Introduction of Research
Popular dictionaries define research as “Careful search”,
“systematic investigation towards increasing the sum of knowledge”, “to
re-search, that is, search again”, “to take another careful look. to find out
more”. All these meanings of research indicate that the present level of
knowledge about it does not satisfy the researcher in his quest for reaching
the truth. The search is never complete so long the ultimate truth is not
established beyond doubt.
Research comprises "creative work undertaken on a
systematic basis in order to increase the stock of knowledge, including
knowledge of man, culture and society, and the use of this stock of knowledge
to devise new applications.” It is used to establish or confirm facts, reaffirm
the results of previous work, solve new or existing problems, support theorems, or develop new theories. A research project may also be an
expansion on past work in the field. To test the validity of instruments,
procedures, or experiments, research may replicate elements of prior projects,
or the project as a whole.
The primary purposes of basic research (as opposed to applied research) are documentation, discovery, interpretation, or the research and development (R&D) of methods and systems for the advancement of human knowledge. Approaches to research depend on epistemologies, which vary considerably both within and between humanities and sciences. There are several forms of research: scientific, humanities, artistic, economic, social, business, marketing, practitioner research, etc.
The primary purposes of basic research (as opposed to applied research) are documentation, discovery, interpretation, or the research and development (R&D) of methods and systems for the advancement of human knowledge. Approaches to research depend on epistemologies, which vary considerably both within and between humanities and sciences. There are several forms of research: scientific, humanities, artistic, economic, social, business, marketing, practitioner research, etc.
Definitions of Research
“The systematic investigation into and study of materials and
sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions.” (Oxford
Dictionary)
“Research is defined as the creation of new
knowledge and/or the use of existing knowledge in a new and creative way so as
to generate new concepts, methodologies and understandings. This could include
synthesis and analysis of previous research to the extent that it leads to new
and creative outcomes.” (The Commonwealth Government provides a
definition of research for the purpose of the Higher Education Research Data
Collection (HERDC)
Research is a careful, systematic and
objective investigation conducted to obtain valid facts, draw conclusion and
established principles regarding an identifiable problem in some field of
knowledge. ( Clarke and Clarke)
Research is a systematic and objective
analysis and recording of controlled observations that may lead to the
development of generalization, principles, theories and concepts, resulting in
prediction for seeing and possibly ultimate control of events. (John W
Best)
Research is a careful enquiry or
examination in seeking facts or principles, a diligent investigation to
ascertain something. (Clifford Woody)
It is the process of arriving at dependable
solution to the problems through the planned and systematic collection,
analysis and interpretation of data. (Mouley)
Meaning of Research
Research
is nothing but searching and investigating new things or new facts or new
theories and finding answer to questions. And it is scientific thinking with makes
use of methods and systems for deriving truth.
R – Rational way of thinking.
E – Experts and exhaustive treatments.
S – Search for solution.
E – Exactness.
A – Analysis the adequate data.
R – Relationship of facts.
C – Careful observation and recording.
H – Honesty and hard work.
Classification of Research
- Quantitative
research -
Quantitative research is generally associated with the positivist/post
positivist paradigm. It usually involves collecting and converting data
into numerical form so that statistical calculations can be made and
conclusions drawn. (Marketing research)
2. Qualitative research - Qualitative research is the
approach usually associated with the social constructivist paradigm which
emphasizes the socially constructed nature of reality. It is about recording,
analyzing and attempting to uncover the deeper meaning and significance of
human behaviour and experience, including contradictory beliefs, behaviours and
emotions. Researchers are interested in gaining a rich and complex
understanding of people’s experience and not in obtaining information which can
be generalized to other larger groups. (Social science research)
Steps in Conducting Research
Research
is often conducted using the hourglass model structure of research. The
hourglass model starts with a broad spectrum for research, focusing in on the
required information through the method of the project (like the neck of the
hourglass), then expands the research in the form of discussion and results.
The major steps in conducting research are:
- Identification of research problem
- Literature review
- Specifying the purpose of research
- Determine specific research questions
- Specification of a Conceptual framework -
Usually a set of hypotheses
- Choice of a methodology (for data collection)
- Data collection
- Analyzing and interpreting the data
- Reporting and evaluating research
- Communicating the research findings and, possibly, recommendations
The steps generally represent the overall process, however
they should be viewed as an ever-changing iterative process rather than a fixed
set of steps. Most researches begin with a general statement of the
problem, or rather, the purpose for engaging in the study. The
literature review identifies flaws or holes in previous research which provides
justification for the study. Often, a literature review is conducted
in a given subject area before a research question is identified. A gap in the
current literature, as identified by a researcher, then engenders a research
question. The research question may be parallel to the hypothesis. The
hypothesis is the supposition to be tested. The researcher(s) collects data to
test the hypothesis. The researcher(s) then analyzes and interprets the data
via a variety of statistical methods, engaging in what is known as Empirical
research. The results of the data analysis in confirming or failing to reject
the Null hypothesis are then reported and evaluated. At the end the
researcher may discuss avenues for further research.
