Characteristics and 5 Types of Educational Research with Examples B.ED Notes

Back to: Introduction to Educational Research Methodology

Characteristics of Educational Research

There are quite a few things that qualify to be an educational researcher some of the characteristics are as follows:

Attempt to know the cause and effect of a problem

The whole process of research is to know the problem. So it’s natural to have an urge to know the cause and effect of it. Only the roots of the cause can lead to the solution of the problem. So, in simple words, we can say that cause and effect led to the solution of the problem.

Solve an unambiguous problem

The core purpose or aim of educational research is to solve a problem. This problem can be a big contribution to the field of study. Moreover, bringing up a solution can contribute to knowledge and new finding. It is more like a quest for a researcher to solve the riddle.

Method of data collection

Data collection is very essential for educational research this paves the way to the solution. Only correct data can lead you to the new findings and results of the problem. There are two ways of collecting data- Primary and Secondary sources. Most researchers rely on primary data and come up with ideas, but secondary data provides the source to support the ideas and conclusion.

Empirical nature

Research requires proving mechanism, evidence, and a step-by-step process. These are mostly applied in scientific research but it is also the basic characteristic and nature of research. All research goes through this process. Only an empirically proven work is considered to be successful research.

Educational research aims on being objective and accurate

This is to make the statement and solution to the point. Also to show that the research presented is proven, verified, and accurate information. It gives an overall objective and states the problem and solution so that any other person viewing the research gets to know what it is about at the very outset.

Contribution to development

Educational research always contributes and opens a new field in the subject and also solves the problem facing currently. Each contribution to educational research has only developed the field to the next level. Also, it contributes a lot the contemporary society. This only brings advancement in the world for the future generation to come. Every educational research that arises today is the building block to the future.

Peer- review

This is an unavoidable step in research this not only involves the feedback of another individual as a reader but also gives the researcher an insight Into what improvements need to be added. It has been one of the important steps in research also.

Types of Educational Research

According to the nature and characteristics, the types of educational research vary. Its foundation is based on the qualitative and quantitative nature of research. There are mainly three types of educational research- Descriptive research, Experimental research, and correlation research.

DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH

From the word itself, it gives us an idea and the nature of research. This type of research aims on collecting information and data related to the current or present things. This type can also be called observational research. It is called so only a deep observation of data can give rise to the descriptive analysis and result on the research topic. This research mainly answers the question of “WHAT” in research. It mainly employs quantitative methods. One example of descriptive research is- Asking students in the classroom about their interests and preference in the educational field, this will enhance the data and provide evidence for the researcher’s topic.

EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH

This is mostly seen in scientific research. There are branches in the field of science which requires experiments to be done to prove and bring a conclusion to their theories. There are two groups in this type which are control and experimental. The control deals with the subject of the cause factor. Mainly what are the causes of the research? It is normally left in its natural state to know the cause and other nature. Whereas, the experimental part gives rise to the hypothesis of the research. An example of this kind of research is conducting an experiment on a specific topic like- How physical education is important for the overall education and development of a student?

CORRELATION RESEARCH

This research is related to the statistical nature of the research. Here the researcher tries to connect two proving variables. The result is very much unknown that it can be positive, negative, or, not exist. Moreover, in this type of educational research, there is no need for an external presence like in experimental research. It mainly relates to the type of case studies. The example for this type of educational research would be to prove the relation of skills and behavior of a student in a classroom environment. This not only gives a solution to the educational field but this result can be practically used in the classroom setting.