INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH

Topic Description
The purpose of this topic is to provide information that will help you understand the meaning and
significance of research. This topic will provide you with the knowledge that will enable you to
understand the importance of educational research, what research is, importance of research, the
historical development of research, and the steps of scientific research.

You will be introduced to the process of conducting research. Major steps are outlined that will
guide you in this process. The research process begins from the time you identify the research
problem to the time you develop your findings. Here discuss: how we design a research study, the
main steps in conducting research and using the quantitative and qualitative research process. You
will also be able to determine various sources which would be used to identify a suitable research
problem for your study.

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the topic, the trainee should be able to:
a) Define research
b) Describe the historical development of research
c) Explain the importance of research
d) Identify problems facing research
e) Explain the steps of scientific research

1. Introduction
Defining Research
The term research is a relative concept derived from the French verbs rechercher and chercher.
Research stands for an activity that involves searching, investigating, search for truth or search for
knowledge.
The term research also has some technical definitions. Research may be defined as a systematic
and objective analysis and recording of controlled observations that may lead to the development
of generalization, principles or theories resulting in prediction and possible ultimate control of
events.
Another definition by Mugenda and Mugenda [1999] states that: research means, to carry out a
diligent inquiry or a critical examination of given phenomenon. It implies exhaustive study,
investigation or experimentation following some logical sequence. Therefore, research means a
continued search for new knowledge and understanding of the world around us.
You may have noted the following terms used in defining research:
 Study
 Analysis
 Examination
 Investigation
 Systematic/logical sequence and so on.

Educational research
It is also important to briefly outline what our focus in this study manual is on the educational
sector.
Educational research is that activity which is directed towards the development of a science of
behaviour in educational institutions. Mwiria and Wamahiu (1995) define educational research as
a scientific or systematic and objective activity aimed at developing a theory of learning - or
improving education for rural development

2. The Importance of Research

The Importance of Research
Research is not merely a systematic collection of controlled observations and objective analysis
leading to the development of generalizations, principles or theories resulting in prediction or
ultimate management of events or solutions to problems. It is a significant aspect of an academic
program and should not be viewed as the role of the "research supervisors" in institutions of
academic excellence.
The examples you gave in the previous Activity on educational research, may have included:
1. Poor performance in mathematics by girls
2. Effect of drug abuse on learning among adolescents in Nairobi Province
List down all the effects that use of drugs may have on adolescents' learning.
The question on drugs was asked during a public lecture on "substance abuse among the youth"
and the following responses were recorded. Does this compare with your list
 Lack of concentration
 A drop in performance
 Lack of interest
 Truancy / Frequent absenteeism
 Poor health
 Carelessness in class work
 Loss of self-confidence
Research into the issue of effect of drugs would analyze in-depth the relationship between
drugs and these possible effects.
Uses/Importance of Educational Research
Various reasons are given for conducting educational research. Educational research could be put
to many uses some of which are listed herein:
a) Educational research is considered a problem-oriented activity that aims at improving
conditions or solving problems in education. In this way, it provides new knowledge about
education. This knowledge is then applied to improve educational practice. For example, a study
on "The effect of teaching methods on students' performance". In this example, the research
findings can help improve the teaching learning process, the curriculum design and students'
performance.
b) Empirical educational research also aims to improve decision-making and planning in
education. For planners and policy makers to make sound judgment, their decisions depend on
research findings.
c) Research can be undertaken to satisfy an individual's curiosity or to spell out rumours about
negative effects of an institution. For instance, an institution may introduce a new program, like
the Distance Education and Open Learning (DEOL) or team teaching, and then conduct empirical
research to establish the strengths and weaknesses of the program among the teachers, students
and parents. If the findings show the unpopularity of DEOL one can look at the reasons for this so
that DEOL can be improved. On the other hand, if it proves successful, then it can be developed
and expanded further.
d) Applied research, exploratory research, cause - and - effect research, and policy research may
deal with interventions that improve, for example;
 Students' learning
 Teachers' morale
 Promotion of self-reliance or social equality through education.
Activity
What are some of
the interventions that can lead to "improvement of students' learning and achievement" in
your institution?
Here are some responses you could compare with the ones you gave:
i. Teaching learning resources
ii. Curriculum materials
iii. Teaching methods that are learner centred
iv. Activity based lesson plans
e) Research helps to discover new knowledge that emanates from the discovery of new facts,
their correct interpretation and practical application. There are other sources of knowledge.
However, scientific research remains the most efficient and reliable source of knowledge because
it seeks demonstrable truth that is accurate. However, qualitative research sometimes establishes
subjective truth with recommendations that will only apply within the research setting.
Activity
What are the other sources of knowledge besides research? List three of them down.
Here are some of the sources that the students of a research course came up with during a
brainstorming session, in class:
 Experience
 Tradition: cultural values, norms, rules and standards.
 Authority: Expert opinion
 Intuition: that is, perception and insight into phenomena by instinct.
Does your list concur with this? You could now try and see if you can explain these four sources
of knowledge citing relevant examples.
f) The other use of research is to describe phenomenon. In order to identify any event accurately
one needs a thorough description, for example shape, size, weight, height, age, colour change over
time and so on. A description then provides knowledge that enables prediction, which is the ability
to estimate phenomenon, A, given phenomenon B. A common example would be knowledge about
students' performance in trial examination enables us to predict their performance in the national
examination.
g) Research enables control. In scientific research, control is concerned with the ability to
regulate the phenomenon under study. One phenomenon is manipulated in order to exert control
over another.
h) Research enables theory development, which involves formulating of concepts, laws, and
generalizations about phenomenon. Research is conducted in an attempt to challenge existing
theory; which is sometimes referred to as verification of theory. For example, do all human beings
have a self-actualizing tendency.
3. Historical Development of Research
Historical Development of Research
At the beginning of this section, you were introduced to the meaning of research. One defining
characteristic is that research is a way of investigating, which leads to development of knowledge
about phenomena. Examples of knowledge gained through research include: facts, principles,
theories and generalizations which help us to explain, describe and predict phenomenon.
People developed knowledge variously before scientific research methods came to existence.
There are explains that four general ways of knowing were used, namely:
a. Method of tenacity
b. Method of authority
c. The priori method
d. The method of science

a. The method of tenacity is where people held firmly to the truth because they have always
known is to be true. Facts or evidence to support the truth was not a major concern. In this case,
the validity of such truths would be enhanced, as people repeatedly regarded them as truth. This is
a situation where, despite clearly conflicting facts, people continually clung to their beliefs.
b. The method of authority emerged as another way of fixing beliefs. It refers to the means of
established belief. For instance, if the Bible says it, then it is so. In some populations, an idea that
is based on tradition and public consensus is viewed as truth. We can say that the method of
authority is superior to the method of tenacity. A large body of facts and information is developed
through the method of authority.
c. The priori method is the third way of developing knowledge. It is also referred to as the
method of intuition. The priori position is based on logical reasoning and not merely on experience.
Reason may sometimes be biased because facts or evidence could be lacking to support it.
d. The method of science forms the basis of current research studies. This method is based on:
development of truth that is independent of our opinions, beliefs or simply reason. The method of
science emphasizes that: there are real things whose characters are entirely independent of our
perceptions about them.

The scientific method forms the basis of modern quantitative research. In this case, research is
seen as an investigation, which involves careful observation and measurement of phenomenon.
The measurement is carried out by means of objective or reliable instruments. The instruments
generate data, which is then subjected to statistical analysis. The results of statistical analysis are
used to explain, describe or predict the phenomenon, which constitutes new knowledge. The
investigation must, however, be based on hypothesis. The hypothesis is verified through data
collection and analysis.
Summary
Summary
In this topic, you observed that research is an investigation that is systematic, objective and
scientific. The purpose of the investigation is to discover new knowledge; apply existing
knowledge or interpret current knowledge.
This knowledge represents facts, principles or theories that enable us understand, explain and
control phenomena.
Research plays significant roles in educational practice. It enables us to describe, explain, predict
and evaluate educational programs. This enables educational practitioners to control educational
programs to achieve desired outcomes.

Suggested further reading

1. Babbie, F. (2001). The Practice of Social Research . California: wardsworth Publishing
Company
2. Kilemi, M and Wambui P.S. (1995). Issues in Educational Research in Africa. Nairobi: E.A.P.
3. Kothari, C.R. (2001). Research Methodology Methods and Technology. New Delhi: Wiley
Eastern
4. Mugenda, A.G. and Mugenda O.M. (1990). Research Methods, Qualitative and Quantitative
Approaches. Nairobi: Act Press

Topic 1 Assignment
Activity
Identify two examples where people cling to beliefs as truths, in your own community.