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research notes introduction

Research is a systematic process of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to arrive at dependable solutions to problems, emphasizing planned and scientific methods. Educational research specifically focuses on improving teaching and learning by investigating relevant problems within educational settings. Key characteristics of research include its systematic nature, objectivity, testability, and replicability, all aimed at contributing to the body of knowledge in education.

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12 views5 pages

research notes introduction

Research is a systematic process of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to arrive at dependable solutions to problems, emphasizing planned and scientific methods. Educational research specifically focuses on improving teaching and learning by investigating relevant problems within educational settings. Key characteristics of research include its systematic nature, objectivity, testability, and replicability, all aimed at contributing to the body of knowledge in education.

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Meaning of Research

Many writers have described research in various ways, and according to the
type and the area. We can say that research is the process of arriving at
dependable solutions to problems through a planned and systematic collection,
analysis and interpretation of data. You may have to note that the key words in
this description are planned and systematic. It means that research is
considered as a logical scientific thinking. This implies that a study or an
activity cannot be regarded as research unless it is carried into the higher levels
of vigorous and scientific reasoning.

We can also look at research as a process of seeking answers to hypothetical


questions using scientific methods of inquiry to produce valid information. It
means therefore, that when you use research methods to solve problems, you are
more efficient than either trial-and-error attempts or “short-run” approaches.
This is because you will direct all efforts towards a particular goal based on a
sound hypothetical solution.

According to Leedy (1997), research is the systematic process of collecting and


analyzing information (data) in order to increase our understanding of the
phenomenon with which we are concerned or interested. He goes on to say that
research is not:

• Mere information gathering;


• Mere transformation of facts from one location to another;
• Merely rummaging for information;
• A catch-word used to get information.

In their own definition, Best and Kahn (1995) agree that research is 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 possibly, ultimate control of events.
From these and other definitions, you have to note that one of the most reliable
ways of ascertaining that decisions are correctly made is to use a scientific
approach to arrive at those decisions. Therefore, research is needed in order to
arrive at objective conclusions. Thus, the use of data to quantify statements
and very assumptions with empirical evidence becomes imperative.

Educational Research

Educational research is implied when research activities are geared towards


unravelling educational problems or bringing about improvement in teaching
and learning. According to Ary et. Al. (1972:21), educational research is “the
way in which one acquires dependable and useful information about the
educative process”. While Travers (1964:5) says that educational research is
“an activity directed towards the development of an organised body of scientific
knowledge about the events with which educators are concerned”. Do you
notice that the descriptions of educational research above highlight some
important concepts? These concepts include: dependability of the information
and its scientific nature; and the fact that the subject- matter of investigation
should be of interest to educators.

Ali (1996:1) described educational research as those activities or processes


which allow one to systematically test and/or obtain a body of information, data
or knowledge about teaching/learning or conditions which affect teaching and
learning. This means that research in education is a systematic attempt to define
and investigate pertinent problems involved in teaching and learning. This can
take place within or outside the school setting. It can take place at various
levels of education, such as early childhood, primary, secondary or tertiary
levels. You will again note that, implicit in this definition, is that educational
research employs scientific methods to find out how teaching and learning can
be improved, conditions under which knowledge can be tested and verified and
the conditions under which they should occur.

In his own definition, Kerlinger (1964) says that educational research is a


systematic, controlled, empirical and critical investigation of hypothetical
propositions about the presumed relations among natural phenomenon.

Education is mainly concerned with the processes which deal with deliberate
change in the behaviour of people through the acquisition of knowledge, skills,
attitudes, interests and appreciation. Therefore, the goal of educational
research is to discover general principles on which interpretations, predictions,
explanations and control of behaviour can be based since educational research
is concerned with the study of the problems of teaching and learning. It means
that any research in this area should contribute to some aspect related directly or
indirectly to the teaching-learning situation. Therefore, the topic selected for
investigation should be truly educational, preferably a problematic topic whose
findings will add to the knowledge-bank of education and to lead to some
solution of a societal problem.

Characteristics of Educational Research

Ewe have said that mere collection of facts, whether from reference books,
from readings in the library, from historical documents, from questionnaire or
even from the internet, is not research, unless the information derived from the
analysis of the data is used to solve problem. Based on this, let us look at some
characteristics of research.
According to Anaekwe (2002), some of the characteristics are:

(i) Research is Systematic: This means that the steps followed to be


sequential and logical. The procedures used can be repeated by
another research to verify the findings.
(ii) Research is Objective: This means that the findings are reported as
they are. The biases, prejudices, beliefs or interests of the researcher
and/or the society are not allowed to interfere with the research
procedure and/or results.
(iii) Research Report is Precise: This is pertinent as the use of vocabulary
which is capable of multiple interpretation is not encouraged.
(iv) Research is Testable/Measurable: Research is not speculative, but
quantifiable. It becomes imperative that data collected for research
must be measurable and tested against a specified hypothesis.
(v) Research is Replicable/Verifiable: Results or findings of a research
can be verified by the researcher or any other person interested in the
findings. This can be done by going through the data used in the study
or the processes involved. The research can be replicated by re-
administering the same instrument or similar instrument of data
collection to the same subjects or similar group of subjects. This
replication can help one to justify the authenticity or otherwise of an
earlier conclusion.

Best and Kahn (1995) gave a summary of the characteristics of research so as to


clarify its meaning. These are:

(i) Research emphasises the development of generalizations, principles or


theories that will be helpful in predicting future occurrences;
(ii) Research is based upon observable experience or empirical evidence;
(iii) Research demands accurate observation and description;
(iv) Research involves gathering new data from primary or first-hand
success or using existing data for a new purpose;
(v) Research is often characterized by carefully designed procedures that
apply rigorous analysis;
(vi) Research requires expertise;
(vii) Research strives to be objective and logical, applying every possible
test to validate the procedures employed, the data collected and the
conclusions reached;
(viii) Research involves the quest for answers to unresolved problems;
(ix) Research is characterized by patient and unhurried activity;
(x) Research is carefully reported and recorded;
(xi) Research requires courage.

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