To understand the meaning & nature of research, one must study the different definitions of research. In this presentation, definitions of research & educational research are given. From the definitions important characteristics of the research are listed & need of the educational research is also given.

1. Meaning, definitions & need of Educational
Research
By Dr. Neha Deo

2. Research Definitions
First let us see a few definitions
of research-
1.Research is an endeavor
(attempt)to discover, develop &
verify knowledge. It is an
intellectual process that has
developed over hundred of years
ever changing in purpose and
form and always researching of
truth…Francis Rummel.

3. Research Definitions
2.“Research is a process of steps
used to collect and analyze
information to increase our
understanding of a topic or
issue”. It consists of three steps:
Pose a question, collect data to
answer the question, and
present an answer to the
question……..Cresswell

4. Research Definitions
3.Research is an honest,
exhaustive, intelligent
searching for facts & their
meanings or implication
with reference to given
problems….P.M. Cook

5. Research Definitions
4. Research is the process of
development elaboration
& re-definement of
principles together with the
collection & use of
empirical material to aid in
this process………Hutcheris

6. Research Definitions
5.Research is seeking through
methodical processes to add to
one’s own body of knowledge &
hopefully to that of others by the
discovery of non-trivial facts &
insights……… Howard & Sharp

7. Research Definitions
6.Research may be defined
as a method of studying
problems whose solutions
are to be derived partly or
wholly from facts.

8. Research Definitions
7. Research is simply a systematic and
refined technique of thinking,
employing a specialized tools,
instruments & procedures in order to
obtain a more adequate solution of a
problem that would be possible under
ordinary means .It starts with a
problem ,collects data or facts analyzes
them critically & searches decisions
based on the actual evidence . ..

9. Research Definitions
8.Research is the
systematic objective &
accurate search for the
solution to a well
defined problem.

10. Characteristics of Research
Answer to a problem
is found out
Intellectual activity
Purposeful Activity
Depends on observable
& verifiable facts
General principles are
found out(sample –
population)
Well organized
activity
Accurate observation

11. Characteristics of Research
Application of scientific method
in solving the problem
Generation of new
knowledge
Objective
process
Intensive process of the
scientific method of analysis.
Logical thinking
Systematic process
Publication is
the essential
criteria

12. Educational research
Now let us study a few
definitions of
Educational research-
1.Educational Research
is study & investigation
in the field of Education
or bearing upon
educational
problems…..Good

13. Educational research
2.Educational Research
represents an activity
directed towards the
development of an
organized body of
scientific knowledge
about the events with
which the educators
are concerned.
…..Travers.

14. Educational research
3.Educational Research is to
study causal relationships. It is
to describe current conditions
without their being influenced
by the
investigator….Sax,Gilbert

15. Educational research
4.Educational Research is
that activity which is
derived towards the
development of a science
of behaviour in Educational
situations.
The ultimate aim of such a
science is to provide
knowledge that will permit
the educator to achieve his
goals by the most effective
methods.

16. Educational research
5.The systematic & scholarly
application of scientific
method interpreted in its
broader sense to the solution
of educational problem;
conversely any systematic
study designed to promote
the development of
education as a science can be
considered Educational
research.

17. Educational research
6.Educational research aims to
make contributions towards
the solutions of problems in
the field of education by the
scientific philosophical
method.
….....Whitney

18. Need of Educational research
To Profit by the experiences of the past in the solutions
of present day educational problems.
To develop the science of behaviour in educational
situations.
To provide the knowledge that will permit the educator to
achieve the goals by more effective method.

19. Need of Educational research
To provide knowledge concerning achieving educational
objectives.
To help the teacher to achieve proper interactions.
To follow the intensive process of scientific inquiry about
philosophical, economic psychological& sociological impact
on various aspects of education to establish sound
educational theories.

20. References
Best,J.W.and Kahn,J.V.(2006) Research in Education(9th
Edition). New Delhi: Prentice Hall of India Pvt Ltd
Creswell,J.W.(2008). Educational Research: Planning, conducting,
and evaluating quantitative and qualitative research (3rd
ed.). Upper Saddle River: Pearson.
Gay.L.R.(1992). Educational Research. New Jersey: Prentice
Hall of India
Goods and Scates (1979). Introduction in Research in
Education, New York., Halt Rinehart and Winston
Kaul, Lokesh (1993).Methodology of Educational Research, (2nd
revised edition), New Delhi,Vikas Publishing House
Pvt.Ltd.
Mouley,J.W.(1964).”The science of Educational Research”. New
York.Van Nostrand Reinhold Comp.