I. Meaning of Research: It is "structured and systematic process of carrying a scientific method of analysis that is directed towards discovery and development of an organised body of knowledge".
It is objective and impartial, and involves logical analysis of the data obtained from observations in a controlled environment. It leads to the development of a theory and predictions about events yet to be observed.
- Methodology of Educational Research, p8, Koul,.L.,Fourth Edition, Vikas Publishing House Pvt.Ltd.
II. Characteristics of Research - According to Best and Kahn (1992,pp. 18-20):
1. Solution of Problem: Research is done to find solution of a persistent problem before the mankind. It finds a relationship between two or more variables of interest.
2. Generalizations: Research leads to the generalizations of the gathered data into theories which explain the existing events or observations but also predict the existence of events yet to be observed.
3. Empirical: Research is based on observable experiences which can be reproduced by one and all, anytime and anywhere.
4. Accuracy: It is essential that the researcher observes strict accuracy with respect to the devices and instruments selected to gather data and carry out its analysis.
5. New Data Addition: Merely carrying out literature review or knowing about the existing knowledge is not research. Research is new contribution to the edifice of knowledge.
6. Carefully Designed Procedure: The actual research can involve trial and error, at times random and unsystematic activities, but in general and in intent of the researcher, it is a very carefully designed activity involving rigorous analysis of data.
7. Expertise: To do research, one must prepare himself or herself for the activity by gaining expertise. This is possible through proper literature review, assimilation of terms, theories and concepts and through the acquisition of skills required in data analysis.
8. No Personal Bias: There is no room for personal bias and emotional convictions in research. Every finding must be objectively validated by one and all.
9.Originality / Replication: While research must be original in nature, at times replication of previous works also turn out be desirable as it confirms their findings,
10. Disappointments and Discouragements: The researcher must be patient enough in arriving at the conclusions of his or her research. There can be obstacles and set-backs for reasons beyond the control of the researcher or for unfathomable causes.
11. Recording and Reporting: While recording of the data is one aspect of the research, its reporting to the scientific community at large is also equally important. It calls for academic writing skills. The reporting of the recorded observations, data analysis and interpretations made must be in a such manner that other researchers should easily replicate the study and its findings.
12. Courage: Research calls for courage to stand for the findings obtained from one's own research against the oppositions from personal convictions and societal stigma.
Conclusion: It is difficult to keep track and strike a balance among all these mentioned aspects of research.
III. Nature of Educational Research:
1. It is the application of the theories of educational sciences to solve the problems of education and increase its efficiency.
2. Being a behavioral science, educational research strives to observe, understand, explain and predict human behavior.
3. The social experiences are the sum total of all the experiences humans learn about themselves up to a given point of time and knowledge base is the explanations that a society develops for the observed human experiences.
4. Educational research tries to build concepts and theories on the social experiences and knowledge base. This is done to understand the events of education and its phenomenon.
References:
1. Research Methodology Methods and Techniques, C.R.Kothari, Second Edition.
2. Methodology of Educational Research, Lokesh Koul, Fourth Edition.
3. Research in Education, Best and Kahn, Tenth Edition.
It is objective and impartial, and involves logical analysis of the data obtained from observations in a controlled environment. It leads to the development of a theory and predictions about events yet to be observed.
- Methodology of Educational Research, p8, Koul,.L.,Fourth Edition, Vikas Publishing House Pvt.Ltd.
II. Characteristics of Research - According to Best and Kahn (1992,pp. 18-20):
1. Solution of Problem: Research is done to find solution of a persistent problem before the mankind. It finds a relationship between two or more variables of interest.
2. Generalizations: Research leads to the generalizations of the gathered data into theories which explain the existing events or observations but also predict the existence of events yet to be observed.
3. Empirical: Research is based on observable experiences which can be reproduced by one and all, anytime and anywhere.
4. Accuracy: It is essential that the researcher observes strict accuracy with respect to the devices and instruments selected to gather data and carry out its analysis.
5. New Data Addition: Merely carrying out literature review or knowing about the existing knowledge is not research. Research is new contribution to the edifice of knowledge.
6. Carefully Designed Procedure: The actual research can involve trial and error, at times random and unsystematic activities, but in general and in intent of the researcher, it is a very carefully designed activity involving rigorous analysis of data.
7. Expertise: To do research, one must prepare himself or herself for the activity by gaining expertise. This is possible through proper literature review, assimilation of terms, theories and concepts and through the acquisition of skills required in data analysis.
8. No Personal Bias: There is no room for personal bias and emotional convictions in research. Every finding must be objectively validated by one and all.
9.Originality / Replication: While research must be original in nature, at times replication of previous works also turn out be desirable as it confirms their findings,
10. Disappointments and Discouragements: The researcher must be patient enough in arriving at the conclusions of his or her research. There can be obstacles and set-backs for reasons beyond the control of the researcher or for unfathomable causes.
11. Recording and Reporting: While recording of the data is one aspect of the research, its reporting to the scientific community at large is also equally important. It calls for academic writing skills. The reporting of the recorded observations, data analysis and interpretations made must be in a such manner that other researchers should easily replicate the study and its findings.
12. Courage: Research calls for courage to stand for the findings obtained from one's own research against the oppositions from personal convictions and societal stigma.
Conclusion: It is difficult to keep track and strike a balance among all these mentioned aspects of research.
III. Nature of Educational Research:
1. It is the application of the theories of educational sciences to solve the problems of education and increase its efficiency.
2. Being a behavioral science, educational research strives to observe, understand, explain and predict human behavior.
3. The social experiences are the sum total of all the experiences humans learn about themselves up to a given point of time and knowledge base is the explanations that a society develops for the observed human experiences.
4. Educational research tries to build concepts and theories on the social experiences and knowledge base. This is done to understand the events of education and its phenomenon.
References:
1. Research Methodology Methods and Techniques, C.R.Kothari, Second Edition.
2. Methodology of Educational Research, Lokesh Koul, Fourth Edition.
3. Research in Education, Best and Kahn, Tenth Edition.
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