Assignment N0 1

Course Code : 8604

Course Name : Research Methods in Education
Semester : Autumn 2023
Program : B.ed (1.5Year)

Question No.1 Define Educational Research and its

usefulness in the field of education. Also elaborate the
steps involved in the process of scientific inquiry.
Answer
Educational Research:
Educational research is a systematic investigation into
issues, questions, or problems related to education. It aims
to generate new knowledge, improve educational
practices, and contribute to the understanding of various
aspects of the educational system. Educational research
encompasses a wide range of topics, including teaching
methods, learning outcomes, educational policies,
curriculum development, and the impact of educational
interventions.
Usefulness in the Field of Education:
1. Informed Decision-Making:
• Educational research provides evidence-based
insights that inform decision-making at various
levels, from classroom practices to educational
policy development.
2. Continuous Improvement:
• Through ongoing research, educators and
policymakers can identify areas for
improvement, implement evidence-based
interventions, and enhance the overall quality of
education.
3. Effective Teaching Strategies:
• Research helps identify effective teaching
strategies, instructional methods, and assessment
tools, allowing educators to tailor their
approaches to enhance student learning.
4. Policy Development and Reform:
 • Educational research contributes to the
development and reform of educational policies,
ensuring that decisions are grounded in empirical
evidence and align with the needs of students
and educators.
5. Professional Development:
• Teachers and educational practitioners can
benefit from research findings by integrating best
practices into their professional development,
fostering continuous learning and growth.
6. Understanding Student Needs:
• Research helps in understanding the diverse
needs of students, including those with different
learning styles, abilities, and backgrounds,
leading to more inclusive and equitable
educational practices.
7. Optimizing Resources:
• Research can guide the efficient allocation of
resources by identifying interventions and
strategies that yield the best outcomes,
maximizing the impact of educational
investments.
 8. Accountability and Evaluation:
• Educational research contributes to
accountability by providing tools for evaluating
the effectiveness of educational programs,
policies, and interventions.
Steps in the Process of Scientific Inquiry:
1. Identifying the Problem:
• The process begins with identifying a research
problem or question that warrants investigation.
This step involves a thorough review of existing
literature to understand the current state of
knowledge on the topic.
2. Formulating Hypotheses or Research Questions:
• Researchers develop hypotheses or research
questions that serve as the foundation for their
study. These hypotheses guide the research
process and represent the anticipated outcomes.
3. Designing the Study:
• Researchers design the study by selecting
appropriate research methods, such as
experimental, correlational, or qualitative
 designs. This step involves planning how data
will be collected and analyzed.
4. Collecting Data:
• Data is collected according to the study design.
This can involve surveys, experiments,
observations, interviews, or other methods
depending on the nature of the research.
5. Analyzing Data:
• Researchers analyze the collected data using
statistical or qualitative methods to draw
conclusions and test the hypotheses formulated
earlier.
6. Drawing Conclusions:
• Based on the analysis, researchers draw
conclusions regarding the research questions or
hypotheses. These conclusions contribute to the
existing knowledge base in the field.
7. Interpreting Findings:
• Researchers interpret their findings, considering
the implications for theory, practice, and future
 research. This step involves discussing the
significance and limitations of the study.
8. Communicating Results:
• Researchers communicate their results through
academic publications, conferences, or other
means. Sharing findings with the academic
community and practitioners contributes to the
dissemination of knowledge.
9. Reflecting and Iterating:
• The scientific inquiry process is often cyclical.
Researchers reflect on their findings, consider
potential refinements or additional questions, and
may iteratively engage in further research.
Educational research, conducted through the systematic
steps of scientific inquiry, plays a vital role in advancing
the field of education and promoting evidence-based
practices for the benefit of students, educators, and
policymakers.

Question No .2 Differentiate the following with the

help of examples from the field of education:
(a). Pure and Applied research
(b). Evaluation and action research.
Answer
(a) Pure and Applied Research:
1. Pure Research:
• Definition: Pure research, also known as basic
or fundamental research, is driven by the quest
for knowledge and understanding. It is
conducted to expand the theoretical foundations
of a field without immediate practical
application.
• Example in Education: Investigating the
cognitive processes involved in language
acquisition without a specific application in
mind.
2. Applied Research:
• Definition: Applied research is directed towards
solving practical problems or addressing specific
issues. It aims to generate solutions, develop
interventions, or inform decision-making in real-
world contexts.
 • Example in Education: Assessing the
effectiveness of a specific teaching method to
improve student learning outcomes in
mathematics.
Distinction:
• Focus: Pure research focuses on expanding
theoretical knowledge, while applied research is
concerned with addressing practical issues.
• Goal: Pure research seeks to understand principles,
while applied research aims to solve specific
problems or improve practices.
(b) Evaluation and Action Research:
1. Evaluation:
• Definition: Evaluation involves assessing the
effectiveness, efficiency, or value of a program,
project, or policy. It often employs systematic
methodologies to determine the impact of an
intervention.
• Example in Education: Evaluating the
outcomes of a new curriculum to assess its
 alignment with educational goals and its impact
on student achievement.
2. Action Research:
• Definition: Action research is a reflective and
iterative process where educators systematically
examine and improve their own teaching
practices. It involves cycles of planning, acting,
observing, and reflecting.
• Example in Education: A teacher noticing that
students struggle with a specific concept may
engage in action research by implementing
alternative teaching methods, observing the
results, and adjusting the approach based on the
findings.
Distinction:
• Purpose: Evaluation assesses the overall impact of a
program, while action research is a self-reflective
process aimed at improving specific practices.
• Initiator: Evaluation is often initiated by external
entities (e.g., administrators or policymakers), while
action research is typically initiated by educators
within their own classrooms.
In summary, the distinctions are as follows:
• Pure research seeks theoretical understanding, while
applied research addresses practical issues.
• Evaluation assesses the impact of programs or
policies, while action research is a reflective process
for improving specific practices within a classroom
or educational setting.

Question No.3 What is descriptive research? Write

its five characteristics. Elaborate the steps involved in
conducting a descriptive research (design).
Answer
Descriptive Research:
Definition: Descriptive research is a type of research
design that aims to provide a detailed and accurate
account of phenomena. It involves observing, describing,
and analyzing existing conditions without manipulating
variables. Descriptive research is often used to answer
questions about the current state of affairs, relationships
between variables, and the characteristics of a particular
population or phenomenon.
Five Characteristics of Descriptive Research:
1. Observation:
• Descriptive research relies on systematic
observation to collect data. Researchers observe
and record the characteristics, behaviors, or
conditions of the subjects under study.
2. No Manipulation of Variables:
• Unlike experimental research, descriptive
research does not involve the manipulation of
variables. It seeks to describe and understand
existing phenomena without introducing
changes.
3. Emphasis on Accuracy and Detail:
• Descriptive research places a strong emphasis on
providing accurate and detailed descriptions of
the phenomenon being studied. Researchers aim
to capture the complexity and nuances of the
subject.
4. Cross-Sectional Nature:
• Descriptive research is often cross-sectional,
meaning data is collected at a single point in
 time. This allows researchers to provide a
snapshot of the current state of the phenomenon.
5. Use of a Variety of Methods:
• Researchers employ various methods, including
surveys, observations, content analysis, and case
studies, to gather data in descriptive research.
The choice of method depends on the research
question and the nature of the phenomenon.
Steps in Conducting Descriptive Research:
1. Define the Research Problem:
• Clearly articulate the research question or
problem that the study aims to address. This step
involves specifying what needs to be described
and understood.
2. Review Existing Literature:
• Conduct a thorough review of existing literature
to understand what is already known about the
phenomenon. This helps in identifying gaps in
knowledge and shaping the research design.
3. Select a Research Design:
 • Choose an appropriate research design based on
the research question and the nature of the
phenomenon. Common designs include surveys,
case studies, content analysis, and observational
studies.
4. Develop Research Instruments:
• If using surveys or questionnaires, develop the
necessary instruments for data collection. Ensure
that these instruments are valid and reliable for
accurately measuring the variables of interest.
5. Select the Sample:
• Define the target population and select a
representative sample. The sample should be
chosen in a way that allows generalization of
findings to the broader population.
6. Collect Data:
• Implement the chosen data collection methods.
This may involve administering surveys,
conducting observations, or analyzing existing
documents or records.
7. Organize and Analyze Data:
 • Organize the collected data for analysis.
Descriptive statistics, such as mean, median, and
mode, are commonly used to summarize and
describe the main features of the data.
8. Interpret Findings:
• Interpret the findings in the context of the
research question. Provide a clear and
meaningful description of the observed
phenomenon, highlighting key patterns or trends.
9. Draw Conclusions:
• Draw conclusions based on the analysis of data.
Discuss the implications of the findings and
consider how they contribute to the
understanding of the research problem.
10. Report Results:
• Communicate the results through a research
report or presentation. Clearly convey the
descriptive findings, the methods used, and any
limitations of the study.
Descriptive research is valuable in providing a
comprehensive and detailed account of various
phenomena, making it a foundational approach in
understanding the characteristics of subjects within a
given context.
Question No.4 What is Experimental research? Write
the steps involved in conducing experimental research.
How many kinds of variables are involved in this
research?
Answer
Experimental Research:
Definition: Experimental research is a scientific research
design that involves manipulating one or more
independent variables to observe their effect on a
dependent variable while controlling for other potential
influences. The goal is to establish cause-and-effect
relationships between variables.
Steps Involved in Conducting Experimental Research:
1. Define the Research Problem:
• Clearly define the research question or problem
that the study aims to address. This step involves
specifying the variables of interest and the
relationship to be examined.
2. Review Existing Literature:
• Conduct a comprehensive review of existing
literature to understand the background of the
research problem, identify gaps in knowledge,
and determine the feasibility of conducting an
experiment.
3. Develop Hypotheses:
• Formulate hypotheses based on the research
question. Hypotheses predict the expected
relationships between the independent and
dependent variables.
4. Select Participants:
• Identify and recruit participants for the
experiment. The sample should be representative
of the population being studied to ensure
generalizability of results.
5. Random Assignment:
• Randomly assign participants to different
experimental conditions. This minimizes bias
and ensures that any differences observed
 between groups can be attributed to the
manipulation of the independent variable.
6. Manipulate Independent Variable:
• Introduce and manipulate the independent
variable(s) systematically. This involves
applying different conditions or levels to
different groups to test their impact on the
dependent variable.
7. Control Extraneous Variables:
• Control for extraneous variables that could
influence the results. This may involve using
random assignment, holding certain variables
constant, or statistically controlling for their
effects during analysis.
8. Measure Dependent Variable:
• Measure the dependent variable(s) to assess the
impact of the independent variable(s). This step
involves collecting data on the outcome of
interest.
9. Data Analysis:
 • Analyze the data using appropriate statistical
methods. Common analyses include t-tests,
analysis of variance (ANOVA), and regression
analysis to determine the significance of
observed effects.
10. Draw Conclusions:
• Draw conclusions based on the analysis of data.
Evaluate whether the results support or reject the
hypotheses, and consider the implications of the
findings.
11. Replication:
• Consider replicating the experiment to verify the
reliability and validity of the findings.
Replication enhances the credibility of
experimental results.
12. Report Results:
• Communicate the results through a research
report or publication. Clearly describe the
experimental design, results, and any limitations
of the study.
Types of Variables in Experimental Research:
1. Independent Variable (IV):
• The variable manipulated by the researcher to
observe its effect on the dependent variable. It is
the presumed cause in the cause-and-effect
relationship.
2. Dependent Variable (DV):
• The variable that is observed or measured to
assess the impact of the independent variable. It
is the outcome variable that is expected to
change as a result of the manipulation.
3. Control Variables:
• Variables that are held constant or controlled to
eliminate their potential influence on the
relationship between the independent and
dependent variables.
4. Extraneous Variables:
• Unintended variables that may affect the
dependent variable, potentially confounding the
results. Researchers strive to control or account
for extraneous variables to ensure the internal
validity of the experiment.
Experimental research is characterized by its systematic
manipulation of variables and its ability to establish
cause-and-effect relationships. This research design is
widely used in various scientific disciplines to investigate
the impact of interventions or treatments.

Question No.5 Why research is needed in education

Discuss its scope?
Answer
Why Research is Needed in Education:
Research in education is crucial for several reasons,
contributing to the improvement of educational practices,
policies, and outcomes. Here are key reasons why
research is essential in the field of education:
1. Informed Decision-Making:
• Educational research provides evidence and data
to inform decision-making at various levels,
including classroom instruction, school
administration, and educational policy
development. It helps stakeholders make
informed choices based on empirical evidence
rather than assumptions.
2. Continuous Improvement:
• Research contributes to the continuous
improvement of educational practices. By
investigating the effectiveness of teaching
methods, curriculum designs, and interventions,
educators can identify areas for improvement
and refine their approaches to enhance student
learning outcomes.
3. Policy Development and Reform:
• Educational research informs the development
and reform of educational policies. Policymakers
rely on research findings to design effective
policies that address the evolving needs of
students, teachers, and educational institutions.
4. Identifying Best Practices:
• Through systematic inquiry, research identifies
best practices in teaching, assessment, and
educational leadership. It helps disseminate
successful strategies and methodologies that can
be adopted to achieve positive outcomes in
various educational contexts.
5. Understanding Diverse Learners:
 • Research contributes to a better understanding of
diverse learners, including those with different
learning styles, abilities, and backgrounds. This
knowledge is essential for designing inclusive
and equitable educational environments that
meet the needs of all students.
6. Addressing Educational Inequities:
• Educational research sheds light on disparities
and inequities in education. By identifying the
factors contributing to educational inequalities,
researchers and policymakers can work towards
developing interventions that promote fairness
and equal opportunities for all students.
7. Validation of Educational Innovations:
• Research provides a platform for validating
educational innovations and interventions. It
helps assess the effectiveness of new teaching
methods, technologies, and programs before
widespread implementation, ensuring that
resources are directed towards strategies that
yield positive results.
8. Professional Development:
 • Educators benefit from research by incorporating
evidence-based practices into their professional
development. Staying informed about current
research allows teachers to refine their
instructional techniques and stay abreast of
advancements in the field.
9. Evidence-Based Assessment:
• Research contributes to the development of
evidence-based assessment practices. This
includes the design of fair and reliable
assessments, as well as strategies for interpreting
and utilizing assessment data to improve
teaching and learning.
Scope of Educational Research:
The scope of educational research is vast and
encompasses a wide range of topics and methodologies.
Key areas within the scope of educational research
include:
1. Teaching and Learning:
• Investigating effective teaching methods,
learning strategies, and the impact of
instructional interventions on student outcomes.
2. Curriculum Development:
• Researching curriculum design, implementation,
and evaluation to enhance the relevance and
effectiveness of educational content.
3. Educational Technology:
• Exploring the integration and impact of
technology in education, including the
effectiveness of online learning, digital
resources, and educational apps.
4. Assessment and Evaluation:
• Studying assessment practices, testing
methodologies, and the development of valid and
reliable measures of student achievement.
5. Special Education:
• Examining strategies for supporting students
with diverse learning needs, including research
on inclusive education, special education
interventions, and accommodations.
6. Educational Leadership:
• Investigating effective leadership practices in
educational institutions, including studies on
 school management, leadership styles, and
organizational development.
7. Policy Analysis:
• Analyzing educational policies, their impact on
student outcomes, and proposing
recommendations for policy reform.
8. Social and Cultural Influences:
• Researching the social and cultural factors that
influence education, including studies on
diversity, equity, inclusion, and the
intersectionality of various identities in
educational settings.
9. Higher Education:
• Exploring issues related to higher education,
such as student success, faculty development,
and the impact of institutional policies on
learning outcomes.
10. Global Education:
• Investigating global educational trends,
international comparisons, and cross-cultural
 studies to understand the broader context of
education on a global scale.
In conclusion, research is essential in education to drive
improvements, inform decision-making, and address the
diverse needs of learners. The scope of educational
research encompasses a broad range of topics, allowing
researchers to contribute valuable insights and
innovations to the field.