Types and Functions of Educational Research

Summary

This video introduces educational research by discussing its functions and types. It covers four main functions: basic research, applied research, evaluation research, and action research. Basic research focuses on theory generation and the discovery of new knowledge, while applied research tests these theories in real-life settings. Evaluation research assesses the effectiveness of educational programs, and action research involves teachers solving local problems. The video also compares quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, highlighting their differences in approach, purpose, and data analysis.

Takeaways

• 😀 Basic research focuses on developing and expanding theories through controlled experiments, often without immediate practical application.
• 😀 Applied research tests the theories developed through basic research in real-world settings, aiming to solve current educational problems.
• 😀 Evaluation research assesses the effectiveness, quality, and value of educational programs, products, or practices, focusing on their real-world impact.
• 😀 Action research involves teachers conducting research on their own teaching practices to solve local educational problems through systematic inquiry.
• 😀 The four functions of educational research are basic, applied, evaluation, and action research, each serving different purposes in the research process.
• 😀 Quantitative research focuses on collecting numerical data, using statistical methods for hypothesis testing and theory validation.
• 😀 Qualitative research, on the other hand, focuses on understanding human experiences and creating narratives rather than using numbers.
• 😀 Experimental research designs within quantitative research include true experimental, quasi-experimental, and pre-experimental methods.
• 😀 Qualitative research methodologies include ethnography, phenomenology, case studies, and grounded theory, which all emphasize in-depth, context-rich understanding.
• 😀 Mixed-method research, combining both quantitative and qualitative approaches, provides a more comprehensive view of research topics.
• 😀 In educational research, both paradigms (quantitative and qualitative) are valuable for addressing different aspects of research questions and producing richer insights.

Q & A

What are the four functions of educational research mentioned in the video?

The four functions of educational research are basic research, applied research, evaluation research, and action research.

How does basic research differ from applied research?

Basic research focuses on developing or expanding theories and discovering new knowledge, often in controlled lab settings, with no immediate concern for social utility. Applied research, on the other hand, tests theories in real-life settings like classrooms or educational environments to solve current problems.

What is the main focus of evaluation research?

Evaluation research focuses on making decisions about the quality, effectiveness, or value of educational programs, products, or practices, without developing new knowledge. It involves formative and summative evaluation to assess ongoing progress or the overall impact of an initiative.

What is the purpose of action research in education?

Action research is used by teachers to investigate and improve their own teaching practices through systematic inquiry. It involves identifying a problem, planning, acting on the plan, observing, and revising the plan based on collected data.

How does basic research contribute to the development of educational practices?

Basic research contributes to educational practices by developing new theories and expanding knowledge that can later be tested and applied in real-world settings, like classrooms, to improve educational outcomes.

What are some examples of basic research in education?

Examples of basic research in education include B.F. Skinner's work in behaviorism and the early work of developmental psychologists like Jean Piaget.

How do experimental research methodologies differ from non-experimental research methodologies?

Experimental research methodologies involve manipulating variables and conducting controlled experiments, while non-experimental methodologies, such as descriptive and correlational research, focus on observing and describing phenomena without manipulation.

What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative research methodologies?

Quantitative research is focused on collecting and analyzing numerical data to test hypotheses and theories, while qualitative research is centered around understanding social phenomena by creating narratives and examining participants' perspectives.

Can you explain what a quasi-experimental research design is?

A quasi-experimental design is similar to experimental research but lacks random assignment of participants to groups. For instance, it might study the impact of preschool on reading ability without randomly assigning children to preschool or non-preschool groups.

What is the role of data analysis in quantitative and qualitative research?

In quantitative research, data analysis involves using statistical methods, such as descriptive and inferential statistics, to test hypotheses. In qualitative research, data analysis is interpretive and involves creating extensive narratives to understand patterns and perspectives.