Research in Education

Earl Robert Babbie, American sociologist- respondents to be questioned in-depth and again in
“research is a systematic inquiry to describe, reaction to their answers. The researcher or
explain, predict, and control the observed interviewer also tries to comprehend their
phenomenon. emotions and motivations. Gaining insight into
your audience's decision-making process can aid
It involves inductive and deductive
in the development of research conclusions.
methods. Inductive methods analyze an observed
event, while deductive methods verify the For example, after successfully interviewing
observed event. Inductive approaches are female customers and visiting nearby stores and
associated with qualitative research, and malls, the researchers selected participants
deductive methods are more commonly associated through random sampling. As a result, it was
with quantitative analysis. discovered that the store didn’t have enough items
for women.
What are the characteristics of research?
So fewer women were visiting the store, which
1. Good research follows a systematic approach to
was understood only by personally interacting
capture accurate data. Researchers need to
with them and understanding why they didn’t visit
practice ethics and a code of conduct while
the store because there were more male products
making observations or drawing conclusions.
than female ones.
2. The analysis is based on logical reasoning and
The intent behind the design of qualitative
involves both inductive and deductive methods.
research methodologies is to provide light on how
3. Real-time data and knowledge is derived from a target audience behaves and perceives a certain
actual observations in natural settings. topic. Numerous qualitative research
methodologies are employed, including content
4. There is an in-depth analysis of all data
analysis, ethnographic research, focus groups,
collected so that there are no anomalies associated
in-depth interviews, and case studies.
with it.
Types of Qualitative Research
5. It creates a path for generating new questions.
Existing data helps create more research 1. One-on-one Interview- One of the most
opportunities. popular approaches for conducting
qualitative research is conducting in-depth
6. It is analytical and uses all the available data so
interviews. One participant at a time is
that there is no ambiguity in inference.
interviewed in-person for this personal
7. Accuracy is one of the most critical aspects of assessment. This approach is solely
research. The information must be accurate and conversational and allows for opportunities
correct. For example, laboratories provide a to get detailed information from the
controlled environment to collect data. Accuracy participant. If they should need more
is measured in the instruments used, the information, the researchers should ask
calibrations of instruments or tools, and the such follow-up questions that will help
experiment’s final result. them collect more information. These
interviews can be conducted over the
phone or in person, and they often run
Qualitative Research anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours or
longer. One-on-one in-depth interviews
Psychology, sociology, and anthropology
provide a greater opportunity to interpret
are among the social science fields that form the
participants' body language and correlate
foundation of qualitative research. As a result, the
their responses.
qualitative research methodologies enable
Research in Education
2. Focus groups- Another popular qualitative as its name implies. There are several
research technique for gathering data is the fields that use this kind of research
focus group. A focus group typically methodology, including the social sciences
consists of six to ten participants who are and education. Although this approach
members of your target market. Finding may seem complicated to use, it is one of
the "why," "what," and "how" answers is the most straightforward because it only
the focus group's primary goal. Focus requires a deep comprehension of the data
groups have the benefit of not requiring gathering techniques and data inference.
face-to-face interaction among 5. Process of observation- (Qualitative
participants. Focus groups can now be observation) is a type of research where
delivered an online survey on a variety of systematic information or data is gathered
devices, and results can be gathered with using subjective approaches. Given that
just a button click. the primary focus of qualitative
When compared to other online qualitative observation is the study process, data
research methodologies, focus groups are a collection is accomplished through
more expensive method. They are usually subjective approaches. The main purpose
employed to clarify intricate procedures. of qualitative observation is to compare
This approach works well for testing new disparities in quality. The five main senses
products and conducting market research —sight, smell, touch, taste, and hearing—
on new concepts. as well as how they function are the
3. Ethnographic Research- The most subjects of qualitative observation. This is
comprehensive observational research about traits rather than measurements or
method that examines people in their numbers.
natural environments is ethnographic
A. Qualitative data collection
research. It involves the researchers
adapting to the environments of the target Qualitative data collection allows collecting data
audiences, which could be anyplace from a that is non-numeric and helps us to explore how
city to an organization or any remote decisions are made and provide us with detailed
location. Here, geographical constraints insight. For reaching such conclusions the data
can be an issue during the data collection that is collected should be holistic, rich, and
process. The goal of this research design is nuanced and findings to emerge through careful
to understand the cultures, challenges, analysis.
motivations, and settings that occur. Rather
Whatever method a researcher chooses for
than relying solely on interviews and
collecting qualitative data, one aspect is very clear
discussions, you experience the natural
the process will generate a large amount of data.
settings firsthand. This type of research
In addition to the variety of methods available,
method can last from a few days to a few
there are also different methods of collecting and
years because it involves in-depth
recording the data.
observation and data collection on those
grounds. It's a difficult and time- For example, if the qualitative data is
consuming method that depends entirely collected through a focus group or one-to-one
on the researcher. discussion, there will be handwritten notes or
4. Case study research- Over the past few video recorded tapes. If there are recording they
years, the case study method has matured should be transcribed and before the process of
into a useful, high-quality research data analysis can begin.
technique. It serves the purpose of
elucidating an organization or other entity,
Research in Education
As a rough guide, it can take a seasoned and documents, rather than rely on a single data
researcher 8-10 hours to transcribe the recordings source.
of an interview, which can generate roughly 20-30
3. This type of research method works towards
pages of dialogues. Many researchers also like to
solving complex issues by breaking down into
maintain separate folders to maintain the
meaningful inferences, that is easily readable and
recording collected from the different focus group.
understood by all.
This helps them compartmentalize the data
collected. 4. Since it’s a more communicative method,
people can build their trust on the researcher and
In case there are running notes taken,
the information thus obtained is raw and
which are also known as field notes, they are
unadulterated.
helpful in maintaining comments, environmental
contexts, environmental analysis, nonverbal cues Research is conducted with a purpose to:
etc. These filed notes are helpful and can be
 Identify potential and new customers
compared while transcribing audio recorded data.
Such notes are usually informal but should be  Understand existing customers
secured in a similar manner as the video  Set pragmatic goals
recordings or the audio tapes.  Develop productive market strategies
 Address business challenges
B. Qualitative data analysis
 Put together a business expansion plan
Qualitative data analysis such as notes,  Identify new business opportunities
videos, audio recordings images, and text
When to use a Qualitative Research?
documents. One of the most used methods for
qualitative data analysis is text analysis.  Their analytical objectives
 Types of questions asked
Text analysis is a data analysis method that
is distinctly different from all other qualitative  Types of data collection instruments
research methods, where researchers analyze the  Forms of data they produce
social life of the participants in the research study  Degree of flexibility
and decode the words, actions, etc. There are Quantitative Research
images also that are used in this research study
and the researchers analyze the context in which In a timely manner, mathematical
the images are used and draw inferences from techniques can be applied to verify and assess the
them. In the last decade, text analysis through accuracy of this data. Using mathematical and
what is shared on social media platforms has statistical techniques, quantitative analysis
gained supreme popularity. examines and evaluates quantitative data. To help
in forecasting and decision-making, this analysis
Characteristics of qualitative research methods looks for patterns, trends, and connections in the
1. Qualitative research methods usually collect data.
data at the sight, where the participants are Math and statistics are used in quantitative
experiencing issues or research problems. These data analysis to address issues related to risk
are real-time data and rarely bring the participants management, finance, and business. It is a crucial
out of the geographic locations to collect method for understanding difficult concepts and
information. problems that scientists, researchers, and financial
2. Qualitative researchers typically gather multiple analysts encounter.
forms of data, such as interviews, observations, The term “quantitative” emphasizes a type
of research which involves qualification or
Research in Education
measurement and usually involve numbers. One
of the most popular techniques for collecting
Ordinal Scale: The ordinal scale has an innate
quantitative data are through the use of surveys.
order within the variables along with labels. It
Descriptive statistics and interpretative statistics
establishes the rank between the variables of a
on the other hand are commonly used for
scale but not the difference value between the
analyzing data.
variables.
Types of quantitative methods include:
Interval Scale: The interval scale is a step ahead
1. Survey research- is a quantitative in comparison to the other two scales. Along with
research method used for collecting data establishing a rank and name of variables, the
from a set of respondents. It has been scale also makes known the difference between
perhaps one of the most used the two variables. The only drawback is that there
methodologies in the industry for several is no fixed start point of the scale, i.e., the actual
years due to the multiple benefits and zero value is absent.
advantages that it has when collecting and
Ratio Scale: The ratio scale is the most advanced
analyzing data.
measurement scale, which has variables that are
There are three main survey research methods, labeled in order and have a calculated difference
divided based on the medium of conducting between variables. In addition to what interval
survey research: scale orders, this scale has a fixed starting point,
i.e., the actual zero value is present.
1. Online/ Email: Online survey research is one
of the most popular survey research methods 2. Descriptive research- describing the
today. The survey cost involved in online survey characteristics of the population or
research is extremely minimal, and the responses phenomenon studied. Focuses more on the
gathered are highly accurate. “what” of the research subject than the
“why” of the research subject.
2. Phone: Survey research conducted over the
telephone (CATI survey) can be useful in Some other research problems and research
collecting data from a more extensive section of questions that can lead to descriptive research
the target population. There are chances that the are:
money invested in phone surveys will be higher
than other mediums, and the time required will be
higher.  Market researchers want to observe the
habits of consumers.
3. Face-to-face: Researchers conduct face-to-face
 A company wants to evaluate the morale
in-depth interviews in situations where there is a
of its staff.
complicated problem to solve. The response rate
for this method is the highest, but it can be costly.  A school district wants to understand if
students will access online lessons rather
Survey Research Scales than textbooks.
Four main scales for the measurement of  To understand if its wellness questionnaire
variables: programs enhance the overall health of the
employees.
Nominal Scale: A nominal scale associates 3 Correlational research- is a kind of
numbers with variables for mere naming or non-experimental research
labeling, and the numbers usually have no other methodology in which two variables
relevance. It is the most basic of the four levels of are measured, and the statistical
measurement. relationship between them is
Research in Education
understood and evaluated without the 1. Positive correlation: A positive relationship
impact of any other variables. between two variables is when an increase in one
Differentiating between categorical variable leads to a rise in the other variable. A
and numerical data is crucial in decrease in one variable will see a reduction in the
statistical analysis since the former other variable. For example, the amount of money
consists of quantifiable values, whilst a person has might positively correlate with the
the latter requires discrete categories number of cars the person owns.
or labels.
2. Negative correlation: A negative correlation is
Correlational Research Example quite literally the opposite of a positive
relationship. If there is an increase in one variable,
The correlation coefficient shows the
the second variable will show a decrease, and vice
correlation between two variables (A correlation
versa.
coefficient is a statistical measure that calculates
the strength of the relationship between two For example, being educated might negatively
variables), a value measured between -1 and +1. correlate with the crime rate when an increase in
When the correlation coefficient is close to +1, one variable leads to a decrease in another and
there is a positive correlation between the two vice versa. If a country’s education level is
variables. If the value is relative to -1, there is a improved, it can lower crime rates. Please note
negative correlation between the two variables. that this doesn’t mean that lack of education leads
When the value is close to zero, then there is no to crimes. It only means that a lack of education
relationship between the two variables. and crime is believed to have a common reason –
poverty.
Let us take an example to understand
correlational research. 3. No correlation: There is no correlation
between the two variables in this third type. A
change in one variable may not necessarily see a
Consider hypothetically, a researcher is studying a difference in the other variable. For example,
correlation between cancer and marriage. In this being a millionaire and happiness are not
study, there are two variables: disease and correlated. An increase in money doesn’t lead to
marriage. Let us say marriage has a negative happiness.
association with cancer. This means that married
Features of Descriptive Correlational Research
people are less likely to develop cancer.
The key features of descriptive correlational
However, this doesn’t necessarily mean
research include the following:
that marriage directly avoids cancer. In
correlational research, it is not possible to 01. Description
establish the fact, what causes what. It is a
The main goal, just like with descriptive research,
misconception that a correlational study involves
is to describe the variables of interest thoroughly.
two quantitative variables. However, the reality is
Researchers aim to explain a certain group or
two variables are measured, but neither is
event’s traits, behaviors, or attitudes.
changed. This is true independent of whether the
variables are quantitative or categorical. 02. Relationships
Types of correlational research Like correlational research, descriptive
correlational research looks at how two or more
Mainly three types of correlational research have
factors are related. It looks at how variables are
been identified:
connected to each other, such as how they change
over time or how they are linked.
Research in Education
03. Quantitative analysis Quantitative analysis deals with the comparison of
different variables, scenarios, or strategies in a
Most methods for analyzing quantitative analysis
systematic and measurable way. This aids in
data are used in descriptive correlational research.
identifying the most effective or efficient
Researchers use statistical methods to study and
approach among options.
measure the size and direction of relationships
between variables. Risk Assessment and Management
04. No manipulation It assesses and quantifies risks in various contexts,
from financial markets to engineering projects.
As with correlational research, the researcher does
This helps understand the potential impact of
not change or control the variables. The data is
different risk factors and make informed decisions
taken in its natural environment without any
to mitigate them.
changes or interference.
Predictive Modeling
05. Cross-sectional or longitudinal
Many quantitative techniques, such as regression
Cross-sectional or longitudinal designs can be
analysis and time series analysis, are used to build
used for descriptive correlational research. It
predictive models. These models help forecast
collects data at one point in time, while
future outcomes, allowing businesses and
longitudinal research collects data over a long
organizations to plan ahead and make proactive
period of time to look at changes and relationships
decisions.
over time.
Resource Allocation
Quantitative analysis assists in optimizing the
allocation of resources, whether it’s allocating
Importance of quantitative analysis budgets, manpower, or time. Organizations can
make efficient use of their resources by
Quantitative analysis plays a crucial role in
understanding the relationships between variables.
various fields because it provides objective,
numerical insights and supports informed Performance Evaluation
decision-making. Here are some key reasons why
Evaluating the performance of investments,
quantitative analysis is important:
projects, or products in fields like business and
Objective Decision-Making finance is crucial. It provides a structured way to
assess whether goals and targets are being met.
Quantitative analysis relies on data and
mathematical/statistical methods, which help Evidence in Research
minimize subjectivity and bias in decision-
Quantitative analysis provides empirical evidence
making. This objectivity is particularly valuable
to support or refute hypotheses in scientific
when dealing with complex issues that require
research. It helps establish causation and
evidence-based conclusions.
correlation relationships by analyzing data
Data-driven Insights objectively.

It allows researchers and analysts to extract Quality Control and Assurance

meaningful insights from large datasets. Patterns,
Quantitative methods are often used to monitor
trends, relationships, and anomalies that might not
and control quality in manufacturing and
be apparent through qualitative methods can be
production processes. Statistical process control
uncovered using quantitative research techniques.
helps detect deviations from expected norms and
Comparison and Benchmarking ensures consistent product quality.
Research in Education
Policy Formulation Most businesses occasionally have a scarcity of
resources, including office space, equipment for
Quantitative models inform policy decisions by
production, and manpower. Company managers
providing data-driven insights into the potential
must devise strategies to deploy resources wisely
impact of different policy options. This is essential
in such circumstances.
in areas such as economics, public health, and
social sciences. A quantitative research approach that specifies
how to arrive at such an ideal solution is linear
Market Research and Consumer Behavior
programming. It is also used to assess, under a set
In marketing, quantitative analysis helps of limitations, such as labor, how a business may
understand consumer behavior, preferences, and maximize earnings and cut expenditures.
trends. It assists businesses in tailoring their
3. Data Mining
products and marketing strategies to target
audiences effectively. Data mining combines statistical techniques with
computer programming knowledge. As the variety
Validation and Verification
and size of available data sets increase, data
In engineering and computer science fields, mining’s popularity also rises.
quantitative analysis is used to validate and verify
Many data are analyzed using mining techniques
designs, simulations, and software systems. This
to look for hidden patterns or relationships.
ensures that products and systems meet predefined
specifications and standards. References:
Types of quantitative analysis https://www.questionpro.com/blog/qualitative-
research-methods/
Despite the fact that quantitative analysis involves
#Types_of_qualitative_research_methods_with_ex
numbers, there are various approaches to this type
amples
of analysis. This analysis comes in a variety of
types, including: https://www.questionpro.com/blog/quantitative-
analysis/
1. Regression Analysis
Regression analysis is a typical form used by
statisticians, economists, company owners, and
other professionals. It entails making predictions
or estimating the effects of one variable on
another using statistical equations.
For example, it can reveal how interest rates
impact customers’ asset investment decisions.
Establishing the impact of education and work
experience on employees’ annual salaries is
another essential use of regression analysis.
Business owners can use regression analysis to
ascertain how advertising costs affect revenue.
This method allows a business owner to determine
whether there is a positive or negative correlation
between two factors.
2. Linear programming