PRIMARY EDUCATION RESEARCH METHODS: A REVIEW OF THE PHILOSOPHY AND BASIC CONCEPTS OF RESEARCH

Abstract

This article examines research methods used in the context of primary education with a focus on philosophy, approaches, data collection techniques, and validity and reliability. There are two main approaches that are often used: quantitative and qualitative. Quantitative approaches focus on measuring learning outcomes and the effectiveness of educational interventions, while qualitative approaches explore the subjective experiences of students and teachers in the teaching-learning process. Common data collection methods include surveys, observations, interviews and document analysis, each of which has the strength of providing different insights into educational phenomena. Validity and reliability are two important aspects in determining the quality of research, with validity referring to the ability of research to measure what it is intended to, and reliability guaranteeing the consistency of research results. This article highlights the importance of appropriate method selection and rigorous evaluation of validity and reliability to support evidence-based decision-making in education.