INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH

 

Concept of Research

Research is considered to be more formal, systematic and intensive process of carrying on a scientific method of analysis. Scientific method in solving problems may be an observation, analysis and conclusion or observation, problem identification and hypothesis formulation by formal application. Research may be defined as the systematic and objective analysis and recording of controlled observation that may lead to the development of generalisations, principles, or theories, resulting in prediction and possibly ultimately control of an event.

Explain the meaning of research

Research may be defined as the systematic and objective analysis and recording of controlled observation that may lead to the development of recommendations, principles, or theories, resulting in prediction and possibly ultimate control of an event.

THE OBJECTIVES/AIMS OF RESEARCH IN EDUCATION.

1.                Research is applied to solve problems in a certain area. 2.                It helps the learners to gain the knowledge and skills. 3.                It can also be used to simplify the process of teaching and learning. 4.                The research conducted can be used to test the validity and be used to develop new theories.

STAGES OF RESEARCH

Research is scientific and systematic process of collecting, analysing and interpreting data basing on a certain problem or phenomena, Research work also is the scientific and systematic process of finding the truth concerning a specific phenomena or problem. Normally research work use scientific stages and finding the solution of the identified phenomena such stages are Identification of problem, Pre-survey, Literature review, Formulation of hypothesis, Research design, Data collection, Analysis of data, Hypothesis testing, Data interpretation and preservation, Report writing.

Assess the importance of research in daily life

The main purpose of research is to discover answers to different questions through application of scientific procedures. All fields of studies require research to develop their theories both in natural sciences.Countries with manpower in research and development they are far more developed than others.The purpose of research is to bridge gap between what is known and what is not known.

 

States of Research Work

Describe research stages in conducting a research

The following are the stages of conducting research.

1. Problem identification or formulation of research problem.

A problem is a question or idea of interest which ought to be answered through data collection.

The researcher is required to:

1.	Single out the problem of study.
2.	Understand the problem e.g.; mass failure in secondary schools.

2.      Pre-surveying

Researcher should make a survey of a place where the research is going to be conducted to know things like transport, weather etc.

3.      Literature review

This reading various publications to know what other people say about what you are investigating.

4.      Formulation of hypothesis

This is an assumption based on what one expects to find out in the field. It can be either true or false.e.g mass failure in school is due to inadequate teaching and learning materials.

5.      Research designing

This is the arrangement of conditions for collection and analysis of data in the manner that aim to combine relevance to the research purpose. It is the conceptual structure within which the study is conducted.

6.      Data collection

Refers to the collection of various information data in the field to enrich a research. Data collection can be done by observation, interview, questionnaires, or group discussions.

7.      Analysis of data

The data you have, make no sense until you convert the information into sensible ideas, and make no sense until they answer the question you had asked in the problem.

8.      Hypothesis testing

After data analysis the researcher needs to test the hypothesis formulated earlier the major question here is whether the fact support the hypothesis or not.

9.      Data interpretation and preservation

After getting correct information about the study topic the analyzed data is interpreted and preserved in different statistical graphs and charts so that it can be understood to everyone.

10.  Report writing

At the end of the research, the researcher has to prepare a report of what has been done the researchers’ finding have to be communicated or exposed to the public.

Conduct research

Research needs to be conducted in a clear and organized manner so as to obtain answers to the stated problem.The preparation of research proposal should be done before conducting it. Sometimes it may be hard to get data from the targeted population. Sampling should be used to obtain a representative population and save time as well as utilize resources economically.

Explain the use of research output and recommendations

Generally all the above steps are helpful, if each stage will be done effectively will help to obtain factual information/solutions about various phenomena under consistence /effective preparation.

Research recommendations are the results or conclusion of research conducted. They are very useful to individuals and nations as a whole. Social economic conditions are assessed based on various researches. Research recommendations can be used to change the constitution, make policies and creating new ways of doing things. To invest in researches is worth, they're great drive of development.