Introduction to Research - Meaning, Function, Definition, Characteristics and scope of research - Types of research - Teacher as a researcher

1. Suresh Babu G
Introduction to Research
Suresh Babu G
Assistant Professor
CTE CPAS Paippad, Kottayam

2. Suresh Babu G
Research
• The word research derived from the French
recherché, from recherché, to search closely
where “chercher” means “to search” its literal
meaning is to “to investigate thoroughly”.
• The term ‘research’ consists of two words ‘Re’
and ‘search’. ‘Re’ means again and again,
‘Search’ means to find something new.
• Research is a human activity based on intellectual
investigation and aimed at discovering,
interpreting, and revising human knowledge on
different aspects of the world.

3. Suresh Babu G
Educational research
Educational research that uses
the scientific method to collect scientific data
can provide a definite answer about best
practices in teaching.
The purpose of educational research is to
develop new knowledge about the teaching-
learning situation to
improve educational practice.

4. Suresh Babu G
Definition of Research
• According to Clifford Woody, “Research
comprises of defining and redefining problems,
formulating hypothesis, collecting, organizing
and evaluating data, making deductions and
research conclusions and at last carefully testing
conclusions to determine whether they fit the
formulation of hypothesis”
• Burns (1997) defines research as ‘a systematic
investigation to find answer to the problem’

5. Suresh Babu G
Need and Significance of
Research
To gather necessary information.
To make changes.
Improving standard of living.
For a safe life.
To know the truth.
Explore our history.
Understanding arts.

6. Suresh Babu G
Objectives of Research
To extend knowledge.
To put light on hidden facts or mysteries.
Generalization of laws.
To verify and tests the existing facts and
theories.
Finding solution to problem.

7. Suresh Babu G
Characteristics of
Research
• Empirical – based on observations and
experimentation on theories.
• Systematic – follows orderly and sequential
procedure.
• Controlled – all variables except those that
are tested/experimented upon are kept
constant.
• Employs hypothesis – guides the
investigation process.
• Analytical – There is critical analysis of all
data used so that there is no error in their
interpretation.

8. Suresh Babu G
• Objective, Unbiased and Logical – all findings are
logically based on empirical.
• Employs quantitative or statistical methods – data
are transformed into numerical measures and are
treated statistically.
• Original work.
• Done by an expert – the researcher uses valid and
carefully designed procedures, valid data gathering.
• Must be patient and unhurried activity – to ensure
accuracy.
• Require effort - making capacity.
• Requires courage.
• Has logical roots that help to establish facts or
principles
• Answers all types of questions.

9. Suresh Babu G
Scope of Research
 The scope of research is unlimited.
 It has relevance in all aspects of human lives.
 Enhancement of knowledge and solution for
practical problems.
 The status of human kind in now-a-days is the
output of research conducted by our ancestors.
 Technology, agriculture, education, business etc
are areas where research important.

10. Suresh Babu G
Types of Research
1. Fundamental Research and Applied Research.
2. Descriptive Research and Analytical Research.
3. Quantitative Research and Qualitative
Research.
4. Conceptual Research and Empirical Research

11. Suresh Babu G
1. Fundamental Research and
Applied Research
Fundamental Research :-
 Mainly Concerned with generalization with the
formulation of a theory.
 Fundamental/Basic/Academic research focus on
the search of truth or the development of
educational theory.
 Example : relating to natural phenomenon or
relating to pure mathematics.

12. Suresh Babu G
Applied Research :-
• It is concerned with the solution of particular
problems.
• It is carried out to find solution to a real life
problem requiring an action or policy
decision.
• The pursuit of information that can be directly
applied to practice in aptly known as applied
or contractual research.
• Example :- Practical project on health or
culture.

13. Suresh Babu G
2. Descriptive Research and
Analytical Research.
Descriptive Research:-
• It includes survey and fact finding enquiries of
different kinds.
• The main purpose of descriptive research is
the description of the state of affairs as it
exists at present
• Has no control over the variable.
Analytical Research:-
In analytical research one has to use facts or
information already available and analyze
these to make a critical evaluation of the
material

14. Suresh Babu G
3. Quantitative Research and
Qualitative Research.
Quantitative Research:-
It is applicable to phenomena that are measurable
so that they can be expressed in terms of
quantity.
Qualitative Research:-
• It is concerned with qualitative phenomenon.
• It uses data which is descriptive in nature.

15. Suresh Babu G
4. Conceptual Research and
Empirical Research
Conceptual Research:-
• It is related to some abstract ideas or theory.
• Generally used by philosophers and thinkers to
develop new concepts or to reinterpret existing
ones.
Empirical Research:-
• It relies on experience or observation alone.
• It is based on observations or experiment.

16. Suresh Babu G
Different types of Research
based on Investigation
1. Experimental or Laboratory Research : Is
based on experiments conducted in a
laboratory.
2. Expost facto Research : Is based on
analytical and scientific examinations of the
relationship between independent and
dependent variable.
3. Action Research : To find immediate solution
for a problem.

17. Suresh Babu G
4 Field investigation : Are conducted in real life
situations.
5 Evaluation Research : It is made for the
purpose of evaluating a project which has
already been implemented.
6 Library Research : Based on the data,
documentation and material that are available
in the library.
7 Technological Research : For immediate
needs of business or industry.
8 Policy Research : Is basically a research with
policy implications.

18. Suresh Babu G
9 Descriptive Research : Is a fact finding
investigation with adequate interpretation.
10 Diagnostic Research : For identifying the
problem and possible solution for it.
11 Historical Research : To draw explanations
from the past.

19. Suresh Babu G

20. Suresh Babu G

21. Suresh Babu G
Qualities of a Good Researcher
Research-oriented
Efficient
Scientific
Effective
Active
Resourceful
Creative
Honest
Economical

22. Suresh Babu G
Characteristics of a
Good Researcher
• Intellectual curiosity : A researcher undertakes
a deep thinking and enquiry of the things, and
situations around him.
• Prudence : The researcher is careful to conduct
his research study at the right time and at the
right place wisely, efficiently and economically.
• Healthy criticism : The researcher is always
doubtful as to the truthfulness of the results.

23. Suresh Babu G
Intellectual honesty : An intelligent researcher is
honest to collect or gather data or facts in order
to arrive at honest results.
Intellectual creativity : A productive and
resourceful investigator always creates new
researchers.

24. Suresh Babu G
Teacher as a Researcher
The concept of teacher-as-researcher is included in recent
literature on education reform, which encourages
• Teachers to be collaborators in revising curriculum,
improving their work environment, professionalizing
teaching, and developing policy. Teacher research has
its root in action research.
• Teacher should be a facilitator in school based
curriculum development, as a professional development
strategy in pre-service and graduate courses in
education, and in system planning and policy
development.

25. Suresh Babu G
• Teacher should be a input. It means
knowledge, skills, attitudes and values which
students are required to acquire in accordance
with out national goals of education.
• Teacher should be a manager, i.e., he has to
ensure that the work assigned to him is done
with satisfaction to himself and to benefit to
students and the organization.

26. Suresh Babu G
Importance of Educational
Research
 To suggest ways of improving practice
 Research can add to what we know about how
people learn and what we can do help facilitate
the learning process.
 To address gaps in knowledge.
 To expand knowledge.
 Add voices of individuals to knowledge

27. Suresh Babu G