Commonly used scientific research methods are: observation, investigation, history, comparison, statistics, experimental research, action research and so on.
First, observation.
Observation is a common method in educational science research. According to a certain purpose and plan, researchers systematically and continuously observe the research object under natural conditions, and make accurate, specific and detailed records, so as to comprehensively and correctly grasp the situation to be studied. The general steps of observation method are: (1) make preparations in advance, make an observation plan, first get a general understanding of the observed object, then determine the purpose, content and focus of observation according to the characteristics of the research task and object, and finally make the whole observation plan, and determine the steps, times, time, recording paper, forms and instruments used in the whole observation process; (2) Carry out actual observation as planned. In the process of observation, it is generally carried out in strict accordance with the plan, and temporary arrangements can be made when necessary. When observing, you should choose the most suitable position, concentrate on it and make records in time; (3) Organize materials in time, summarize and process a large number of scattered materials, delete all wrong materials, and then analyze typical materials. If there are any omissions, correct them in time, and the materials reflecting special circumstances will be handled separately.
Second, the survey method
Investigation method is a method that researchers systematically master a large number of first-hand materials through personal contact and extensive investigation, and on this basis, analyze and synthesize, study the history, present situation and development trend of educational practice, and find scientific conclusions to guide educational practice. Investigation is generally carried out in the natural process, and materials reflecting research phenomena are collected through interviews, surveys, questionnaires and tests. Investigation is often combined with observation, historical research and experiment. The steps of the survey method are: (1) preparation, selecting the survey object, determining the survey scope and understanding the basic situation of the survey object; Study relevant theories and materials, draw up investigation plans, forms, questionnaires and talk outlines, and plan investigation procedures and methods as well as various necessary arrangements; (2) Investigate as planned, collect materials through various ways, and adjust the plan according to the actual situation when necessary to ensure the normal development of the investigation; (3) Organize materials, study the situation, including classification, statistics, analysis and synthesis, and write an investigation report.
Three. Historical law
Historical jurisprudence emphasizes the decisive role of a country's historical tradition and national characteristics in education, and pays attention to collecting educational historical documents of the studied country extensively, identifying and sorting out historical materials, analyzing and comparing the occurrence and development process of education in the studied country, and finally drawing corresponding conclusions.
Fourth, comparative law.
Comparative method is a method to compare and study different manifestations of an educational phenomenon in different periods, different social systems, different places and different situations, so as to reveal the universal law of education and its special manifestations. When using comparative method, we should pay attention to social and economic system, political system, historical tradition, scientific and technological level, cultural development level, educational theory and its reflection in practice. And define comparable indicators. Therefore, we can correctly grasp the basic trend of education development in a certain country and make clear what we can learn from it. The steps of comparison method are: (1) describe, accurately and objectively describe the external characteristics of the educational phenomenon to be compared, and provide necessary data for further analysis and comparison; (2) Sorting, that is, sorting the collected relevant information, such as making statistical data, explaining, analyzing and evaluating, establishing comparison standards, etc. (3) Comparison: Compare and contrast the data, find out the similarities and differences, and put forward suggestions for rational use. The use of comparative method should be coordinated with other methods.
Verb (abbreviation of verb) statistical method
Statistics is a method to classify a large number of data through observation, testing, investigation and experiment, so as to obtain the results of quantitative analysis of the educational phenomena studied. This is the application of mathematical statistics in education. In the practical work of education, it is often used to describe statistical research, such as sorting out a large number of data from experiments or surveys, finding out the distribution characteristics of these data, and calculating the concentration trend, divergence trend or correlation coefficient. And simplify a large number of data to find out the information conveyed. At the same time, inferential statistics can be further used, that is, the information obtained by descriptive statistics can be used to infer the local overall situation. In addition, with the development of statistics in recent decades, experimental design has been put forward, which requires that the relationship between independent variables and dependent variables listed in the design be tested in more rigorous experimental research. Statistical methods are generally divided into two steps: (1) statistical classification: sorting data into a system, classifying statistics, and making statistical tables or charts; (2) quantitative analysis; Through data calculation, find out the concentration trend, deviation trend or correlation coefficient, and find out the measures to improve the work. Using statistical methods, we must learn scientific reasoning methods and master statistical calculation skills.
Sixth, experimental research methods.
Experimental research method is a method to observe the changes and results of educational phenomena purposefully and systematically under the condition of artificially controlling educational phenomena. Experimental methods can be divided into laboratory experimental methods and natural experimental methods. The former is basically carried out under artificial conditions with the help of various instruments and modern technology. The latter is carried out under the normal conditions of daily education. Both should ensure that the subject is in a normal state. There are generally three experimental methods: (1) single group method: experiment in a group or class to see the difference in effect between applying one experimental factor and not applying one, or applying another experimental factor at different times; (2) Equal group method: different experimental factors are applied to two classes or groups with equal conditions in all aspects, and then the effects are compared; (3) Cycle method: several different experimental factors are applied to several different classes or groups in a predetermined order, and then the effects of each factor are added together for comparison. The steps of the experimental method are as follows: ① Decide the purpose, method and organizational form of the experiment and draw up the experimental plan; (2) create experimental conditions and prepare experimental equipment; ③ Accurate and detailed records should be made during the experiment, and accurate tests should be made at each stage; (4) Processing the experimental results, considering the role of various factors, carefully checking the conclusions, and trying to eliminate the role of accidental factors. Related to the experimental method is the simulation method, that is, the method of creating special analogues (models) or situations. Scientific simulation is convenient for accurate analysis, and the conclusion is applied to real environment.
Seven. Action research method
Action research method is a scientific research model of education in a real and natural educational environment, aiming at overcoming the disadvantages of traditional educational research divorced from the reality of education and teachers. In order to solve practical problems, participants in educational practice cooperate with educational theorists or members of organizations and comprehensively apply various research methods and technologies according to certain operating procedures.