Study Of Research Tools In Education & Psychology

PREFACE

Generally in behavioural science research studies are divided in two parts qualitative and quantitative researches. We do not use research tools in qualitative research but content analysis is used in which, on the basis of facts and circum- stances the conclusion are drawn logically. Philosophical and Historical researches give emphasis on qualitative facts and circumstances. Generally scientific methods are used in quantitative educational and psychological researches. The procedure of scientific research is developed for verification of hypothesis which is done on the basis of data collection and statistical technique is used for arriving at some kind of generalization. In scientific research tools are used for data collection i.e. inventories, rating scale etc. Thus the researcher should know the use of tools in research studies. If the researcher does not know the use of tools in research he can not use the research procedure in research work.

In the field of measurement more reliable and valid tools are being con- structed. For standard tool it is necessary that measurement errors-personal error, variable error, constant error and interpretative error should be minimized. Then only the tool is regarded as-objective, valid and reliable. Such standard tools can be used for research work, guidance procedure and administration. The construction of good standard research toots is very difficult. It implies specific steps of test construction. The main steps of test construction is given by Stanely and Ross are- planning, preparation, trying-out and evaluation. Special training and exercise is needed for such test construction.

The present book ‘Study of Research Tools in Education and Psychology’ is divided in three major parts with twenty four chapters.

In the first part of this book are given-data organization, classification and analysis procedure and some other topics-characteristics of good measuring tool, need of tool, selection of research tool, steps and theory of test construction and error of measurement.

In the middle part of this book are included some measurements related topic-item analysis, reliability, validity, norms and standards.

In the final part of this book are included some important research tools for different types of research studies ie. achievement test, diagnostic test, intelligence tests, creativity test, aptitude test, observation tool, questionnaire, interview, sched- ule, check-list, personality test and inventories, ratings scale, human value test, measurement of classroom interaction and measurement of organizational climate.

Researcher should know the correct measuring tool and how to administer it appropriately.