UNDERSTANDING EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH METHODS

The research method is defined as a scientific way to get your data with particular purpose and usefulness.

The way scientific research is based on the characteristics of science that is rational, empirical, and systematic. Rational means that the research activities carried out in ways that make sense, so the reach of human reasoning. Empirical means in ways that made it observable by human senses, so that others can observe and learn ways to use. Systematic means that the process used in the study were using certain steps that are logical.

Data obtained through the research is empirical data that has certain criteria that is valid, realibel, and objective. Valid indicates the degree of accuracy between data that actually happened to the object with data collected by researchers. Reliable with respect to the degree of consistency or reliability of the data within a certain time interval. Objective means of data obtained in the condition it is, without any particular engineering. Objective with regard to interpersonal agreement (agreement among many people). For example, if many people who say that the failure of Indonesia to build human resource due to lack of education, then the data is objective. Valid data must show reliable and objective, but reliable data not necessarily valid, and objective data are also not necessarily valid.

Each study has a specific purpose and usefulness. In general there are three kinds of research goals that are: 1) discovery, 2) demonstration, 3) and development. The discovery means that the data obtained from the research it is data that truly new, not previously known. Authentication means that the data obtained was used to prove the existence of doubts about the information or knowledge. Development of means to deepen and broaden existing knowledge.

Through research, humans can use the results. In general, the data obtained from the study can be used to understand, solve and anticipate problems. Understanding the means to clarify an issue or information which is unknown and further to know. Solving means minimizing or eliminating the problem. Means seeking to anticipate the problem does not occur.

From the description, the methods of educational research can be interpreted as a scientific way to obtain valid data for the purpose can be discovered, developed, and demonstrated a certain knowledge that in turn can be used to understand, solve, and anticipate problems in the field of education.