LECTURE research methodology and science

SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY
AND
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

LECTURE 1
RESEARCH,
ITS CHARACTERSTICS, PURPOSE AND
IMPORTANCE

RESEARCH
“Research is defined as a careful consideration of
study regarding a particular concern or a problem
using scientific methods.”
According to the American sociologist Earl Robert
Babbie,
“Research is a systematic inquiry to describe,
explain, predict and control the observed
phenomenon. Research involves inductive and
deductive methods.”

RESEARCH
Research is a careful and detailed study into a
specific problem, concern, or issue using the
scientific method. It's the adult form of the
science fair projects back in elementary school,
where you try and learn something by performing
an experiment. This is best accomplished by
turning the issue into a question, with the intent
of the research to answer the question.

RESEARCH
A research study is a scientific way to improve or
develop new methods of health care. Studies are
designed to answer specific questions on how to
prevent, diagnose, or treat diseases and disorders.
Research studies are important because they
contribute to knowledge and progress on diseases and
disorders.

RESEARCH
Educational Research:
Education is both science and art. As science it is based on
theories, laws and principles and as art it is an activity and an
application which requires skills and training. In order to make
effective application of the laws and principles and to provide
training in skills and techniques educational research is needed.
Educational research is of much significance to improve the art of
teaching to make the students learn effectively. Education is a
process of socialization which can meet the challenge of increasing
contradiction and belligerency.

Educational research affects personality of the
researcher. It teaches him ‘how to solve problems to
realize truth.’ he is not liable to accept the findings of
others unless he tests them. It is needed to make
education administration efficient and effective. It
helps in decision making. Educational research is
needed for a teacher to improve his teaching, his
methodology, his skills, his planning and to make him
up to date in information and knowledge.

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

CHARACTERISTICS OF RESEARCH
Research attempts to solve a problem
Research involves gathering new data from primary or first-hand
sources or using existing data for a new purpose
Research is based upon observable experience or empirical evidence
Research demands accurate observation and description

Research generally employs carefully designed procedures and rigorous
analysis.
Research emphasizes the development of generalizations, principles
or theories that will help in understanding, prediction and/or control.
Research requires expertise—familiarity with the field; competence
in methodology; technical skill in collecting and analyzing the data.

Research attempts to find an objective, unbiased solution to the
problem and takes great pains to validate the procedures employed.
Research is a deliberate and unhurried activity which is directional
but often refines the problem or questions as the research
progresses.
Research is carefully recorded and reported to other persons
interested in the problem.

A systematic approach is followed in research. Rules and procedures
are an integral part of research that set the objective of a research
process. Researchers need to practice ethics and code of conduct
while making observations or drawing conclusions.
Research is based on logical reasoning and involves both inductive
and deductive methods.

There is an in-depth analysis of all the data collected from research
so that there are no anomalies associated with it.
Research creates a path for generating new questions. More
research opportunity can be generated from existing research.
The data or knowledge that is derived is in real time, actual
observations in the natural settings.

APPROACHES
There are different approaches to educational research which are as
following;
1. Basic Approach
2. Applied Research
These approaches have different purposes which influence the nature
of the respective research

APPROACHES
• Basic approach
Basic, or academic research focuses on the search for
truth or the development of educational theory.
Researchers with this background "design studies that
can test, refine, modify, or develop theories".
Generally, these researchers are affiliated with an
academic institution and are performing this research
as part of their graduate or doctoral work.

APPROACHES
• Applied approach
The pursuit of information that can be directly applied to practice is aptly
known as applied or contractual research. Researchers in this field are trying
to find solutions to existing educational problems.. Applied researchers are
commissioned by a sponsor and are responsible for addressing the needs
presented by this employer. The goal of this research is "to determine the
applicability of educational theory and principles by testing hypotheses
within specific settings".

Purpose of Research
• The purpose of research is
 To discover answer to questions through the application of scientific procedures.
 To face a challenge
 To solve a problem
 To get intellectual joy
 To serve society
 To increase standard of living
To show right paths to society in case of social and behavioral sciences

Purpose of Research
Exploratory research
 To explore a new topic in order to learn about it.
To satisfy the researcher’s curiosity and desire for better understanding.
Addresses the “what” questions: “what is this phenomena really about?”

Purpose of Research
Descriptive research
To describe situations and events.
To present a picture of the specific details(for gather info) of a situation,
social setting, or relationship
Focus on ‘who’, ‘what’, ‘when’ ‘,where’ and ‘how’ but not why?

Purpose of Research
Explanatory research
 To know “why” to explain things, look for causes and reasons
Builds on exploratory and descriptive research and goes on to identify the
reasons for something that occurs
To extend a theory or principle to new areas, new issues, new topics
To test a theory’s prediction or principles

Importance of Research
 Research adds to our knowledge
 Addresses gaps in knowledge
 Expands knowledge
 Replicates knowledge
 Adds voices of individuals to knowledge

Research helps improve practice.
Educators gain new ideas for their job.
Educators gain new insights into approaches.
Educators can connect with other educators.

Research helps inform policy debates.
Research allows people to weigh different perspectives on issues.
Research enables people to make informed decisions regarding policy.

Research is important in both scientific and nonscientific field
Research facilitates the gathering of relevant information
Research facilitates the analysis of data in ways that could help decision-making

Why research important to our daily life?

Home
Constructing a 95% confidence interval
The 95% confidence interval for the population
proportion is:

LECTURE research methodology and science

More Related Content

Similar to LECTURE research methodology and science (20)

Recently uploaded (20)

LECTURE research methodology and science