Introduction to Research
Introduction to Research
Chapter Objectives
This chapter presents the reader with a very broad introduction to the subject of research. Although general in approach, the chapter deliberately gives prominence to educational research. The following areas are covered:
The meaning of research
Purpose of research
The distinction between educational research and other kinds of research
The scientific method of inquiry
Characteristics of scientific research
Classification of research according to type of data involved, purpose of the research or the type of analysis.
The history of man’s quest for knowledge
The research process
Meaning of Research
The term ‘research’ has been viewed with mystique by many people. It is seen to be the preserve of academicians and professional elite. In most people’s minds, the word ‘research’ conjures up the image of a scholar, laboratory work, university or other ‘academic’ setting. But research is simply the process of asking questions and answering them by survey or experiment in an organized way. It should not be confined to academicians alone. Every thinking person has the capacity and should do research. The fundamental requirement for research is an enquiring mind in order to recognize that there are questions that need answers. The quest for knowledge then is the basic idea behind research.
The acquisition of knowledge is a continuous process from birth; an individual exploring the environment and asking questions. Information is provided by parents, associates and teachers. It is supplemented by books, magazines, newspaper, journals and the media. As an individual’s knowledge increases, questions become more complex and answers are sought from experts, reference books and specialized journals. Research is the examination of these limits of knowledge; assessing what is known up to that point, defining unanswered questions and devising ways of answering them in an organized and meaningful way.
Research has
Chapter Objectives
This chapter presents the reader with a very broad introduction to the subject of research. Although general in approach, the chapter deliberately gives prominence to educational research. The following areas are covered:
The meaning of research
Purpose of research
The distinction between educational research and other kinds of research
The scientific method of inquiry
Characteristics of scientific research
Classification of research according to type of data involved, purpose of the research or the type of analysis.
The history of man’s quest for knowledge
The research process
Meaning of Research
The term ‘research’ has been viewed with mystique by many people. It is seen to be the preserve of academicians and professional elite. In most people’s minds, the word ‘research’ conjures up the image of a scholar, laboratory work, university or other ‘academic’ setting. But research is simply the process of asking questions and answering them by survey or experiment in an organized way. It should not be confined to academicians alone. Every thinking person has the capacity and should do research. The fundamental requirement for research is an enquiring mind in order to recognize that there are questions that need answers. The quest for knowledge then is the basic idea behind research.
The acquisition of knowledge is a continuous process from birth; an individual exploring the environment and asking questions. Information is provided by parents, associates and teachers. It is supplemented by books, magazines, newspaper, journals and the media. As an individual’s knowledge increases, questions become more complex and answers are sought from experts, reference books and specialized journals. Research is the examination of these limits of knowledge; assessing what is known up to that point, defining unanswered questions and devising ways of answering them in an organized and meaningful way.
Research has