Research Methods in Education: Coping Styles of Adolescents

This report presents a research study that investigates the coping styles and strategies employed by adolescent students, with a specific focus on comparing those with learning disabilities to their general education peers. The research aimed to understand the differences in coping mechanisms and to develop programs tailored to the specific needs of adolescents with learning disabilities. The study utilized a quantitative research method, employing SPSS for data analysis and a two-sample t-test to compare student groups. The sample comprised 129 students aged 12-13 from various socio-economic backgrounds, selected based on their IQ scores and academic achievement. The findings revealed that students with learning disabilities, particularly in the 12-13 age group, tend to use non-productive coping styles, although there were nuances observed across different age groups. The research concluded that there is no significant difference in coping styles and strategies between adolescents with and without learning disabilities. The study suggests the importance of developing learning programs to support disabled students in reacting positively to situations and fostering a positive school environment. The report also highlights that successful disabled children often exhibit higher motivation for learning.

RESEARCH METHODS
IN EDUCATION

Table of Contents
RESEARCH AREA AND RESEARCH QUESTIONS..................................................................1
METHODOLOGY..........................................................................................................................1
FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION....................................................................................................1

RESEARCH AREA AND RESEARCH QUESTIONS
What is the focus and purpose of the research?
The research focuses on coping styles and strategies of adolescent students. In this the
purpose was to investigate copying styles and strategies of adolescents who are having learning
disability by comparing them general students. Also, study objective was to develop a program
to specific needs of adolescents who are having learning disabilities.
What are the research questions(s) and / or hypotheses that guided the research?
The hypothesis of research is described as below :-
H1 = There exists difference in copying style and strategies of adolescents with learning
disability
H0 = There is no difference in copying style and strategies of adolescents with learning disability
METHODOLOGY
What is the research employed for the study?
The research method used was quantitative one. In this SPSS tool was used to analyse
data and information. Moreover, two sample T test was conducted to ascertain difference
between students.
How is the sample selected?
The sample was collected by selecting four coeducational schools. In this different type
of schools were selected on basis of their socio economic factors. The schools were independent
city, a medium socio economic government city, catholic rural school and low socio economic
government school. The sample was selected by taking permission of principal of each school. In
addition to it, sample size selected were 129 students of age group 12-13. In this parent’s consent
was taken as well.
The students were selected on basis of their IO score of greater than 80. Their 2 years or
more academic achievement was also taken into consideration.
FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION
What are the conclusions drawn by the researchers? Are they supported by the data?
At age of 12-13 it is concluded that students with learning disability use non productive
copying style. in general student, M= 20.24 and SD was 3.68 whereas it was M=21.63 and SD
4.02 in people with learning disability. Furthermore, in productive copying style there was no
different between mean of students. thus, in this null hypothesis is rejected.
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Similarly, in age of 14-`15 it is concluded that there was little difference in copying style.
the non productive copying style was higher in learning disability M= 21.32 and SD= 4.76 than
published one. So, here null hypothesis is accepted.
It has been concluded from research that there is no difference in copying style and
strategies of adolescents with learning disability. Therefore, null hypothesis is accepted. Also, it
is evaluated that 14-15 year age adolescent with learning disability does not use strategy of
copying and ignore problem. Moreover, it is been summarised that students with learning
disability equally uses productive copying strategies of positive thinking. There are two types of
strategies used that is productive and non productive. It is found that general students mostly use
productive strategies whereas disabled uses non productive one. In comparison with the general
Australian adolescent student population, the adolescent students who had learning disabilities
used some productive coping strategies and avoided some non productive strategies but that they
also used several passive non productive strategies and failed to use some active productive
coping strategies that are likely to be of particular benefit to them.
By analysing data, it can be evaluated that student with learning disability ignore
problem. they do not blame them for it. This results in reflecting positive behaviour. There are
many other things observed. It is described that coping leads to development. due to this, a
positive change has occurred in disabled students in compare to general one. there should be
learning programs started which will support disabled students in reacting positively towards any
situation. It will help in creating a positive environment within school. due to this, difference
between disabled and general students can be removed. From study it is analysed that successful
disabled children possess higher motivation for learning as compared to general one. Also, it is
concluded that disability students of age 12-13 do not use more non productive strategies. A
positive change occurred for the students with learning disabilities who used nonproductive
coping styles in comparison with the general population.
Is there congruence between the research questions, the methodology and the findings of
the study?
Yes, there exists congruence between hypothesis, questions and findings. It is clearly
observed that all three are interrelated to each other. the research question was to find out
differences in copying of productive and non productive strategies of disabled and general
students. The methodology selected was gathering primary data from secondary schools by
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measuring their IQ. Thus, findings obtained was null hypothesis was rejected which means there
was no difference between copying of strategies between students.
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