Research Methods in Education

Foreword

Today’s society is very often referred to as a knowledge-based society. This does not mean that earlier societies were not guided by knowledge. They were mostly guided by knowledge acquired reactively, incidentally or intuitively. Yet another source was knowledge, based on the vision and testimony of a few. As against this the emphasis today is on knowledge obtained through deliberate, well-planned and well-designed scientific investigation and very often this knowledge is proactive.

It is no wonder, therefore, that research is assuming increasing importance. While, research-based knowledge has been a part of the study and pursuit in the exact sciences and natural sciences, it is only more recently that social sciences, including education, have begun to be guided by such scientific research. This is more true of education where thought and practice for a long time remained dominated by the views of a few educationalists. Today, developments in education as a field of knowledge and practice rely on scientific empirical research and this trend is bound to grow. Such a situation has led to increasing importance that is being attached to providing sound training both conceptual and practical, including analytical skills to researchers in education. This, of course, necessitates well- written books. While there have been a number of books on research methods in the fields of social and behavioural sciences, there have been very few in the field of education. In this context Dr.Radha Mohan’s attempt to bring out this volume is timely and welcome.

The volume is comprehensive in its coverage and provides adequate introduction and grounding both on the conceptual

planning side of research and also the practical aspects of data collection and analysis. The adoption of the modular approach is something distinct. The sequencing of the chapters is in a logical order and follows the track which students will have to follow in their journey through their researches.

Indication of professionalism and scientific temper in educational research has become not only an absolute must but an urgent necessity. This book is a positive effort in that direction. Dr. Radha Mohan has my appreciation as well as good wishes.

– Prof. E.G. Parameswaran