CHARACTERISTICS OF EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH

What is research and what are the Characteristics of educational research

Meaning of research: search again and again

Word Origin & History

As per the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, the word research is derived from the Middle French “recherche”, which means “to go about seeking”, the term itself being derived from the Old French term “recerchier” a compound word from “re-” + “cerchier”, or “sercher”, meaning ‘search’. The earliest recorded use of the term was in 1577.

Definitions of Research

The main goal of research is the gathering and interpreting of information to answer questions

 (Hyllegard, Mood, and Morrow, 1996).

Research is a systematic attempt to provide answers to questions(Tuckman, 1999).

Research may be defined as 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 possible control of events (Best and Kahn, 1998).

MEANING OF EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH

“Educational Research is the systematic application of scientific method for solving educational problem” (Mouly) ‖

According to Whitney, ―Educational Research aims at finding out solution of educational problems by using scientific philosophical method.

The major concern of educational research is to understand, explain and to some extent predict and control human behaviors.

The main purpose of educational research is to improve teaching learning process and suggest effective steps for the proper utilization of educational resources

Educational research

•       Educational research refers to a variety of methods, in which individuals evaluate different aspects of education including but not limited to: “student learning, teaching methods, teacher training, and classroom dynamics”.

Need for Research

Ø  Research is needed for the understanding of the personality and the development of personality which is the main aim of education

Ø  Education deals with all kinds of subjects and to understand the relationship between education and these subjects research is very necessary

Ø  The effectiveness of the teacher by research

Ø  As art it plays a vital role in the area of teaching, how to improve teaching and how a teacher could manage a classroom.

Ø  It deals with educational problems regarding students and teachers.

Ø  It uses classrooms, schools, colleges department of education as the laboratory for conducting research.

Ø  Research is needed for producing  good worker for the society and country by assessing the future need

Ø  Man want to know himself and for that he need research to dig up the history

Ø  The need to improve education by introducing new polices and plans through research

Ø  Improve Practice

Ø  Research can suggest ways of improving practice that have been verified with many applications and by many different types of people, which is difficult for teachers.

Ø  Add to Knowledge

Ø  Research can add to, what we know about, how people learn and what we can do to support the learning process.

Ø  Address Gaps in Knowledge

Ø  Research can address areas in which little information is available, like the effects of online versus traditional classroom learning.

Ø  Expand Knowledge

Ø  Research can allow us to extend what we know in ways we never imagined.

Ø  Replicate Knowledge

Ø  Research can act as a test to verify previous findings.

Ø  Add Voices of Individuals to Knowledge

Ø  Research can add an important perspective for different learning types. Research helps revise theory and practice to reflect different student needs.

Ø  Asking New Questions

Ø  Research always seek new questions about teaching, learning and curriculum

Ø  Research bring objectivity in education it remove the opinion of few persons or thoughts and formulate it according to the need of society and country

Ø  Bring Education Reform

Ø  With the changing  times it bring new reform to education polices and teaching learning process

Ø  Create sense of awareness

Ø  Research bring awareness in the society to improve the quality of education and education institutions in the country and look for new ways to improve the skills of the teacher and students

Ø  Research bring confidence in teacher

Ø  Research base teaching bring respect for teachers, it help to improve the teaching skills of the teacher and lead the teacher to adapt new methods for teaching

Ø  Research Need for selection

Ø  Research help the society what to teach and what not to teach.

Ø  Selection of the curriculum  for teaching and selection of students for the right subject

CHARACTERISTICS OF EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH

Ø  Research is a way of thinking and to qualify as a research it needs to have certain characteristics such as follows (adaptation of Leedy, 1993, Borg & Borg, 1983)

Ø  Research begins with a question in the mind of the researcher.

Ø  You need only to look around and everywhere you see phenomena which will arouse your interest. For example, why are children in this school unable to read?  Why are girls performing better than boys? These are situations which we do not understand. 

Ø  Research for studying the child

Ø  The knowledge of child psychology is very necessary for the teaching learning process and it is only possible through research in education institutions under the supervision of the psychologist and a good researcher

Ø  Research  Give us feedback

Ø  Research give us feedback on every step of education, the quality of teacher, the quality of curriculum, the behavior of the students, policies and planning and the need for the future

Ø  By asking relevant questions we create an environment which is essential for research

Ø  Research requires a plan.

Ø  One does not discover the truth or explanations about a phenomenon without serious and careful planning.  Research is not just by looking-up something in the hope of coming across the solution to your problem. Rather it needs a certain plan, direction and design

Ø  Research demands a clear statement of the problem.

Ø  Successful research begins with a clear, simple statement of the problem. The statement of the problem should be stated precisely and grammatically complete, must set forth what it seeks to discover and enables one to see what one is attempting to research

Ø  Research deals with the main problem through sub-problems.

Ø  Divide the main problem into appropriate sub-problems, all of which when resolved will result in the solution of the main research problem.

Ø  Research seeks direction through appropriate hypotheses

Ø  Having stated the problem and the related sub problems, the sub problems are then each viewed through logical constructs called hypotheses

Ø  A hypothesis is a logical reasonable guess, an educated estimation which may give direction to thinking with respect to the problem, and thus, aid in solving it.

Ø  Research deals with facts and their meaning.

Ø  Having defined the problem, the sub problems and hypothesis, the next step is to collect whatever facts related to the problem. Organize the data collected into a form that is potentially meaningful. 

Scope of research in Education

Ø  The scope of research refers to how far the research area has explored. The scope of research in the field of education is very vast. It includes; efficiency of the educational institutions, securing benefits of the educational institutions through practical measures,

Ø  Clarification of the functions and coordination of the educational programs, sound educational planning, good direction, efficient and systematic execution.

Ø  Research provides close collaboration and sense of sharing responsibilities, organized purpose and dynamic approach.

Ø  Explore new methods of coordination in student-teacher-parents-society.

Ø  Research provides well defined policies and programs, favorable teaching learning situation, growth and development of human beings, make use of appropriate materials,

Ø  Effective development of human qualities, execution of the programs, arrangement of the activities, efforts for attainment of the objectives etc.

Ø  Psychology of the teachers and their problem are the main concern of the researchers because without good and satisfied teachers one can’t expect good education from the teachers

Ø  Curriculum:  The area of curriculum is also the focus of the research, what to teach, what should be the objectives and goals of the curriculum

Ø  Psychology of students :   Students behavior is the most important aspect of the researchers to study and find their emotional and educational problem

Ø  Reforms/ amendments: Place for reforms and amendments

Ø  Discipline: Discipline in educational institutions is the most important factor in the process of teaching and learning which need research.

Ø  Classroom management

Classroom management is all of the things that a teacher does to organize students, space, time, and materials so that instruction in content and learning can take place (Wong, 1991).

Ø  Teaching methods

Research is discovering new method of teaching.

Ø  Educational environment

Ø  Home Environment

Ø  Evaluation

Continuous evaluation help in the improvement of school and teaching learning process

Ø  Parents and society role in the process of education

Ø  Resources Management:

Research in the field of resource management, Providing, arranging funds and resources for teaching learning process

Ø  Supervision and supervisor

Good education is result of good supervision upon the side of a good supervisor and to find the new method for supervision need research

Ø  Education planning

How to plan and what to plan for the education system, need research.Research explores new methods and gives new ideas for the betterment of educational planning.

Ø  Community: How to involve community in the supervision of school and teaching learning process, need research

How to select your Research topic

Selection of research problem/ Developing a Research Topic

Ø  Think of a topic which interests you and you think it needs to be investigated.

Ø  Start from a larger to a smaller picture (Narrow down research problem).

Ø  Expand the smaller picture through reading to match the research topic.

Ø  Be focused; clarify your topic in your mind.

Ø   State the problem clearly

Ø  The outcomes are productive for the well-being of society

Ø  From the field of the study

Ø  Problem is researchable and testable

Evaluate the Problem

1. Researchable
2. Is the Problem New
3. Problem Significant
4. Fill a gap in theory
5. Important for society
6. Implication of the finding of the study
7. Problem feasible: researcher know the area, Financial, time

How to distinguish a good topic from bad one

Ø  Outcome significance

Ø  Feasible methodology

Ø  Time constraint

Ø  Required knowledge and skills

Ø  Equipment and supplies

Ø  Personnel

Ø  Funds

Ø  Committee approval (rationale, analysis,

Ø  True research

Research Proposal, its Functions and its Elements

Research Proposal, its Functions and its Elements

A: What is Research Proposal?

The research proposal is a blue print of the proposed project. It can be compared with the blue print of a building, which is prepared by an architect before the bids are let and the construction is started. It is also called the outline or the synopsis of the study.

The research proposal is a plan of action and a strategy to be carried out according to the objectives of the study. It is the plan or the strategy, which counts more than it could, carried out in mechanical fashion.

The preparation of a research proposal is an important step in the research process. All research institutions require that a proposal must be prepared and submitted for approval before work is started on the project. Improving procedures in a research activity are important, but it is not sufficient if they are not carefully planned and systematically carried out. A worthwhile research project is likely to result only form a well-designed proposal. The initial draft proposal is subjects to modifications in the light of analysis by the student himself and his project adviser, and other members of the advisory committee.

B:      Functions of the Research Proposal

As can be derived from its concept, the research proposal may serve the following functions:

1.               It provides guidelines to the researcher for adopting the systematic approach towards the solution of the problems.

2.               It provides a basis for the evaluation of the proposal by researchers. It makes aware the researcher of the problems and difficulties he/she will have face in his study

3.               It restores confidence in researcher about the feasibility and worth of his investigations.

4.               It stimulates the researcher and moves him to the goal of completing his project

5.               It also enables the adviser to assess the progress of work of his advisee at regular intervals   

C:      What is not a good proposal?

What is a good proposal or what is not a good proposal is an important question to be looked into by the research student and his adviser. It is in the interest of the research student to understand the characteristics of a good proposal and to avoid certain unsuitable subject for inquiry. It is not easy for a research student to find a problem suitable for research if he/she has not developed a clear concept of the system or a thorough understanding of the area he has specialized in his programme and intends to undertake a related problem. The soundness of a project depends more on the nature of the problem. As a general rule, if a problem is formulated any of the following terms, it would be unsuitable for research, and therefore, so framed, would not provide clear guidelines and direction to the researcher.  

a.                If the problem is too broad and complex to be handled in one inquiry

b.               If the problem is too subjective and is based on personal opinion or whims of the researcher or of others which cannot be supported by facts?

c.                If the problem is of highly controversial because of the nature of the material one’s own pre-conception

d.               If the problem is too familiar and does not lead to some unknown domain of knowledge

e.                If the problem is too technical and of complex nature for which the researcher has no theoretical background

Major elements of the proposal  

It is, now, interrelated to discuss briefly the important parts of the research proposal. This discussion is confined to the place and the adviser of a research student can perceive role of each element as.

1.              Problem of the Study

One of the most difficult problems for a research student is the selection of a suitable problem. How it can be identified? What are its resources? What are suitable problem areas from which a problem could be picked up? The answers of such questions are not in the purview of this paper. The advisor’s main concern is to look into the suitability and feasibility of the problem selected by him/her for inquiry. In proposal, the adviser has to see that the problem selected for investigation by the researcher is:

a.                Significant in view of the educational theory and practice,

b.               Appropriate to the effectively solved through the process of research,

c.                Feasible to the carried through a successful conclusion

d.               Opens doors for future investigation

e.                Possess practical value to the evolutionists, students, parents and community

f.                 Enjoys the characteristics of originality and novelty

g.                Enjoys the characteristics of interest and desire of the researcher

2.       Statement of the problem

The selection of the problem ultimately leads to the analysis of the problem. After singling out relevant facts, explanation, causing the difficulty and tracing their relationship, the researcher then state them in to a formal descriptive statement. The quality of such statement is that it gives a unified picture of the problem in all its dimensions.

The basic issue is to be considered in the proposal is that how far the statement of the problem has been thoroughly viewed through a logical, theoretical or conceptual frame work and passed through the process of selection and execution and finally reduced to manageable size.  Other attributes expected of a good problem statement are that;

a.                It has been expressed in simple terms

b.               It has been expressed in clear and unambiguous terms

c.                It relates to general incidents

d.               It justifies its significance

e.                It indicates possibilities of empirical testing

3.    Objectives of the study

When a problem for a research purpose is selected and its conceptual framework is determined for sharpening its focus, the third essential step is to state its objectives. The problem of the study and the objectives of the study are not the same. If a problem signifies the relationship of variables, the objectives are how to eliminate such factors in future. Thus the objectives are the product, which are perceived by the student to be accomplished through his study. While checking the research proposal, the advisor has to see that objectives so framed, for investigations are,

a.                Not free- floating

b.               Realistic enough to be realized

c.                Significant in the sense that they add to new knowledge already known

d.               Evolved from the conceptual frame

e.                Contributing to the social utility

f.                 Contributing to the enhancement of scientific interest

4.    Hypothesis/questions

 Statement of the hypotheses or questions is the fourth essential element of the study and of the proposal. After the problem is identified, statement is sharpened and objectives narrow down to the ultimate end, hypotheses are formulated in two step process

a.                Selecting key question to be persuaded

b.               Operationalizing the definitions that will be employed for the major variables in the study 

In research the term hypothesis implies deviation within a hypothetical-deductive theoretical system of a particular assertion or prediction. In simple words hypotheses are tentative answers to the questions. They are shrewd educated guesses. They are subjected to test for confirmation or dis-conformation on empirical grounds. They are usually stated in positive or literary from; however, the statistical hypotheses are stated in negative or null form.

Hypotheses are to be developed when the degree of sophistication of conceptual framework is high approximating that of a hypothetical- deductive theory, while questions are more appropriate when the degree of sophistication is low and rigorous deduction are either not required or possible.

The guide of a research student is interested to see that he has formulated major hypotheses and several other minor hypotheses in his proposal. They are expected to establish clearly the nature of the problem and the logic underlying it. Hypotheses so formulated or questions so framed are expected to possess some other characteristics such as:

a.                They are reasonable

b.               They are consistent with objectives

c.                They are stated in simple possible terms

d.               They can be tested and accepted or rejected

e.                They are verifiable

f.                 They have been inferred from the theory or conceptual framework in straightforward deductive manner.

g.                They are limited in scope

h.                They are consistent with known facts

i.                 They possess the validating quality

5.    Review of the related literature

As mentioned earlier, in a theoretical framework clarification and isolation are important decisions to be logically taken by the researcher, but these decisions depend upon the insight imagination and rationality of the researcher. If the researcher is unable to develop such understanding, this conceptual framework on which the entire research rests, will remain vague and confused. This is one of the reasons that the study of the related literature is emphasized. It helps the researcher to realize how many facts of the problem exist and what other logical framework has been applied to solve the same problem earlier.

A researcher which is not based on the review of the related literature may remain in isolated study, having, at least, only accidental relevance to what has gone before. Synthesis of major studies helps the researcher to outline the problem area and suggests answers for further research.

While studying the related literature a researcher may come to know what has been done. And what is still to be done? It helps him/her to eliminate the repetition or duplication of what has already been investigated. It also provides useful hypotheses.

In the proposal, the researcher is required to chalk out a plan of what is most important to be reviewed.

Such review should include:

a.                Reported problem or closely related problems

b.               Research designs of various nature

c.                Designs of studies used, including procedures, instruments etc.

d.               Population have been studied

e.                Variables that could have affected the findings

f.                 Weaknesses those were apparent in the previous studies

g.                Suggestions for further studies provided in the research reports

h.                Policy statements of the Government related to the area of the study

i.                 Special reports prepared by national or international agencies on the subject

6.    Research Procedure/design

This part of the proposal outlines the entire research plan to be carried out. It mainly describes

a.                What must be done?

b.               How it will be done?

c.                What data will be needed?

d.               What data-collecting device will be used?

e.                How sources of data will be located?

f.                 How data will be organized?

g.                How data will be analyzed and conclusions drawn?

7.    Time Schedule

The time schedule will be the last element of the proposal. It indicated perhaps of the project activities. It should be prepared in advance so that the researcher could budget his time and energy effectively. Dividing the project into phases and assigning each phase deadline for its completion helps to synthesis and regularize the research work and minimizing the natural tendency to procrastinate. In view of the critical time limitation, time scheduling is not only essential but also it would stimulate the researcher towards the completion of his work well in time.

REFERENCES

Format of Research Proposal

Title Page

1.1          Introduction

1.2          Background and Justification

1.3          Objectives of the Study

1.4          Significance of the Study

1.5          Research Questions

2.1          Research Design

2.2          The nature of the Study

2.3          Population

2.4          Samples

2.5          Methods and Tools of Data collection

2.6          Limitations

2.7          Delimitation

2.8          Ethical Considerations

2.9          Research Methods/Timeframe

REFERENCES