcher must have a clear understanding of the various types of research design toselect which type of research design to implement for a study. Research design can be broadly classified into quantitative and qualitative research design.

•       Qualitative Research Design

•       Quantitative Research Design

 

Further, research design can be divided into five types –

1.     Descriptive Research Design

2.     Experimental Research Design

3.     Correlation Research Design

4.     Diagnostic Research Design

5.     Explanatory Research Design.

 

Information needed to answer the research question. Every study includes the collectionof some type of data—whether it is from the literature

1.3.4      Collecting the data

The collection of data is a critical step in providing the from subjects—to answer the research question. Data can be collected in the form of words on a survey, with a questionnaire, through observations, or from the literature.

Method of data collection:

·       Primary sources

·       Secondary sources

 

1.     Primary sources

·       Observation: participant, nonparticipant

·       Interviewing: Structure, unstructured

·       Questionnaire: Mailed questionnaire, collective questionnaire

 

2.     Secondary sources:

·       Document: Govt publication, earlier research, personal records, clienthistories, service records (mass media)

 

1.3.5      Analyzing the data:

After collecting the information, the next step is what to do with this information. How do you find the answers to your research question? How do you prove or disprove your hypothesis if you had one? How should the information be analyzed to achieve the objectives of your study? To answer these questions, you need to edit and coding your collected or raw data.

Coded data can be analyzed manually or with the help of computer. If the number of respondents is reasonably small, there are not many variables to analyses and you are neither familiar with a relevant computer program nor wish to learn one, you can manually analyze the data. However, manual analysis is useful only for calculating frequencies and for simple cross tabulations. In addition, if you want to carry out statistical tests, they haveto be calculated manually.

Researcher has to analyze the data using suitable statistical techniques. Data analysis can be done by manual or with the help of the computer using software packages specially design for data analysis such as software package for social science research.When considering the qualitative analysis the following steps should be followed.

1.     Exploration

2.     Description

3.     Explanation

4.     Evaluation

 

When dealing with qualitative data the researcher has to explore the data thoroughly. Even though the researcher had been explored the information at the time of data collection from the

respondents, again he has to explore more inherent information fromthe description also. For the purpose he has to rewind the gestures, body language, facialexpressions, and eyes’ movement of the respondents while s/he responds to the particular question or contexts to comprehend more relevant information regarding thestudy.

1.3.6      Interpretation the findings

·       Interpretation refers to the task of drawing inferences from the collected facts after an analytical experimental study.

·       The effort to establish continuity in research through linking the results of a givenstudy with those of another and the establishment of some explanation concept.

·       In fact, interpretation is a search for boarder meaning of research findings.

 

In this step in quantitative research the researcher has to interpret the data as per the result found through the application of statistical procedure. Hypotheses can be tested asper the standard norms and procedure using the level of significance. Qualitative researcher can explain his interpretation in detail with empirical observation of the eventsor behavior. S/he has to elaborate his observation regarding the subject under study. Theinterpretation and writing skill of the researcher have crucial role in explanation or interpretation of the research.

1.3.7      Drawing the Conclusion

Based on the analysis and interpretation of the research the investigator has to draw validconclusion regarding the study. He has to ensure the fulfillment of the objective, acceptance or rejections of the hypotheses formed for the study and so forth. Further theresearcher has to evaluate the validity and rationality of the conclusion drawn from the study. Based on the conclusion the researcher has to project the implications of the studyundergone. Suggestions and recommendations should be given to concerned authority to bring progressive changes regarding the problem studied. Researcher can also trace the areas of further research which may add additional necessary information or knowledge in this regard that he felt while he completed his study.

 

 

1.4      Research issues and problems in education field:

Research problem is one of the basic components of investigation. Simply a topic or specific area of research identifies a particular field. First of all, the researcher identifies the actual problem or issue in the area which he or she interest to work. By collecting data and performing analysis, those who address research topics in education can help to change the scope and quality of education around the world. Education research aims to develop new and improved teaching methods to resolve issues in learning and enhance overall understanding on behalf of students from all backgrounds, as well as discover the environments in which they learn best.

Some major topics within the field include:

1.     Ability Grouping

Ability grouping, or tracking, is the practice of pairing students together based on their abilities rather than age. In early childhood education, this is easier to do, but as time progresses and students develop at varying (changeable) rates, it becomes harder to incorporate in a school setting successfully. You can look at how to strategically assess and define ability levels to group students beneficially, as well as how teachers can prepare lessons based on ability level.

 

 

2.     Blended Learning

Blended learning is the mixture of online educational methods with traditional in-person practices. It combines a teacher’s presence with a student’s responsibility to take control of their own learning time. This is different from what the University of the People offers, as everything at UoPeople is completely online. Blended learning is also known as hybrid learning.

 

 

3.     Busing

The research on busing examines the impact of bringing students from different districts to a school via (using) buses. It may examine how this impacts student life, as well as the overall educational outcome for the institution. Busing began as a practice to decrease school segregation (isolation), but it continues to be a controversial and often analyzed situation in many public schools.

4.     Class Sizes

As a growing problem, the supply of teachers worldwide falls short of the student demand.Therefore, class sizes are increasing. But how does a bigger student-to-teacher ratio impact learning? That’s what educational research aims to find out.

 

 

5.     Computer Literacy

The growing reliance on technology and computers means that students worldwide should be prepared and taught how to use them. However, different countries and school districts have different access. Research on the topic looks at how computer literacy within the classroom affects a student’s present learning and future capabilities.

 

 

6.     Early Childhood Education

Is preschool important, and if so, why? Education research utilizes various methods to analyze this and more. It examines the system at various levels since there are multiple jobs in early childhood education.

 

 

7.     Home Schooling

Do homeschoolers perform better? What percentage of those who were homeschooledgoes to college? This and many more questions may be answered by conducting statistics surrounding

the differences between homeschooled students and those who attend traditional educational settings.

 

 

8.     Learning Styles

There are said to be 4 different learning styles in education, including: visual learners, auditory learners, reading/writing preference and kinesthetic. With the diversity of students, different learning styles and teaching methods may be effective for one studentand not another. So how do institutions and schools devise teaching methods that work?Understanding and testing learning styles could be the answer.

 

 

9.     Merit Pay

Should teachers be paid based on their performance or should every teacher receive a standard salary? There has been a lot of controversy over merit pay and how to record the effectiveness of a teacher’s work. Therefore, the research topic of merit pay is timelyand important.

 

 

10.  Standardized Testing

Regardless of where you are from or what you study, there’s a high chance you’ve had to take a standardized test in your educational career. But are standardized tests fair and accurate? If standardized testing did not exist, how would school districts and governments evaluate the effectiveness of public education? These are questions that education research around standardized testing looks to answer because they have serious monetary implications.

 

 

List of 40 Hot Topics in Education

1.     The development of critical thinking as the primary goal of the educational process

2.     The evolution of approaches to education throughout history

3.     Education and modern technologies, their positive and negative impact

4.     Virtual reality worlds and education. Virtual classes and research rooms

5.     The overview of the main modern approaches to education

6.     Sex education: pros and cons

7.     Education and gender: same-sex school and their comparison to the mixed-sexones

8.     Theoretical education vs. practical education

9.     The phenomenon of apprenticeship and its role in developing systems of education

10.  What is considered basic education in different countries and why?

11.  Preschool education: knowledge or social skills?

12.  Shall the development of emotional intelligence be one of the goals of moderneducation?

13.  Educational discrimination and its impact on the future of the pupils

14.  Education and socialization of mentally challenged people. Similarities anddifferences.

15.  Inclusive classes: how do pupils in such classes perform in comparison with non-inclusive ones?

16.  Bell Curve controversy. How should grades be calculated?

17.  Do we still need grades in the modern educational system?

18.  Education and motivation: how to make pupils interested how to make pupilsinterested

19.  How can modern education be compared with classical school education?

20.  Bullying and unhealthy psychological atmosphere in class. Its impact on the quality of education

21.  Shall parents be involved in the educational process?

22.  Does education ever stop or it continues during the entire life?

23.  Censorship and education. Shall we protect the students or guide them througheverything they want to know?

24.  Dress code and school rules. Are some of them outdated?

25.  The role of discipline in education and its impact on the process of learning

26.  Information overload: the bane of the modern world. How can we help the students to deal with it?

27.  Summaries, audio books, and online problem solvers. Can the classical educational system endure this?

28.  The authority of the teacher and its role in the educational process.

29.  What qualities are essential for a modern teacher

30.  Education and religion. Religious needs of the students. What if religion forbids some aspects of the study?

31.  The Internet: the huge library and a very unsafe place. How to help students use it safely for educational purposes?

32.  Standardized testing: a conventional way of checking the results of education or anew caste system?

33.  Private education: what shall be in the school to get a license?

34.  The history of the greatest universities in the world. What makes them so great now?

35.  Alternative schooling: the main approaches and the results of it

36.  Shall the development of personal morals be a part of school education?

37.  Multicultural education. The teacher as a mediator if the cultural clash occurs.

38.  Shall the teacher only teach? The role of a teacher as a negotiator and moral guide.

39.  Response to Intervention (RTI): how shall it work?

40.  School violence, dealing with it and minimizing harm.