Definition and Characteristics of Educational and Social Science Research

TOPIC 1: DEFINITION AND CHARACTERISTICS OF EDUCATIONAL AND SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH "The more important reason is that the research itself provides an important long-run perspective on the issues that we face on a day-to-day basis. "...

TOPIC 1: DEFINITION AND CHARACTERISTICS OF EDUCATIONAL AND SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH "The more important reason is that the research itself provides an important long-run perspective on the issues that we face on a day-to-day basis. " Ben Bernanke What is research? What makes a good research? You will definitely obtain different answers to these questions depending on who the person is. Some people say that they are conducting research when they browse from the internet where to best buy goods and services that they need. Others also claim that television stations are into research when they conduct viewer polls about topic of social interest especially during election campaign. The Philippine Social Weather Survey (SWS) is believed to be performing research when they conduct popularity rating of the president and other public officials for election purpose. Still others claim that consultants working for companies are engaged in research when they examine the life satisfaction index of people and the poverty threshold in that area. Or perhaps you, too have navigated the internet to find the information you need to accomplish an assignment or project. Are all these undertakings research in essence? When is research called research? Is it called research when it contributes to a body of science or when it follows the scientific method? To find answer to these questions, let’s explore this lesson. LEARNING OBJECTIVES At the end of this lesson, you will be able to: 1. define research; 2. examine the characteristics of research; 3. summarize the basic concepts of research using a graphic organizer; and 4. manifest appreciation of the basic concepts of research through a critique.  2 LET’S RECALL Do This! Based on your previous learning, what is research? To check what you have learned, let’s do the following activity. Directions: Write T if the statement is True and F if it is False on the space provided before each item. ___ 1. Research is something that people undertake in order to find out solutions to problems in a systematic way. ___ 2. One’s own beliefs and feelings will never impact upon his/ her research. ___ 3. Research involves collecting facts or information without necessarily having a clear purpose. ___ 4. Research uses existing knowledge in a new and creative way to generate new concepts. ___ 5. Research can be done with human beings, animals, plants and other organisms or inorganic matter. LET’S LEARN Definition of Research Etymologically, research comes from the french word “cerchier” which means to seek or search. The prefix re which means “again” shows its replicability. However, research has been understood differently by different people. Diverse perspectives are attributed to the various meanings, experiences, and purposes they consider about it. Let’s examine the definitions below from different sources. 1 Research is defined as the creation of new knowledge and/or the use of existing knowledge in a new and creative way so as to generate new concepts, methodologies and understandings. This could include synthesis and analysis of previous research to the extent that it leads to new and creative outcomes. ( HERDC Australia, 2012) 2 Research is truth seeking, aimed at describing or explaining, conducted at a high level of proficiency or expertise that results in a contribution to knowledge. (Coryn,2006) 2  3 3 Research in common parlance refers to a search for knowledge. One can also define research as a scientific and systematic search for pertinent information on a specific topic. (Kothari, 2004) 4 Research is a scientific investigation of phenomena which includes collection, presentation, analysis and interpretation of facts that links man’s speculation with reality. (Calmorin, 1998). 5 Research is a continuous discovery and exploration of the unknown. It entails an investigation of new facts leading to the discovery of new ideas, new methods, or improvements. (Sanchez, 1997) Concept Check: Construct your own definition of research using 5 common words used in the foregoing definitions. __________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ Definition of Educational and Social Science Research Research is utilized in various fields such as engineering, agriculture, business, medicine and the like. In the field of education and social sciences, research plays a vital role in enriching the body of knowledge in these disciplines. Let’s examine their respective definitions for better appreciation.  “Education(al) research is that activity which is directed towards development of a science of behavior 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” (J.W. Best Robert M.W. Traverse)  Social research as a systematized investigation to gain new knowledge about social phenomenon and problems.” (C. A. Moser, 1985)  Education research is a systematic activity that is directed at providing knowledge, or understanding of existing knowledge which is of relevance for improving the effectiveness of education. (Stenhouse, 1984) 3  4  Concept Check: From the foregoing definitions, give two (2) possible topics each in educational and social science researches. Educational Research Social Science Research Characteristics of Research What makes a good research? Why are some researches published and others are not? Is it attributed to their usefulness, contribution, and readability? To find this out, let us look at the characteristics of a good research. 1. It adopts a scientific method. Research is a systematic and critical investigation to a phenomenon (e. g., reading comprehension ability, Mathematics anxiety, COVID- 19). 2. It develops generalizations, principles or theories. These body of knowledge become the bases for interpreting human behaviors and societal conditions. (e.g, Law of Supply and Demand, Dewey’s Experiential Learning, Piaget’s Cognitive Theory) 3. It is directed towards finding answers to the questions and solutions to the problems. Research is purpose-driven because it is conducted to interpret and explain a phenomenon which is of individual and collective interest. (e.g., What is the best cure for COVID- 19? Is blended learning an effective strategy in teaching research?) 4  5 4. It is replicable. Results of research may be tested and retested in various contexts by following the empirical processes involved in it. (e. g., Teacher A conducts research to verify claim that inquiry-based instruction is more effective than lecture method) 5. It is cyclical in nature. Research has no end because it starts with a problem and ends with another problem. (e. g., Findings and recommendations of a research serve as bases for further research undertaking.) Concept Check: Complete the prompt sentence below. I like most the ______________ characteristic of research because ___________________________________________________________ _____. LET’S PRACTICE Try This! Based on the foregoing lesson, complete the 3-2-1 Chart. Just write phrases and not sentences. 3-2-1 Chart Three (3) things that I Knew Two (2) things that I want to Know One (1) thing that I have Learned LET’S ASSESS Check This! Now that you have learned the definitions and characteristics of research, construct a five (5)-sentence critique about the remarks of Senator Villar as shown below. Be guided by the rubric for this assessment. 5  6 Rubric Exceeds Meets Approaches Criterion Expectations Expectations Expectations Comments 3 2 1 Presents the Presents the critique in a Presents the critique in a compelling, critique in a Organization moderately highly- disorganized organized organized manner manner manner Demonstrates Demonstrates Demonstrates reasonably Content thorough minimal adequate critique critique critique There were Grammar Grammar, few grammar, punctuation Sentence punctuation punctuation and spelling Structure and spelling and spelling errors were were perfect errors evident. 6