Meaning of Research
According to Clifford Woody, research involves "defining and redefining problems, formulating hypotheses or suggested solutions; collecting, organizing and evaluating data; making deductions and reaching conclusions; and at last, carefully testing the conclusions to determine whether they fit the formulating hypothesis."
The word "research" is derived from the Old French "researcher," meaning "to search again," or "to investigate thoroughly." This etymology highlights its iterative and exhaustive nature.
A comprehensive understanding of research involves several core pillars:
1. Systematic and Methodological:
- Research is not haphazard. It adheres to a predetermined, step-by-step process known as the research methodology or research design. This systematic approach ensures that the investigation is organized, controllable, and transparent.
- It involves precise planning, from defining the problem to data collection, analysis, and interpretation. This methodical structure allows for the verification and replication of findings by others.
2. Objective and Unbiased:
- A cornerstone of good research is its commitment to objectivity. Researchers strive to eliminate personal biases, preconceived notions, or subjective interpretations that could distort findings.
- This often involves using standardized procedures, blind or double-blind studies (in experimental research), and presenting data as it is, even if it contradicts the researcher's initial expectations or hypotheses. The goal is to let the evidence speak for itself.
3. Empirical and Evidenced-Based:
- Research relies on empirical evidence, meaning data derived from direct observation, experience, or experimentation. It moves beyond mere speculation, intuition, or opinion.
- Verifiable data is collected through various instruments (surveys, interviews, observations, experiments) and rigorously analysed to support or refute claims.
4. Logical and Rational:
- The entire research process is underpinned by logical reasoning. Researchers use inductive reasoning (moving from specific observations to general theories) or deductive reasoning (testing general theories against specific observations) to formulate hypotheses, analyse data, and draw conclusions.
- Each step must logically follow from the previous one, ensuring the coherence and soundness of the entire inquiry.
5. Problem-Oriented and Question-Driven:
- Research typically begins with a specific research problem or research question that needs to be answered or a gap in knowledge that needs to be filled.
- It's a focused inquiry designed to find solutions to existing problems or provide answers to unanswered questions.
6. Generative and Knowledge-Expanding:
- The aim of research is to produce new knowledge, refine existing theories, develop new concepts, or devise practical solutions. It aims to make an original contribution to the existing body of knowledge in a particular field.
- This new knowledge can be theoretical (contributing to fundamental understanding) or applied (solving immediate, practical issues).
7. Replicable/Reproducible: A good research study should be described with enough detail and clarity in its methodology that other researchers, if they follow the same procedures under similar conditions, should be able to achieve consistent results. This adds to the credibility and validity of the findings.