Teaching and learning: Research Methods in Education

 

(TALS-04) Research Methods in Education

Abstract: This article explores the general characteristics of educational research, approaches to educational research, and types of research. Educational research is systematic, empirical, objective, transparent, and ethical, based on sound theoretical foundations. There are two main approaches to educational research: the basic approach, and the applied approach. Educational research can be broadly classified into two types: qualitative research and quantitative research. Qualitative research includes Interviews, Document analysis, Case study, Ethnography, Phenomenological research, Narrative research, Historical research, Focus group discussions, while quantitative research includes Descriptive survey research, A close-ended questionnaire, Experimental research, Single-subject research, Causal-comparative research, Correlation research, Meta-analysis. Qualitative research aims to explore and understand complex social phenomena, while quantitative research measures and analyzes numerical data. Mixed-method research combines qualitative and quantitative research methods.

Introduction: Education is a field that constantly evolves, and the importance of research methods in education cannot be overstated. As a student, understanding the various approaches to educational research and the scientific method is essential to conducting effective research. In this article, we will explore the general characteristics of educational research, the different approaches to educational research, and the types of research.

General Characteristics of Educational Research

Educational research is a systematic investigation of phenomena related to learning and education. It is conducted to inform educational policies and practices, and to improve the quality of education. Educational research has the following general characteristics:

• It is systematic and methodical.
• It is based on sound theoretical foundations.
• It is empirical, meaning that it is based on observations or experiments.
• It is objective and unbiased.
• It is transparent, meaning that the research process is open to scrutiny.
• It is ethical, meaning that it respects the rights and dignity of research participants.

Approaches to Educational Research

There are two main approaches to educational research: the basic approach and the applied approach.

Basic Approach: The basic approach to educational research is concerned with generating new knowledge about educational phenomena. It is characterized by a focus on theoretical concepts, such as cognitive development, motivation, and learning styles. The basic approach typically involves conducting experiments in controlled settings to test hypotheses.

Applied Approach: The applied approach to educational research is concerned with solving practical problems in education. It is characterized by a focus on real-world issues, such as improving teaching methods, designing educational programs, and assessing student performance. The applied approach typically involves conducting surveys, interviews, and case studies in naturalistic settings.

Types of Research

Educational research can be broadly classified into two types: qualitative research and quantitative research.

Qualitative Research: Qualitative research is concerned with exploring and understanding complex social phenomena that cannot be easily measured or quantified. Qualitative research typically involves collecting data through observation, interviews, and document analysis. The data is then analyzed using interpretive methods to identify themes and patterns. Some common types of qualitative research in education include:

• Interviews: Interviews can be unstructured or semi-structured and are used to gather in-depth information about a topic.
• Conducting Document Analysis: Document analysis involves examining written or visual materials such as textbooks, lesson plans, or student work to gain insight into educational phenomena.
• Case Study: A case study is an in-depth investigation of a specific phenomenon or individual. It involves collecting data from multiple sources to gain a comprehensive understanding of the case.
• Ethnography: Ethnography involves observing and interacting with people in their natural settings to gain an understanding of their culture, beliefs, and practices.
• Phenomenological Research: Phenomenological research aims to explore people's subjective experiences of a phenomenon, such as how they perceive a particular teaching method or curriculum.
• Narrative Research: Narrative research involves collecting and analyzing stories or personal accounts to gain insight into a particular phenomenon.
• Historical Research: Historical research involves examining documents and artifacts from the past to understand educational phenomena in their historical context.
• Focus Group Discussion: Focus group discussions involve bringing together a group of people to discuss a particular topic or phenomenon. The discussion is typically moderated to ensure that all participants have an opportunity to express their views.

Quantitative Research: Quantitative research is concerned with measuring and analyzing numerical data to test hypotheses or answer research questions. Quantitative research typically involves collecting data through surveys, questionnaires, or experiments. The data is then analyzed using statistical methods to identify patterns and relationships. Some common types of quantitative research in education include:

• Descriptive Survey Research: Descriptive survey research aims to describe the characteristics of a particular group or population. It typically involves collecting data through questionnaires or surveys and analyzing the results using descriptive statistics.
• Close-Ended Questionnaire: A close-ended questionnaire involves asking participants to choose from a set of pre-determined response options. This type of questionnaire is useful for collecting data that can be easily analyzed quantitatively.
• Experimental Research: Experimental research involves manipulating one or more variables to test the effect on an outcome. It typically involves randomly assigning participants to different groups and measuring the outcome of interest.
• Single-Subject Research: Single-subject research involves studying a single individual or group over time to assess the effects of an intervention or treatment.
• Causal-Comparative Research: Causal-comparative research aims to determine the cause-and-effect relationship between variables. It typically involves comparing groups that differ on one or more variables to identify causal relationships.
• Correlation Research: Correlation research aims to identify the relationship between two or more variables. It involves measuring the strength and direction of the relationship using statistical methods.
• Meta-Analysis: Meta-analysis involves analyzing data from multiple studies to draw conclusions about the overall effect of an intervention or treatment. It is particularly useful when individual studies have small sample sizes or conflicting results.

Mixed Method (Pragmatics) Educational Research: Mixed-method research combines qualitative and quantitative research methods to gain a more comprehensive understanding of a particular phenomenon. Mixed-method research typically involves collecting data through multiple methods and analyzing the data using both qualitative and quantitative methods.

In conclusion, research methods in education play a crucial role in advancing knowledge and improving educational policies and practices. As a student, understanding the different approaches to educational research and the types of research can help you conduct effective research and make meaningful contributions to the field of education.

References: 

1. Bryman, A. (2016). Social research methods (5th ed.). Oxford University Press.
2. Cohen, L., Manion, L., & Morrison, K. (2018). Research methods in education (8th ed.). Routledge.
3. Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research design: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (4th ed.). Sage Publications.
4. Crotty, M. (2016). The foundations of social research: Meaning and perspective in the research process (2nd ed.). Sage Publications.
5. Denzin, N. K., & Lincoln, Y. S. (2018). The SAGE handbook of qualitative research (5th ed.). Sage Publications.
6. Gall, M. D., Borg, W. R., & Gall, J. P. (2015). Educational research: An introduction (10th ed.). Pearson.
7. Johnson, B., & Christensen, L. (2019). Educational research: Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed approaches (6th ed.). Sage Publications.
8. Leedy, P. D., & Ormrod, J. E. (2019). Practical research: Planning and design (12th ed.). Pearson.
9. Merriam, S. B. (2018). Qualitative research: A guide to design and implementation (5th ed.). Jossey-Bass.
10. Merriam, S. B., & Tisdell, E. J. (2015). Qualitative research: A guide to design and implementation (4th ed.). Jossey-Bass.
11. Miles, M. B., Huberman, A. M., & Saldaña, J. (2020). Qualitative data analysis: A methods sourcebook (4th ed.). Sage Publications.
12. Mertens, D. M. (2014). Research and evaluation in education and psychology: Integrating diversity with quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods (4th ed.). Sage Publications.
13. Neuman, W. L. (2016). Social research methods: Qualitative and quantitative approaches (7th ed.). Pearson.
14. Palys, T., & Atchison, C. (2018). Research decisions: Quantitative and qualitative perspectives (6th ed.). Nelson Education.
15. Plano Clark, V. L., & Creswell, J. W. (2017). Understanding research: A consumer's guide (2nd ed.). Pearson.
16. Strauss, A., & Corbin, J. (2015). Basics of qualitative research: Techniques and procedures for developing grounded theory (4th ed.). Sage Publications.
17. Teddlie, C., & Reynolds, D. (2015). The international handbook of research on teaching and teacher education (4th ed.). Springer.
18. Teddlie, C., & Tashakkori, A. (2015). Foundations of mixed methods research: Integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches in the social and behavioral sciences (2nd ed.). Sage Publications.
19. Yin, R. K. (2018). Case study research and applications: Design and methods (6th ed.). Sage Publications.

Psychology: Research Methods in Psychology

(ITP-05) Research Methods in Psychology

Abstract: This article provides an overview of the different research methods used in psychology, including qualitative and quantitative research methods. Qualitative research methods, such as case studies, interviews, and observations, are used to gather in-depth knowledge about an individual or a small group of people. Quantitative research methods, such as experiments, surveys, and correlational studies, are used to collect data from a large group of participants. The article explains the advantages and limitations of each research method, and when to use them. In addition, the article also discusses other research methods, such as meta-analyses and longitudinal studies, that are used in psychology research. By choosing the right research method, researchers can conduct high-quality research, advance our understanding of human behavior and mental processes, and contribute to the improvement of human lives.

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Introduction: Psychology is a field that is primarily focused on studying human behavior and the underlying mental processes. To conduct this study, researchers use various research methods to collect data that will be used to support their findings. The process of choosing a research method is dependent on the specific research question and the nature of the study. In this blog, we will explore the different research methods used in psychology, their strengths and weaknesses, and when to use them.

There are two main types of research methods used in psychology: qualitative and quantitative research. Qualitative research methods are used to collect data through observations, interviews, and case studies. On the other hand, quantitative research methods are used to collect data through experiments, surveys, and questionnaires.

Qualitative Research Methods

1. Case Studies: This research method involves collecting data on an individual or a small group of people. Researchers gather information through interviews, observations, and medical records to study a particular case. The advantage of case studies is that they provide in-depth knowledge about an individual or a group, making it easy to understand specific behaviors. However, the findings cannot be generalized to the larger population because it only focuses on a specific case.
2. Interviews: This research method involves asking questions to gather information about the participants' opinions and experiences. Interviews can be conducted in-person, through phone calls or video calls, and can be structured, semi structured, or unstructured. The advantage of interviews is that they provide detailed information about the participants' thoughts and experiences. However, this method can be biased if the interviewer is not neutral and can be time-consuming.
3. Observations: This research method involves observing and recording behavior without interference. The researcher observes participants in their natural  environment, and this helps to understand their behaviors and the context in which they occur. Observations can be participant or non-participant, and the advantage of this method is that it provides real-life examples of behavior. However, it can be time-consuming, and the researcher's presence can influence the participants' behavior.

Quantitative Research Methods

1. Experiments: This research method involves manipulating one or more variables to observe the effect on another variable. The experiment is conducted in a controlled environment, and the participants are randomly assigned to the groups. The advantage of experiments is that it can establish cause and effect relationships. However, it can be expensive, and ethical concerns may arise.
2. Surveys and Questionnaires: This research method involves asking participants to respond to questions about their opinions, beliefs, and experiences. Surveys and questionnaires can be conducted in-person, online, or through email. The advantage of this method is that it is easy to administer and can collect data from a large group of participants. However, this method can be biased if the questions are not clear or if the participants do not respond honestly.
3. Correlational Studies: This research method involves measuring the relationship between two or more variables. The researcher collects data without manipulating the variables, and the results show the degree of association between the variables. The advantage of this method is that it helps to understand the relationship between the variables. However, it cannot establish a cause and effect relationship.

In addition to the research methods discussed above, there are also other methods used in psychology research, including meta-analyses and longitudinal studies.

Meta-analyses: This research method involves analyzing data from multiple studies to reach a conclusion. Meta-analyses help to provide a more accurate estimate of the effect size of a particular intervention or treatment. This method is particularly useful in clinical psychology, where it is necessary to know the overall effectiveness of a treatment.

Longitudinal Studies: This research method involves collecting data from the same participants over an extended period, usually months or even years. This method is useful in studying how behavior changes over time, and it is often used in developmental psychology to track the development of individuals from childhood to adulthood.

In conclusion, choosing the right research method is crucial for conducting a successful psychological study. Researchers must consider various factors such as the research question, sample size, data collection techniques, ethical considerations, and the clarity of hypothesis. Each research method has its strengths and limitations, and researchers must choose the most appropriate method for their study. By conducting high-quality research, psychologists can advance our understanding of human behavior and mental processes, ultimately contributing to the improvement of human lives.

References:

1. American Psychological Association. (2021). Research methods in psychology. https://www.apa.org/research/methods
2. Cozby, P. C. (2017). Methods in behavioral research. McGraw-Hill Education.
3. Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research design: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Sage Publications.
4. Goodwin, C. J. (2017). Research in psychology: methods and design. John Wiley & Sons.
5. Nevid, J. S. (2017). Essentials of research methods in psychology. Cengage Learning.
6. Shaughnessy, J. J., Zechmeister, E. B., & Zechmeister, J. S. (2015). Research methods in psychology. McGraw-Hill Education.