Selection and Formulation of Hypothesis in Educational Research Problem with Importance
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Selection and Formulation of Hypothesis in Educational Research Problem with Importance
Educational research means the organized collection and examination of the data related to education. It is a scientific study that examines the learning and teaching methods for better understanding of the education system. It is an observation and investigation in the field of education. Research is done in search of new knowledge or to use the existing knowledge in a better way. It helps to acquire useful knowledge and solve the challenges faced in education. Research tries to get a better understanding of education.
As said by Kerlinger,
“A problem is an interrogative sentence or statement that asks what relation exists between two or more variable. The answer to question will provide what is having sought in the research.”
According to R.S. Woodworth a problem is “a situation for which we have no ready & successful response by nature or by previous acquired habit. We must find out what to do’, i.e. the solution can be found out only after an investigation.”
What is a Hypothesis?
A hypothesis is used for explaining a phenomenon. Hypothesis is essential to discover cause-and-effect relationships. It provides direction for research and prevents from collecting unnecessary and useless data.
Selection and Formulation of Hypothesis in Educational Research
Selection
Selection of a research problem highly depends on the researcher’s knowledge, skills and motivation on the subject matter. To develop a proper hypothesis, the researcher needs to have a high interest in the topic. The level of expertise on the topic is very crucial as well. The researcher needs to make sure that there is enough data available on the topic before getting started. A topic which is overdone should be avoided as there is already enough information present for it and much new knowledge cannot be provided for it. Controversial and narrow topics should be avoided too.
Formulation
Formulating a hypothesis needs earlier evidence and should be testable. The hypothesis should be stated clearly and briefly for readers to understand it easily. To develop a hypothesis, the researcher needs to have an extensive and broad knowledge on the topic and look deeply into the past articles and journals on the same topic. The researcher should be able to limit the problem while formulating the hypothesis.
Importance of Formulating Hypothesis in Research
1. It states what findings are going to be done through the research.
2. It guides data collection and interpretation.
3. It helps in designing the research and what results can be expected.
4. It is helpful in acquiring useful and relevant data.
5. It helps in doing valid and reasonable research.
6. It helps in data analysis and interpretation.
7. It is helpful for discovering relationships between variables and theoretical guidelines.
