RESEARCH METHODS AN INTRODUCTION

RESEARCH METHODSRESEARCH METHODS AN INTRODUCTIONAN INTRODUCTION

Presented By: Bakary SinghatehPresented By: Bakary SinghatehSchool of Education – University of The GambiaSchool of Education – University of The Gambia

E-mail: [email protected]: [email protected] By: Bakary Singhateh - Presented By: Bakary Singhateh -

Instructor: UTGInstructor: UTG

““All progress is born of inquiry. Doubt All progress is born of inquiry. Doubt is often better than overconfidence, is often better than overconfidence, for it leads to inquiry, and inquiry for it leads to inquiry, and inquiry leads to invention” leads to invention”

(Hudson Maxim) (Hudson Maxim)

Presented By: Bakary Singhateh - Presented By: Bakary Singhateh - Instructor: UTGInstructor: UTG

Why Research, and Who Why Research, and Who Benefits?Benefits?

As a graduate student...As a graduate student... – To be able to read and understand the To be able to read and understand the

empirical literature in your field; to become a empirical literature in your field; to become a critical consumer of information.critical consumer of information.

As a graduate student preparing for a As a graduate student preparing for a thesis or dissertation…thesis or dissertation… – To be able to both design and implement your To be able to both design and implement your

thesis or dissertation as well as future studies thesis or dissertation as well as future studies that interest you.that interest you.


As a future practitioner…As a future practitioner… – To be able to intelligently participate in To be able to intelligently participate in

research projects, evaluations, and studies research projects, evaluations, and studies undertaken by your institution.undertaken by your institution.

As an educated citizen ...As an educated citizen ...– To understand the difference between To understand the difference between

scientifically acquired knowledge and other scientifically acquired knowledge and other kinds of information.kinds of information.

Why Research, and Who Why Research, and Who Benefits?Benefits?


What Research Is NotWhat Research Is Not

Research isn’t information gathering:Research isn’t information gathering:– Gathering information from resources such books or Gathering information from resources such books or

magazines isn’t research.magazines isn’t research.– No contribution to new knowledge.No contribution to new knowledge.

Research isn’t the transportation of factsResearch isn’t the transportation of facts::– Merely transporting facts from one resource to Merely transporting facts from one resource to

another doesn’t constitute research.another doesn’t constitute research.– No contribution to new knowledge although this might No contribution to new knowledge although this might

make existing knowledge more accessible.make existing knowledge more accessible.


What Research IsWhat Research Is

Research is:Research is:

“…the systematic process of collecting and analyzing information (data) in order to increase our understanding of the phenomenon about which we are concerned or interested.”


Research Methods Vs Research Methods Vs MethodologyMethodology

Research Methods Research Methods are the methods that are the methods that the researcher adopts for conducting the the researcher adopts for conducting the research Studiesresearch Studies

Research MethodologyResearch Methodology is the way in is the way in which research problems are solved which research problems are solved systematically.systematically.

It is the Science of studying how research It is the Science of studying how research is conducted Scientificallyis conducted Scientifically


What’s the Difference What’s the Difference

“Method” and “Methodology”?“Method” and “Methodology”?

Method:Method:

Techniques for Techniques for gathering evidencegathering evidence

The various ways of The various ways of proceeding in proceeding in gathering informationgathering information

Methodology:Methodology:

The underlying theory The underlying theory and analysis of how and analysis of how research does or research does or should proceed, often should proceed, often influenced by influenced by disciplinediscipline


Conceptual Vs EmpiricalConceptual Vs Empirical

The Research related to some abstract The Research related to some abstract idea or theory is known as idea or theory is known as Conceptual Conceptual Research. Research. (Ex: Philosophers and Thinkers (Ex: Philosophers and Thinkers using this to developing new concepts)using this to developing new concepts)

Empirical Research Empirical Research relies on the relies on the observation or experience with hardly any observation or experience with hardly any regard for theory and system.regard for theory and system.


Qualities of a ResearcherQualities of a Researcher

Desire for accuracy of observation & Desire for accuracy of observation & precision of statementprecision of statement

An alert mind.An alert mind.

Must practice “The art of enduring Must practice “The art of enduring intellectual hardships”intellectual hardships”

Making statements cautiously Making statements cautiously


Research CharacteristicsResearch Characteristics

1.1. Originates with a question or problem.Originates with a question or problem.

2.2. Requires clear articulation of a goal.Requires clear articulation of a goal.

3.3. Follows a specific plan or procedure.Follows a specific plan or procedure.

4.4. Often divides main problem into sub-problems.Often divides main problem into sub-problems.

5.5. Guided by specific problem, question, or Guided by specific problem, question, or hypothesis.hypothesis.

6.6. Accepts certain critical assumptions.Accepts certain critical assumptions.

7.7. Requires collection and interpretation of data.Requires collection and interpretation of data.

8.8. Cyclical (helical) in nature.Cyclical (helical) in nature.


Research ProjectsResearch Projects

Research begins with a problem.Research begins with a problem.– This problem need not be Earth-shaking.This problem need not be Earth-shaking.

Identifying this problem can actually be the Identifying this problem can actually be the hardest part of research.hardest part of research.

In general, good research projects should:In general, good research projects should:– Address an important question.Address an important question.– Advance knowledge.Advance knowledge.


High-Quality ResearchHigh-Quality Research(1 of 2)(1 of 2)

Good research requires:Good research requires:– The scope and limitations of the work to be clearly The scope and limitations of the work to be clearly

defined.defined.

– The process to be clearly explained so that it can be The process to be clearly explained so that it can be reproduced and verified by other researchers.reproduced and verified by other researchers.

– A thoroughly planned design that is as objective as A thoroughly planned design that is as objective as possible.possible.


High-Quality ResearchHigh-Quality Research(2 of 2)(2 of 2)

Good research requires:Good research requires:– Highly ethical standards be applied.Highly ethical standards be applied.

– All limitations be documented.All limitations be documented.

– Data be adequately analyzed and explained.Data be adequately analyzed and explained.

– All findings be presented unambiguously and all All findings be presented unambiguously and all conclusions be justified by sufficient evidenceconclusions be justified by sufficient evidence..


Sources of Research Sources of Research ProblemsProblems

Observation.Observation.

Literature reviews.Literature reviews.

Professional conferences.Professional conferences.

Experts.Experts.


ELEMENTS OF RESEARCHELEMENTS OF RESEARCH


Areas for DiscussionAreas for Discussion

Meaning of Research. Meaning of Research. Definitions of Research.Definitions of Research.Significance of Research.Significance of Research.Aims and Objectives of Research.Aims and Objectives of Research.Motivation for Research.Motivation for Research.Research as Method of Science.Research as Method of Science.Characteristics of Research.Characteristics of Research.Functions of Research.Functions of Research.Scope of Research.Scope of Research.Classification of Educational Research.Classification of Educational Research.Presented By: Bakary Singhateh - Presented By: Bakary Singhateh -


Meaning of ResearchMeaning of Research A search for knowledge.A search for knowledge.

A scientific and systematic search for pertinent A scientific and systematic search for pertinent

information on a specific topic.information on a specific topic.

A careful search or inquiry, endeavour to A careful search or inquiry, endeavour to

discover new ideas by scientific study, - a discover new ideas by scientific study, - a

course of critical investigation.course of critical investigation.

A careful search for solutions to the problems A careful search for solutions to the problems

that plague and puzzle the mankind.that plague and puzzle the mankind.


Definitions of ResearchDefinitions of ResearchAdvanced Learner’s DictionaryAdvanced Learner’s Dictionary

““A careful investigation or inquiry specially A careful investigation or inquiry specially through search for new facts in any branch of through search for new facts in any branch of knowledge” knowledge”

Redman and MoryRedman and Mory

““A systematized effort to gain new knowledge.”A systematized effort to gain new knowledge.”

Clifford WoodyClifford Woody

“ “ A careful inquiry or examination in seeking A careful inquiry or examination in seeking facts or principles, a diligent investigation to facts or principles, a diligent investigation to ascertain something.”ascertain something.”


Definitions of ResearchDefinitions of ResearchC.C. CrawfordC.C. Crawford

“ “ A systematic and refined technique of thinking, A systematic and refined technique of thinking,

employing specialized tools, instruments and employing specialized tools, instruments and

procedures in order to obtain a more adequate procedures in order to obtain a more adequate

solution of a problem than would be possible solution of a problem than would be possible

under ordinary means. It starts with a problem, under ordinary means. It starts with a problem,

collects data or facts, analyses them critically collects data or facts, analyses them critically

and reaches decisions based on the actual and reaches decisions based on the actual

evidence”.evidence”.


Significance of ResearchSignificance of Research““All progress is born of inquiry. Doubt is often All progress is born of inquiry. Doubt is often better than overconfidence, for it leads to inquiry, better than overconfidence, for it leads to inquiry, and inquiry leads to invention.”and inquiry leads to invention.” Hudson’s MaximHudson’s Maxim

1.For educationists in studying various educational 1.For educationists in studying various educational problems and in seeking answers to various problems and in seeking answers to various educational problems.educational problems.

2.For social scientists in studying social 2.For social scientists in studying social relationships and in seeking answers to various relationships and in seeking answers to various social problems. social problems.

3.Provides the basis for nearly all government 3.Provides the basis for nearly all government policies in our economic system.policies in our economic system.


Significance of Research…Significance of Research…

4.For solving various operational and planning 4.For solving various operational and planning

problems of business and industry.problems of business and industry.

5.It inculcates scientific and inductive thinking.5.It inculcates scientific and inductive thinking.

6.It promotes the development of logical habits of 6.It promotes the development of logical habits of

thinking and organization.thinking and organization.

7.To understand the new developments in one’s 7.To understand the new developments in one’s

filed in a better way.filed in a better way.


**Significance of Research…****Significance of Research…**

An outlet for new ideas and insights to An outlet for new ideas and insights to

philosophers and thinkers.philosophers and thinkers.

For the development of new styles and creative For the development of new styles and creative

work to literary persons.work to literary persons.

For the generalizations of new theories to For the generalizations of new theories to

analysts and intellectuals.analysts and intellectuals.

For research scholars it is a way to attain a high For research scholars it is a way to attain a high

position in the social structure. position in the social structure.

A source of livelihood to professionals in A source of livelihood to professionals in

research methodology.research methodology.Presented By: Bakary Singhateh - Presented By: Bakary Singhateh -


Aims and Objectives of ResearchAims and Objectives of ResearchGeneral AimsGeneral Aims

To find out the truth which is hidden and To find out the truth which is hidden and

which has not been discovered as yet.which has not been discovered as yet.

To discover answers to questions To discover answers to questions

through the application of scientific through the application of scientific

procedures.procedures.


Objectives of ResearchObjectives of Research To gain familiarity with a phenomenon or to To gain familiarity with a phenomenon or to

achieve new insights into it. achieve new insights into it. (Exploratory or (Exploratory or Formulative)Formulative)

To portray accurately the characteristics of a To portray accurately the characteristics of a particular individual, situation or a group. particular individual, situation or a group. (Descriptive)(Descriptive)

To determine the frequency with which To determine the frequency with which something occurs or with which it is something occurs or with which it is associated with something else. associated with something else. (Diagnostic)(Diagnostic)

To test hypothesis of a causal relationship To test hypothesis of a causal relationship between variables. between variables. (Hypothesis-testing)(Hypothesis-testing)


Motivation for ResearchMotivation for Research

Desire to get a research degree.Desire to get a research degree.

Desire to face the challenge in solving the Desire to face the challenge in solving the

unsolved problems.unsolved problems.

Desire to get intellectual joy of doing Desire to get intellectual joy of doing

some creative work.some creative work.

Desire to be of service to society.Desire to be of service to society.

Desire to get respectability.Desire to get respectability.Presented By: Bakary Singhateh - Presented By: Bakary Singhateh -


Motivation for Research….Motivation for Research….

Desire to understand casual relationships.Desire to understand casual relationships.

Directions from government.Directions from government.

Employment conditions.Employment conditions.

Curiosity about new things.Curiosity about new things.

Social thinking and awakening.Social thinking and awakening.


Research as Method of ScienceResearch as Method of ScienceEvolution of Human ThinkingEvolution of Human Thinking

Man has appealed to the following sources of evidence in his search for truth.

Custom and tradition.Custom and tradition.

Authority.Authority.

Personal experience.Personal experience.

Reasoning from self-evident propositions.Reasoning from self-evident propositions.

Scientific inquiry.Scientific inquiry.

Inductive thinking.Inductive thinking.

Deductive thinking.Deductive thinking.Presented By: Bakary Singhateh - Presented By: Bakary Singhateh -


Research as Method of Science….Research as Method of Science….

Characteristics of Scientific ThinkingCharacteristics of Scientific Thinking

Science is based on facts.Science is based on facts.

Science employs the method of analysis.Science employs the method of analysis.

Science employs hypotheses.Science employs hypotheses.

Science is free from emotional bias.Science is free from emotional bias.

Science employs objective measurement.Science employs objective measurement.

Science uses quantitative methods in the Science uses quantitative methods in the

treatment of data.treatment of data.Presented By: Bakary Singhateh - Presented By: Bakary Singhateh -


Research as Method of Science…Research as Method of Science…

Steps in the Process of Scientific ThinkingSteps in the Process of Scientific Thinking

1.1. Location of a problem.Location of a problem.

2.2. Survey of past experiences with the problem.Survey of past experiences with the problem.

3.3. Formation of hypothesis.Formation of hypothesis.

4.4. Collection of data for checking hypothesis.Collection of data for checking hypothesis.

5.5. Analysis, classification and summarization of Analysis, classification and summarization of

the data collected.the data collected.

6.6. Formulation of new generalizations, or scientific Formulation of new generalizations, or scientific

law.law.Presented By: Bakary Singhateh - Presented By: Bakary Singhateh -


Characteristics of ResearchCharacteristics of Research

Research is expert, systematic and accurate Research is expert, systematic and accurate

investigation.investigation.

Research is logical and objective.Research is logical and objective.

Research gathers knowledge or data from Research gathers knowledge or data from

primary or first hand sources.primary or first hand sources.

Research endeavours to organize data in Research endeavours to organize data in

quantitative terms as far possible.quantitative terms as far possible.

Research is highly purposive.Research is highly purposive.

Research maintains rigorous standards.Research maintains rigorous standards.


Characteristics of ResearchCharacteristics of Research Research places emphasis upon the discovery of Research places emphasis upon the discovery of

general principles and scientific generalizations.general principles and scientific generalizations.

Research requires courage.Research requires courage.

Research is patient and unhurried.Research is patient and unhurried.

Research usually involves, as a step, a hypothesis Research usually involves, as a step, a hypothesis

or a set of hypotheses.or a set of hypotheses.

Research is carefully recorded and reported.Research is carefully recorded and reported.


Specific Characteristics of Educational Specific Characteristics of Educational ResearchResearch

A sound philosophy of education forms the A sound philosophy of education forms the

basis of educational research.basis of educational research.

It needs imagination and insight as much as It needs imagination and insight as much as

scientific attitude of mind.scientific attitude of mind.

It requires an interdisciplinary approach.It requires an interdisciplinary approach.

It usually employs deductive reasoning.It usually employs deductive reasoning.

It is not as exact as research in physical It is not as exact as research in physical

science.science.Presented By: Bakary Singhateh - Presented By: Bakary Singhateh -


Specific Characteristics of Educational Specific Characteristics of Educational Research…..Research…..

It comes out of a desire to do things better.It comes out of a desire to do things better.

It is not the field of the specialist only.It is not the field of the specialist only.

It generally requires inexpensive material.It generally requires inexpensive material.

It is capable of being dealt through empirical It is capable of being dealt through empirical

methods. methods. (Qualitative)(Qualitative)

It is based on interdependence of causes and It is based on interdependence of causes and

effect.effect.

Educational research cannot be a mechanical Educational research cannot be a mechanical

process.process.Presented By: Bakary Singhateh - Presented By: Bakary Singhateh -


Functions of Educational ResearchFunctions of Educational Research

General Functions

Help the man to enhance his abilities and Help the man to enhance his abilities and

powers freeing him from the limitations imposed powers freeing him from the limitations imposed

by ignorance.by ignorance.

Development and reconstruction of the theories.Development and reconstruction of the theories.

Test the validity of the theories.Test the validity of the theories.

Generate knowledge and promote educational Generate knowledge and promote educational

practicepractice.. Presented By: Bakary Singhateh - Presented By: Bakary Singhateh - Instructor: UTGInstructor: UTG

Functions of Educational ResearchFunctions of Educational ResearchFunctions for a teacherFunctions for a teacher

Increase the efficiency of the teachers.Increase the efficiency of the teachers.

Make the teachers aware of the ways in which Make the teachers aware of the ways in which

psychological laws governing educational psychological laws governing educational

practices.practices.

Enable the teachers to understand and evaluate Enable the teachers to understand and evaluate

the professional literature critically.the professional literature critically.

Keep the teachers abreast of new trends in the Keep the teachers abreast of new trends in the

field of education.field of education.Presented By: Bakary Singhateh - Presented By: Bakary Singhateh -


Functions of Educational ResearchFunctions of Educational Research

Functions for a teacherFunctions for a teacher…..…..

Help in making wise educational decisions.Help in making wise educational decisions.

Improvement of the over-all system of education.Improvement of the over-all system of education.

Invention of and testing new educational Invention of and testing new educational

experiments.experiments.

Realization of the goal of universalisation of Realization of the goal of universalisation of

education.education.

Bringing a new social order.Bringing a new social order.


Scope of Educational ResearchScope of Educational Research

Two questions to determine the scope;Two questions to determine the scope;

a)a) What are the limits of its field of What are the limits of its field of operations?operations?

b)b) What is to be included in its study?What is to be included in its study?

Scope of Educational Research can be Scope of Educational Research can be viewed from;viewed from;

1.1. Types of ResearchTypes of Research

2.2. Area of EducationArea of EducationPresented By: Bakary Singhateh - Presented By: Bakary Singhateh -


Scope of Educational Research…Scope of Educational Research…

Types of ResearchTypes of ResearchI. Classification based on ‘I. Classification based on ‘goalgoal or or objectiveobjective’’

1.1. Fundamental Research.Fundamental Research.

2.2. Applied Research.Applied Research.

3.3. Action Research.Action Research.

II. Classification based on ‘II. Classification based on ‘methodologymethodology’.’.

1.1. Historical Research.Historical Research.

2.2. Descriptive Research.Descriptive Research.

3.3. Experimental Research.Experimental Research. Presented By: Bakary Singhateh - Presented By: Bakary Singhateh -


Scope of Educational Research…Scope of Educational Research…

Types of ResearchTypes of ResearchClassification based on ‘Classification based on ‘goalgoal or or objectiveobjective’’

Fundamental Research (Basic/Pure)Fundamental Research (Basic/Pure) Aims at obtaining empirical data that can be Aims at obtaining empirical data that can be

used to formulate, expand or evaluate a theory.used to formulate, expand or evaluate a theory. Creation of knowledge solely for the sake of Creation of knowledge solely for the sake of

knowledge.knowledge. Not concerned with the solution of immediate Not concerned with the solution of immediate

practical problems.practical problems.


Scope of Educational Research…Scope of Educational Research… Types of Research..Types of Research..

Classification based on ‘Classification based on ‘goalgoal or or objectiveobjective’’ Applied Research. (Field)Applied Research. (Field)

Directed towards the solution of a specific Directed towards the solution of a specific

and practical problem.and practical problem.

Testing of theories or laws in the actual field Testing of theories or laws in the actual field

setting.setting.

Devoted to the solution of the problems of Devoted to the solution of the problems of

field workers or other affected individuals.field workers or other affected individuals.Presented By: Bakary Singhateh - Presented By: Bakary Singhateh -



Classification based on ‘Classification based on ‘goalgoal or or objectiveobjective’’ Action ResearchAction Research

Focused on the immediate application and not Focused on the immediate application and not

on the development of a theory.on the development of a theory.

Purpose:- Improvement of institutional practices.Purpose:- Improvement of institutional practices.

Emphasis on decentralization of decision Emphasis on decentralization of decision

making and action.making and action.



Classification based on ‘Classification based on ‘methodologymethodology’.’.

Historical ResearchHistorical Research Describes Describes ‘What was’.‘What was’.

Purpose:-Purpose:- to arrive at an exact account of the to arrive at an exact account of the

past, to build a perspective about the present, past, to build a perspective about the present,

to predict and control our future activities.to predict and control our future activities.

Process:-Process:- Investigation – Analyzing -- Investigation – Analyzing --

Interpretation – Generalization -- Recording.Interpretation – Generalization -- Recording.



Classification based on ‘Classification based on ‘methodologymethodology’’

Descriptive ResearchDescriptive Research DescribesDescribes ‘‘What is’.What is’.

Purpose:- To discover the relationship between

the existing variables.

Process:- Description – Analysis – Interpretation -

Recording.



Classification based on ‘Classification based on ‘methodologymethodology’’

Experimental ResearchExperimental Research

Describes Describes ‘What will be’‘What will be’ when certain variables when certain variables

are carefully controlled or manipulated.are carefully controlled or manipulated.

Purpose:-Purpose:- Examine the impact of one set of Examine the impact of one set of

variables on another set of variables.variables on another set of variables.

Process:-Process:- Experiments – Analysis – Experiments – Analysis –

Interpretation – Generalization – Recording.Interpretation – Generalization – Recording.Presented By: Bakary Singhateh - Presented By: Bakary Singhateh -


Scope of Educational ResearchScope of Educational ResearchII. Area of EducationII. Area of Education

Pre-primary education.Pre-primary education. Primary education.Primary education. Secondary education.Secondary education. Higher Secondary education.Higher Secondary education. Higher Education.Higher Education. Professional Education.Professional Education. Technical Education.Technical Education. Vocational Education.Vocational Education. Distance Education.Distance Education. Teacher Education.Teacher Education.


Scope of Educational ResearchScope of Educational ResearchArea of Education…..Area of Education…..

Psychology of Education.Psychology of Education.

Philosophy of Education.Philosophy of Education.

Technology of Education.Technology of Education.

Sociology of Education.Sociology of Education.

Economics of Education.Economics of Education.

Language Education.Language Education.

Science Education.Science Education.

Mathematics Education.Mathematics Education.

Social Science Education.Social Science Education.

Commerce Education.Commerce Education.

Adult Education.Adult Education.

Continuing Education.Continuing Education.

Women Education.Women Education.

Comparative Education.Comparative Education.


Scope of Educational ResearchScope of Educational ResearchArea of Education…..Area of Education…..

Special Education.Special Education.

Guidance and Counseling.Guidance and Counseling.

Educational Educational

administration.administration.

Curriculum.Curriculum.

Instruction.Instruction.

Learning.Learning.

Evaluation.Evaluation.

Non-Formal Education.Non-Formal Education.

Moral Education.Moral Education.

Art Education.Art Education.

Physical & Health Physical & Health

Education.Education.

History of Education.History of Education.

Environment Education.Environment Education.


Documents

RESEARCH METHODS AN INTRODUCTION