This document provides an introduction to educational research. It defines research as a systematic process involving steps such as data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Research can be scientific inquiry that develops knowledge through examining empirical relationships between phenomena. There are two major approaches to educational research: quantitative and qualitative. Quantitative research uses numbers and statistics to objectively test theories and relationships, while qualitative research explores phenomena through open-ended questions, observations, and interviews to understand multiple realities. The document outlines different research designs within these approaches such as experimental, non-experimental, case study, and grounded theory designs.

1. Introduction to
Educational
Research
Chapter I
Prepared by:
Ms. Huma & Ms. Afia

2. Research
 Research is a systematic process that is
guided by accepted procedures to establish
credibility
Data collection
Data analysis
Interpretation
 The systematic, testable, and objective nature
of research permits careful examination of the
process and results

3. Research
 Itis a process of steps used to collect and
analyze information in order to increase our
understanding of a topic or issue.

4. Research as Scientific Inquiry
 Scientific inquiry is the search for knowledge using
recognized methods in data collection, analysis, and
interpretation.
 The purpose of scientific inquiry is to develop
knowledge
– Describe phenomena
– Examine empirical relationships between or among
phenomena
– Test whether such relationships are causal in nature
 Knowledge is typically presented in the form of theories
– A theory is a set of propositions that explain the
relationships among phenomena.
– A theory is a means of simplifying and
understanding complex realities.

5. Steps of scientific inquiry
Identify the
Research Problem
Evaluate
Data and Review the
Write Report Literature
(Conclusion)
Specify a
Analyze and research
Interpret Data purpose
(Results) (Question)
Collect Data
(Method)

6. Two major approaches
of Educational Research
1. Quantitative
2. Qualitative
 Quantitative Approach: Phenomena should be studied
objectively. Single true reality, or reality within known
probabilities. Empiricism is emphasized through the use of
numbers.
 Qualitative Approach: Reality is socially constructed
Emphasis is on language to most closely reflect participants
perspectives.

7. Quantitative research
 Quantitative research is an inquiry approach
useful for describing trends and explaining the
relationship among variables found in the
literature. To conduct this inquiry, the
investigator specifies narrow
questions, locates or develops instruments
using statistics. From the results of these
analyzes, the researcher interprets the data
using prior predictions and research studies.
The final report, presented in standard
format, display researcher objectivity and lack
of bias.

8. Qualitative research
 Qualitative research is an inquiry approach useful for
exploring and understanding a central phenomenon.
To learn about this phenomenon, the inquirer asks
participants broad, general questions, collects the
detailed views of participants in the form of words
or images, and analyzes the information for
description and themes. From this data, the
researcher interprets the meaning of the information
drawing on personal reflections and past research.
The structure of the final report is flexible, and it
displays the researcher’s biases and thoughts.

9. Differentiating Quantitative Qualitative
Characteristics
Goals Tests theories, establishes facts, Develops grounded theories,
shows relationships predicts relationships, predicts, or
statistically describes Understanding multiple realities,
develops understanding, captures naturally occurring
describes behavior.
Research design Highly structured, formal, and Unstructured, flexible, evolving
specific
Participants Many subjects representative of Few subjects chosen using non-
the groups from which they were probabilistic sampling techniques
chosen, using probabilistic for specific characteristics of
sampling interest to the researchers.
techniques
Data, Data Collection Numerical data collected at
specific times from tests or
Narrative data collected over a
long period of time from
& Data analysis surveys and analyzed statistically observations and interviews and
analyzed using interpretive
techniques
Researcher’s role Detached, objective observers of Participant observers reporting
events Control settings participant’s perspectives.
and settings
Develop long-term, close,
trusting relationships with
participants. Naturalistic settings
Context manipulated and controlled naturalistic settings
settings

10. Naturalistic Settings
Research Designs
Quantitative Qualitative Analytical Study Mixed Method
Case Study Concept Analysis
Non-Experimental Experimental
Phenomenaology Historical Analysis
Descriptive True Ethnography
Comparative Quasi Grounded Theory
Correlational Single Subject
Causal Comparative

11. Quantitative Designs
 Two major categories
 Experimental
The investigation of causal effects through direct
manipulation of an independent variable and control
of extraneous variables
 Non-experimental
The investigation of the current state of a variable
or the relationships, other than causal, between
variables

12. Quantitative Designs
Non experimental Experimental
• Descriptive: Makes careful • True Experimental: Random
description of the current situation or assignment of subjects to
status od a Variable(s) of interest. random groups.
• Comparative: Compare two or • Quasi Experimental: Non-
more groups on some variable of
random assignment of
interest.
subjects to random groups.
• Correlational: Establish a non
casual relationship between or among
• Single subject: Non random
variables. selection of a single subject.
• Causal-Comparative: Single subject research is a
Or study which aims to examine
Ex Post Facto: Explore possible whether an intervention has
causes and effects among variables the intended effect on an
that cannot be manipulated by the individual, or on one group.
researcher.

13. Case study: Phenomenology: or
Deep study of a single Narrative Research:
or few
programs, events, activit the description of
ies or groups in natural meaning of an
context with perspective experience.
of the participant.
Qualitative
Designs
Ethnography:
the description of Grounded Theory:
the beliefs and Explore common
practices of a experiences of
cultural group or individuals to
system develop a theory

14. Analytical Designs Concept analysis :
the study of educational
concepts (e.g., co-
operative
learning, leadership, etc.)
Analytical Designs: to describe the different
Description of meanings and the uses of
historical, legal or policy the concept
issues through an analysis
of documents, oral Historical analysis:
histories and relics
the systematic collection
and criticism of documents
that describe past events of
relevance to education

15. Mixed Method Designs
The use of quantitative and qualitative designs and methods
within a single study
Allows the researcher to better match the approach for
gathering and analyzing data to answer the research
questions
Relative emphasis given to any particular method varies
widely

16. Thank You…