A Critical Review of Educational Research Methodologies: Approaches, Applications, and Implications

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive critique of educational research methodologies and methods, highlighting their philosophical foundations, practical applications, strengths, and limitations. It systematically examines the three major research paradigms—qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods used in context of education. The paper explores the interpretive and critical approaches in qualitative research, experimental and observational techniques in quantitative studies, and various mixed methods designs such as concurrent triangulation and sequential approaches. Through critical evaluation, the study emphasizes the importance of aligning research questions with appropriate methodologies and discusses the ethical and epistemological considerations vital to educational research. The discussion also highlights the necessity of methodological literacy and ethical rigor for researchers, advocating for deliberate, well-informed design choices that enhance the credibility and applicability of educational research. Ultimately, the paper offers a balanced perspective on methodological pluralism and encourages thoughtful integration of diverse methods to address complex educational questions.