Research is, thus, an original contribution to the existing stock of knowledge, enabling its advancement. More than a set of skills, research is a way of thinking - it is a habit of questioning what you do. There are several forms of research: scientific, humanities, artistic, economic, social, business, marketing, practitioner research, life, technological, etc.
Thus modern research can be summarized as:
- An attempt of inquiry;
- An attempt to elicit facts;
- A systematic and scholarly application of scientific
methods and
- Essential a ‘state of mind’ – a friendly, welcoming
attitude towards change.
Objectives Of Research
1. Decision-Making Objectives – Project
identification and implementation, policy formulation, exercising control etc.
2. Environmental Objectives – Decision-making by
several stakeholders regarding avoidance of environmental degradation or
boosting environmental conditions.
3. Market Objectives – Refers to market research.
Undertaken by carefully investigating market information. Intended to formulate
relevant market strategies regarding new product development, existing product
modification, product selling approaches, market share of products, profit margin,
total sales volume etc.
4. Customer Objectives – The utility of products is
assessed according to the needs of the customers. Customer satisfaction is the
top priority.
5. Profit And Promotional Objectives – Research is
undertaken to maximise profit and identify the best promotional activities.
Also undertaken to boost the company’s corporate and social image.
Features Of Research
1. Clear Definition Of Purpose- The researcher
clearly states the research problem and research question; hence, the purpose
is to find the solution to the research problem and question. So, the study's objective is clearly defined based on the research problem and question.
2. Systematic And Scientific Investigation- Carried out
through proper research design and scientific methods used for data analysis.
3. Expands The Limits Of Knowledge – Develops and
evaluates concepts and theories.
4. Controlled, rigorous and patient study.
5. Findings Are Valid And Verifiable- Data and findings
are derived from scientific methods so it confirms their validity. Findings are
presented in words, tables and graphs.
6. Detailed Research Process- The research procedure
should be described in detail so that it can be useful for other researchers to
repeat the same. Research reports should contain sources of data and how they
were obtained.
7. Thorough Planning Of Research Design- Before
progressing with the research process, the research design, i.e., procedure and
deciding factors are properly stated.
8. Application Of High Ethical Standards- Safeguards
are in place to protect study participants, organisations, clients and
researchers. The plagiarism test is thoroughly taken into consideration.
9. Adequate Analysis For Decision Maker’s Needs-
Analysis of the data should be extensive enough to reveal its significance and
the methods of analysis used should be appropriate. The vali
10. Unambiguous Presentation Of Findings- Unambiguous
meaning not having more than one interpretation. Good research will always be
having clear and easily understood findings.
11. Justification Of Conclusions- Decision-based
conclusions are matched with detailed findings.
12. Reflection Of Researcher’s Experience- The
researcher provides his/her experience, knowledge and credentials within the
research report which enhances the credibility of the research.
13. Limitations Frankly Revealed- The methodology and
limitations sections of the research study should reflect the researcher’s
restraints and concern for accuracy.
Importance Of Research
1. All development and progress in society is the outcome of
the research.
2. The development of logical thinking is promoted by
research activities.
3. Provides a base for the formulation of all Governmental
policies in a region.
4. Provides for predicting prospects based on historical
data.
5. Aids in effective decision-making.
6. Leads to modify
Scientific Thinking:
It is a rational judgment about something. It is thus, always logical or sensible. Scientific thinking is the foundation of critical thinking and critical thinking is essential in research. Scientific thinking in research refers to the use of the scientific method in research; the scientific method involves:
Identifying the problem, developing a research plan, conducting the study, analyzing and evaluating the data, communicating the results and generating more new ideas. In scientific thinking, there are two distinct methods of reasoning, i.e., deductive reasoning and inductive reasoning.
Deductive Reasoning
It works from the "general" to the "specific". Therefore, it is also called a "top-down" approach. The deductive reasoning works as follows: think of a theory about the topic and then narrow it down to a specific hypothesis (a hypothesis that we test or can test), “narrow down” further if we would like to collect observations for hypothesis (note that we collect observations to accept or reject the hypothesis and the reason we do that is to confirm or refute our original theory).
We use deduction when we reason from general principles to specific cases, as in applying a mathematical theorem to a particular problem or in citing a law of physics to predict the outcome of an experiment. Deductive reasoning is narrow and is concerned with testing or confirming ha hypotheses.
Inductive Reasoning
It works from the “specific" to the “general“, i.e., it works from observation (or observations) toward generalizations and theories. Therefore, it is also called a “bottom-up" approach. Inductive reasoning starts from specific observations followed by looking for patterns (or no patterns); regularities (or irregularities), formulating a hypothesis that could be worked upon and finally end up developing general theories or conclusions.
Note that that is how Newton reached to "Law of Gravitation" from "apple and his head” observation"). In conclusion, when we use Induction, we observe several specific instances and infer a general principle or law from them. Inductive reasoning is open-ended and exploratory, especially at the beginning.
Types Of Research Methodology
1. Pure Research:
- Also called fundamental research or basic research.
- It is conducted for generating or gaining knowledge,
having no intention of its application.
- It is intended for generalization which will help to form
a certain theory.
2. Applied Research:
- It is also called incremental research.
- It is conducted when any real-life problem or social
problem requires an immediate solution which can be helpful in policy
formulation by the concerned agency.
- It is considered a problem-oriented and action-directed
activity in which
immediate and practical results are required.
- It can put an existing theory to test, it may add to
conceptual clarification of the existing theory or integrate previous existing
theories.
- There is a vast scope for applied research in various
domains of knowledge.
3. Descriptive Research:
- It is also called Ex-post-facto research.
- It is mainly concerned with the description of facts only.
- It is an expiation of the state of affairs as they exist.
- It includes surveys and fact-finding enquiries.
- In this research, the researcher has no control over the
variables under investigation, he can only describe things as they exist and
discover the causes.
4. Exploratory Research:
- Development of hypotheses is the prime element of
exploratory research.
5. Diagnostic Research:
- It is used extensively in the field of medicine. - It is
focused on the valuation of medical tests.
- It utilizes both primary as well as secondary sources of
data.
6. Conceptual Research:
- It is based on some ideas of the theory.
- It is conducted by thinkers and philosophers for
developing new theories or for reinterpreting old ones.
7. Action Research:
- When research is conducted for the study in a single
workplace, then action research is commonly used in such cases.
- It focuses on improvising working practices.
- It has a practical purpose and it is directed towards
organizational changes in managerial set-up.
- In action research, research is conducted in various
phases like baseline survey, systematic action and periodical assessment.
8. Evaluation Research:
- The evaluation of any project is the subject matter of
evaluation research.
- This research is conducted to evaluate ongoing projects or
projects already carried on.
- Performance evaluation, job evaluation and PERT (Programme Evaluation and Review Technique) are the main aspects of evaluation research.
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