AIOU 8604 Research Methods in Education Solved Assignment 1 Spring 2025
AIOU 8604 Assignment 1
Q.1 Classify the research on the basis of its purpose and explain each type of research in detail.
Answer:
Research can be classified into different types based on its purpose, primarily into the following categories:
- Basic Research (Fundamental Research)
- Purpose: To expand knowledge without immediate practical applications.
- Example: Studying the genetic structure of plants to understand their evolution.
- Applied Research
- Purpose: To solve practical problems using existing scientific knowledge.
- Example: Developing a new drug to treat a disease.
- Exploratory Research
- Purpose: To investigate an issue or problem that is not well understood.
- Example: Studying the impact of artificial intelligence in education.
- Descriptive Research
- Purpose: To describe characteristics, behaviors, or phenomena.
- Example: Conducting a survey about consumer preferences.
- Experimental Research
- Purpose: To test hypotheses through controlled experiments and manipulation of variables.
- Example: Studying the effects of a new teaching method on student performance.
- Correlational Research
- Purpose: To identify relationships between variables without manipulating them.
- Example: Investigating the connection between exercise and mental health.
Q.2 How experimental research is different from descriptive research – discuss in detail.
Answer:
Experimental research and descriptive research differ in various ways:
| Aspect | Experimental Research | Descriptive Research |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Determines cause-and-effect relationships | Describes characteristics, trends, or patterns |
| Control of Variables | Involves manipulation of independent variables | Does not manipulate variables |
| Methodology | Uses experiments, controlled conditions | Uses surveys, case studies, observations |
| Example | Testing a new teaching strategy to see its impact | Conducting a survey about student learning preferences |
Q.3 What are historical sources? Keeping in mind them, discuss historical criticism in detail.
Answer:
Historical Sources
- Primary Sources: Direct evidence from the time of the event (e.g., letters, photographs, diaries).
- Secondary Sources: Interpretations or analyses based on primary sources (e.g., history books, documentaries).
- Tertiary Sources: Summarized information (e.g., encyclopedias, reference books).
Historical Criticism
- External Criticism (Source Criticism)
- Determines the authenticity of a source.
- Checks the credibility of the author and physical aspects of the document.
- Internal Criticism (Content Criticism)
- Assesses the reliability of the content within a source.
- Examines biases, interpretations, and consistency with other evidence.
Q.4 Discuss different methods used as a tool for acquiring knowledge. Compare the various steps in the scientific method with steps in the research process.
Answer:
Methods for Acquiring Knowledge
- Empirical Method: Knowledge based on observation and experimentation.
- Rational Method: Knowledge gained through logical reasoning.
- Authority-Based Method: Information received from experts or credible sources.
- Intuition-Based Method: Knowledge acquired through instinct or gut feeling.
Comparison: Scientific Method vs. Research Process
Q.5 Distinguish experimental research from non-experimental research. What are different experimental designs that can be used to address educational issues?
Answer:
Distinguishing Experimental Research from Non-Experimental Research
Experimental Research:
- Involves manipulating one or more variables to examine their effect on other variables.
- Includes control groups and random assignment to minimize bias and establish causation.
- Often conducted in controlled environments like laboratories or classrooms.
Non-Experimental Research:
- Observes variables without direct manipulation.
- Can establish correlations but not causation.
- Includes methods like surveys, case studies, and observational research.
Different Experimental Designs to Address Educational Issues
- Pre-Experimental Designs – Simple studies without strong controls (e.g., one-group pretest-posttest design).
- True Experimental Designs – Incorporate randomization and control groups to ensure validity (e.g., randomized controlled trials).
- Quasi-Experimental Designs – Lack full randomization but still attempt to measure causal relationships (e.g., matched group designs).
- Factorial Designs – Investigate multiple independent variables simultaneously (e.g., studying the impact of teaching methods and classroom size).
- Longitudinal Designs – Examine changes over time by tracking subjects across different points (e.g., assessing how early childhood interventions influence later academic performance).
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