Fr. I. Jesudoss, SJ; Ph.D.

Associate Professor in Education, SXCE

UNIT-II
RESEARCH APTITUDE

Scientific research is a systematic and objective attempt to provide answers to

certain questions. A significant research leads to progress in some field of life.
Research is born out of human curiosity. Educational research is the study and
investigation in the field of education
Characteristics of research
1. It is always directed towards the solution of a problem.
2. It is always based on empirical or observable evidences.
3. It involves precise observation and accurate description.
4. Gives emphasis to the development of theories, principles and generalizations,
Types of research
1. Basic/pure/fundamental research
2. Applied research/field research
3. Action research
1. Fundamental research
Not concerned with day to day phenomena & problems
For fundamental problems / major issues
Making broad generalisations / theories / principles
Discover basic truth / laws
Carried in laboratories
Areas of fundamental research
Educational values, role of heredity & environment, aims of education, stages of
development, role of activity in learning, curriculum motivation, reinforcement, concept
formation.
2. Applied Research
Direct application in fields
Testing of theories & laws & principles in actual field

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 Fr. I. Jesudoss, SJ; Ph.D.
Associate Professor in Education, SXCE

Topics included in applied research

Effect of various devices in learning
Use of text books
Day to day testing
Improvement in examinations
Parental co-operations
Library facilities
Laboratory facilities
3. Action research
For immediate application (eg. Class room-problems)
Not for the development of broad theories and application
Operation research
Application of mathematical, logical and analytical techniques aimed at the
solutions of business problems of cost minimization or of profit maximization.
ii. Historical research, descriptive research and experimental research
Historical research describes what was. This involves investigation, recording,
analyzing and interpreting the events of the past for the purpose of discovering
generalizations that are helpful in understanding the past and the present and to a limited
extent, in anticipating the future.
Descriptive research describes records, anaylzes, and interprets the conditions
that exist, practices that prevail, beliefs, points of views or attitudes that are held,
processes that are going on, effects that are being felt, or trends that are developing
Experimental research describes what will be when certain variables are
carefully controlled or manipulated. The focus is on variable relationship. Deliberate
manipulation is always a part of experimental method.
Field experiments
It is a study carried out in a more or less realistic situation or field where the
experimenter successfully manipulates one or more independent variables under the
maximum possible controlled conditions.
Field study
It is a study which systematically discovers relations and interactions among
variables in real life situations such as school, factory, community college etc.
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 Fr. I. Jesudoss, SJ; Ph.D.
Associate Professor in Education, SXCE

Expost facto study

In this the investigator attempts to trace an effect which has already occurred to
its probable causes. The effect becomes the dependent variable and the probable causes
become the independent variable. The investigator has no direct control over such
variables.
Survey research
It is a technique where, the investigator or researcher studies the whole
population with respect to certain sociological and psychological variables. Depending
upon the ways of collecting data, survey research can be classified into different
categories, namely, personal interview, questionnaire, panel technique and telephone
survey.

PAPER, ARTICLE, SEMINAR &SYMPOSIUM

Paper
It is an essay or dissertation read at a seminar or published in a journal. It is a
formal written composition intended to be published, presented, or read aloud or a
scholarly essay.
Article
It is a nonfictional literary composition that forms an independent part of a
publication, as of a newspaper or magazine.

Workshop
A meeting at which a group engages in intensive discussion and activity on a
particular subject or project.
Seminar
A conference for discussion on training on a specific subject.
Conference
A formal meeting for discussion or debate.
Symposium
A meeting or conference for discussion of a topic, especially one in which the
participants form an audience and make presentation.
Dissertation: or Thesis

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 Fr. I. Jesudoss, SJ; Ph.D.
Associate Professor in Education, SXCE

A thesis advancing a new point of view resulting from research; usually a

requirement for an advanced academic degree.
Special reasons for research in education
1. To make the teacher a top class teacher
2. To bring a new social order
3. To improve the educational system and to invent, design and test new
educational experiments appropriate to our culture and resources.
Why research in education is essential?
1. for clearing the objectives of education
2. for solving sociological problems
3. for solving psychological problems
4. for educational surveys
5. for curriculum development
6. for solving technological problems
7. for meeting the challenges of universalisation of education
8. for a clear cut supervision system
9. for the stratification of schools
10. for relating vocationalisation & job opportunities
11. for the development of rural & urban schools
12. for solving the problems of minorities
13. for the development of educational technology
Operation research
Application of mathematical, logical and analytical techniques aimed at the
solutions of business problems of cost minimization or of profit maximization.
Research methodology
A way to systematically solve research problems
Research procedure
1. Identifying 6. Develop tools
2. Delimit the problem 7. Administering tools
3. Define the problem 8. Interpreting data
4. Set objectives 9. Validate hypothesis
5. Hypothesizing 10. Report the finding

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 Fr. I. Jesudoss, SJ; Ph.D.
Associate Professor in Education, SXCE

Hypothesis
Give directions to research
Prevents blind research
Places clear and specific goals
Linking related facts
Serve as a frame work for drawing conclusions
Research Ethics:
The ethical qualities nurtured in researches are as follows:
Scientific nature
Dignity of labour
Truthfulness
Reliability
Contribution to existing knowledge
Humanistic approach
Universal values
Capital of Human culture
Continuity and Spontaneity
Artistic and creative venture
When all these qualities are fulfilled, it can be assumed that the researcher
has all the virtues. The researcher should use all his competencies for the welfare of
humanity.
The following errors put a question mark of its ethical values:
Prejudices and Biases
Fallacies
Imaginary Assumptions
Contaminated facts
Poorest form of Rationalization.
QUESTIONS
1. A researcher divides the populations into PG, graduates and 10+2 students and
using the random digit table he selects some of them from each. This is technically
called
a. stratified sampling b. stratified random sampling

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 Fr. I. Jesudoss, SJ; Ph.D.
Associate Professor in Education, SXCE

c. representative sampling d. none of these

(In random sampling technique every number of the population has equal chance
of being selected.)
2. The final result of a study will be more accurate if the sample drawn is
a. taken randomly b. fixed by quota
c. representative to the population d. purposive
(Division of population on the basis of class, income, education level etc is called
stratification and every member of each stratum has equal chance of being
selected by the researcher )
3. A researcher selects only 10 members as a sample from the total population of
5000and considers it good because
a. he was a good researcher b. he was guided by his supervisor
c. the population was homogeneous d. all of these
(The more the sample represents the population the more accurate are the
results of the study. Sample can be made more representative either by
increasing the size of the sample or by following more reliable method of
sampling.)
4. Area (cluster) sampling technique is used when
a. population is scattered and large size of the sample is to be drawn
b. population is heterogeneous
c. long survey is needed d. (a) and (b)
(If characteristics of the population is homogeneous a small sample may be
enough for study because it may represent the whole population easily.)
5.. A researcher divides his population into certain groups and fixes the size of the
sample form each group. It is called
a. stratified sample b. quota sample
c. cluster sample d. all of the above
(When long survey is being done and population is scattered over a large area
then researcher selects various groups from the whole area. The selection of
these groups is based on the discretion.)
6. Field study is related to
a. real life situations b. experimental situations
c. laboratory situations d. none of the above

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 Fr. I. Jesudoss, SJ; Ph.D.
Associate Professor in Education, SXCE

7. All are example of qualitative variables except

a. religion and castes b. sex
c. observation d. interest of the subject
8. An example of scientific knowledge is
a. authority of the Prophet or great men b. social traditions and customs
c. religious scriptures d. laboratory and field experiments
9. A research problem is feasible only when
a. it is researchable b. it is new and adds something to knowledge
c. it has utility and relevance d. all of these
10. Studying the social status of a population a researcher conducted that Mr. X is
socially backward. His conclusion is
a. wrong b. right
c. inaccurate d. biased
(Such type of studies are always comparative in nature. He should say that Mr. X is
socially or economically backward as compared to Mr. Y.)
11. A good hypothesis should be
a. precise, specific and consistent with most known facts
b. formulated in such a way that it can be tested by the data
c. of limited scope and should not have global significance
d. all of these
12. Hypothesis cannot be stated in
a. null and question form terms b. declarative terms
c. general terms d. directional terms
13. In order to augment the accuracy of the study a researcher
a. should increase the size of the sample b. should be honest and unbiased
c. should keep the variance high d. all of these
14. While writing research report a researcher
a. must not use the numerical figures in numbers in the beginning of sentences
b. must arrange it in logical, topical and chronological order
c. must compare his results with those of the other studies
d. all of the above

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 Fr. I. Jesudoss, SJ; Ph.D.
Associate Professor in Education, SXCE

15. A researcher wants to study the future of the Congress I in India. For the study
which tool is most appropriate for him?
a. Questionnaire b. Schedule
c. Interview d. Rating scale
(Questionnaire is most appropriate technique for studying such problems
because a large sample of the population can be covered in a short period by
mailing it to the respondents.)
16. Survey study aims at
i. knowing facts about the existing situation
ii. comparing the present status with the standard norms
iii. criticizing the existing situation
iv. identifying the means of improving the existing situation
a. (i) and (ii) only b. (i), (ii), and (iii)
c. (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) d. (ii) and (iii) only
17. Seeing a very big rally it was reported that BJP will win the election, the
conclusion was based on
a. random sampling b. cluster sampling
c. systematic sampling d. purposive sampling
18. Nine years old children are taller than 7 years old ones. It is an example of
a. vertical studies b. cross sectional studies
c. case studies d. experimental studies
(In cross-sectional studies population of various ages, sex or religion is taken and their
attributes are collected& compared)
19. The review of the related study is important while undertaking a research because
a. it avoids repetition or duplication b. it helps in understanding the gaps
c. it helps the researcher not to draw d. all of the above
Illogical conclusions
20. Bibliography given in a research report
a. helps those interested in further research and
studying the problem from another angle
b. makes the report authentic
c. shows the vast knowledge of the researcher

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 Fr. I. Jesudoss, SJ; Ph.D.
Associate Professor in Education, SXCE

22. Research is based upon

a. Scientific method b. Experiments
c. Scientists d. General principles
23. A person derives all the conclusions through observation and experimentation in
his routine life. In this way the person can be treated as a
a. Scientist b. Good citizen
c. Intellectual person d. Normal person
24. Generally a scientists observations related to Experiment and testing are based on
a. Scientific principles b. House hold rules
c. Self-imagination d. Self-experiences
25. To become unscientific, it is sufficient to have
a. Irrelevant arguments b. Prejudices
c. Disagreement d. All the above
26. If you are repeating the mistake again and again then you are called a
a. Excellent researcher b. Excellent forgetter
c. Foolish person d. Normal person
27. If you are employing scientific method for solving a problem and interpretation of
the results, then this process is called
a. Scientific b. Self-satisfying
c. complementary to personal objectives d. None of the above
28. Research is an honest effort carried out through insight This statement is put
forth by
a. Best b. Watson
c. Cook d. None of the above
29. The main condition which should be followed by research is
a. Honest exploration b. Knowledge of facts and principles
c. Standardized findings and conclusions d. All the above
30. The characteristic of a research is
a. Serious and intensive study b. Wisdom
c. Based on standardized conclusions d. All the above
31. A research should be
a. Objective b. Valid
c. Reliable d. All the above

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 Fr. I. Jesudoss, SJ; Ph.D.
Associate Professor in Education, SXCE

32. Which of the following is not a characteristic of a research?

a. Irrelevant data collection b. Irrelevant data analysis
c. Irrelevant conclusions d. All the above
33. A researcher should possess
a. Scientific attitude b. Scientific thinking
c. Scientific feelings d. Scientific behaviour
34. If you are interested to perceive yourself as a Scientist then what sort of changes
will you prefer in yourself?
a. Registration for Ph.D. Degree b. Training under the guidance of a scientist
c. Full of scientific excitement d. Development of scientific attitude
35. Reliability in the fundamental quality of a research which also reflects
a. Validity b. Verifiability
c. Purity of data d. Superiority
36. The research reporting should be carried out
a. In a scientific way b. In an imaginary way
c. Through copying d. Through discussion among the scientists
37. The research is always
a. Exploring new knowledge b. Verifying the old knowledge
c. Filling the gap between the knowledge d. Including all the above
38. Generally the data of the research is
a. Quantitative only b. Qualitative only
c. Both of the above d. None of the above
39. The meaning of generalization is
a. To normalize a special quality
b. To implement the research conclusion at the larger level
c. To give advantages of research to normal person
d. None of the above
40. The aims of research is
a. Factual b. Verifiable
c. Theoretical d. All the above
41. The Theoretical aims of research is
a. Explanatory b. Qualitativeness
c. Quantitativeness d. Inferential

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 Fr. I. Jesudoss, SJ; Ph.D.
Associate Professor in Education, SXCE

42. Research approaches are

a. Longitudinal and cross-sectional b. Oblique and horizontal
c. Long and shot section d. None of the above
43. Generally the formulation and progress of new knowledge have been carried out
through
a. Fundamental researches b. Experimental researches
c. Historical researches d. None of the above
44. The research which is exploring new facts through the study of the past is called as
a. Historical research b. Philosophical research
c. Mythological research d. None of the above
45. The principles formulated by the Fundamental research are used in
a. Applied researches b. Philosophical researches
c. Action researches d. None of the above
46. The research is (in reference to human nature)
a. An attitude of inquiry b. A method of formulating principles
c. A systematic and intellectual work d. A scientific method
47. The basic need of a research is
a. In preparation of a project b. In guidance
c. In economic planning d. In sitting in library
48. The new values and principles are established through
a. Philosophical researches b. Natural researches
c. Human motivation d. Social situation
49. Action-research is
a. An applied research b. A research carried out to solve immediate problems
c. A longitudinal research d. All the above
50. The classification of the scheme of Black Board Operation can be carried out under
a. Philosophical researches b. Experimental researches
c. Action researches d. None of the above
51. Ganga Action Plan is a Action Research Plan because it has
a. To Attain a definite goal b. To finish in a scheduled time
c. A definite socio-economic order d. All the above
52. Longitudinal Approach is related with
a. Long term researches b. Transverse researches

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 Fr. I. Jesudoss, SJ; Ph.D.
Associate Professor in Education, SXCE

c. Horizontal researches d. All the above

53. In Longitudinal approaches primarily the researches are related with
a. Temporal sequence b. Eugenics
c. Sample d. None of the above
54. Cross-sectional researches are fundamentally related with
a. Sample b. Statistics
c. Tendencies d. None of the above

55. The single difference between Longitudinal and cross-sectional researches is

a. In Longitudinal researches are working on single subject for long term duration
while in cross-section, the immediate results have been derived after selecting a
sample
b. In Longitudinal researcher the researcher should have more patience to work
than in cross-sectional researches
c. The Longitudinal researches have been generally carried out under the specific
situation and with specific persons but it is not carried out in cross-sectional
researches
d. All the above differences are correct
56 .Research problem is selected from the stand point of:
a. Researchers interest* b. Financial support
c. Social relevance d. Availability of relevant literature

57. Which one is called non-probability sampling?

a. Cluster sampling b.Quota sampling *
C.Systematic sampling d.Stratified random sampling

58. Formulation of hypothesis may NOT be required in:

a) Survey method b) Historical method
c) Experimental studies d) Normative studies*

59. Field-work based research is classified as:

a)Empirical b)Historical
c)Experimental d) Biographical*

60. Which of the following sampling method is appropriate to study the prevalence of
AIDS among male and female in India in 1976, 1986, 1996 and 2006?
a) Cluster sampling b) Systematic sampling*
c) Quota sampling d) Stratified random sampling

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 Fr. I. Jesudoss, SJ; Ph.D.
Associate Professor in Education, SXCE

61. The importance of the correlation co-efficient lies in the fact that:
a) There is a linear relationship between the correlated variables
b) It is one of the most valid measures of statistics
c) It allows one to determine the degree or strength of the association between two
variables.*
d) It is a non-parametric method of statistical analysis.

62. The research is always:

a) verifying the old knowledge b) exploring new knowledge
c) Filling the between knowledge d) all of these

63. The research that applies the laws at the time of field study to draw more and more
Clear ideas about the problem is:
a) Applied research b) Action research
c) Experimental research d) none of these

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