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UNIT – I RESEARCH : MEANING, TYPES AND METHODS
1.1 Meaning of Research
1.2 Types of Research
1.3 Research Methods
1.1 Meaning of Research
The term “research” comprises of two words : ‘re’ + ‘search’. Generally ‘re’ means ‘again’ and ‘ search’ means ‘ to find out’. According to concise Oxford Dictionary, the
prefix ‘re’ means ‘frequentative and intensive’ and ‘search’ means ‘enquiry’, ‘investigation’ or ‘ test’. The meaning of ‘search’ as per Advanced Learner’s Dictionary
of Current English is “a careful investigation or inquiry specially to search for new facts in any branch of knowledge”. Research is a systematic attempt to obtain answers to
meaningful questions about phenomena or events through the application of scientific procedures. All types of organizations including educational, business, banking,
marketing etc. need objective and reliable information which is collected through scientific procedures for taking sound decisions. Research uses impartial empirical and
logical analysis which lead to the development of generalizations, laws, principles or theories. Therefore the terms ‘research’ and ‘scientific method’ are sometimes used
interchangeably. However, ‘research’ is more formal systematic and intensive process which is not satisfied with isolated facts, but seeks to integrate and systematize findings
for objective verifications of generalizations concerning a phenomena. Such a verification requires application of the following formal steps:
• Identification of the problem may be overcoming an impediment or understanding an
unusual phenomenon. •
Stating and defining the problem in operational terms. •
Formulation of hypothesis an intelligent guess for the solution of the problem based on inductive process i.e. previous studies or experiences.
• Implication of hypothesis through deductive reasoning to deduce the implications of
hypothesis through observation, testing and experimentations. •
Collection and analysis of evidences by collecting relevant data related to them through observation, testing and experimentation.
• Conclusions or generalizations drawing inferences.
These steps reflect that research is a more systematic activity that is directed towards discovery and the formulation of generalizations principles, or theories, resulting to same
3 extent in prediction and context of event, that may be consequences, or causes of specific
pheromone.
Best and Kahn 1992,pp18-20 summarized the following characteristics of research to clarify its spirit and meaning.
1. Research in directed towards the solution of a problem. The ultimate goal is to discover cause-and –effect relationship between variables.
2. Research emphasizes the development of generalizations principles of theories that will be helpful in predicting future occurrences. Research in more than information
retrieval, the simple gathering of information. 3. Research is bases upon observable experience of empirical evidence. Research
rejects revelation and dogma as methods of establishing knowledge and accepts only what can be verified by observation.
4. Research demands accurate observation and description. Researchers may choose to use quantities measuring devices or qualitative descriptions of their observations.
Only reliable and valid data gathering procedures should be utilized. 5. Research involve gathering new data from primary or first-hand sources or using
existing data for a new purpose. It should add to what is known. 6. Research activity is more often characterized by carefully designed procedures that
apply rigorous analysis. It is rarely a blind, shotgun investigation or an experiment just to see what happens.
7. Research requires expertise. The researcher knows what is already known what is already known about the problem, has searched related literature carefully and is
also thoroughly grounded in the terminology, concepts and technical skills necessary to understand and analyze the data gathered.
8. Research strives to be objective and logical, applying every possible test to validate the procedures employed, the data collected and the conclusions reached. The
researcher tries to suppress bias and emotions in analysis. 9. Research involves the quest for answers to unsolved problems. However, previous
important studies are deliberately replicated to confirm or to raise questions about their conclusions.
10. Research is characterized by patient and unhurried activity. It is rarely spectacular. 11. Research is carefully recorded and reported. Each important term is defined limiting
factors are recognized, procedures are described in detail, references are carefully
4 documented, results are objectively recorded, and conclusions are presented with
scholarly caution and restraint.
12. Research sometimes requires courage. Many scientific discoveries were made in spite of the opposition of political and religious authorities. Modern researchers in
such fields as genetics, sexual behaviour and even business practices have aroused violent criticism from those who personal convictions, experiences or observations
were in conflict with some of the research conclusions.
These characteristics highlight rigorous standard of research which set up goals for every researcher.
Research has reduced the limits of ignorance by discovering new truths, leading to better predictions, better ways of doing things and new and better products. The fruits of
research include better consumer products, better ways of preventing and treating diseases, better ways of understanding the behaviour of individuals and groups, better
modes of communication and transportation, and a better understanding of the world in which we live. In the field of education, research provides us better understanding of the
individual and the educational process by improving its efficiency. Since education is a behavioral science, the major concern of research in this area has been to understand,
explains and to some degree predict and control human behaviour. Knowledge about education generated through research enable educators to determine just what teaching
and other learning conditions to provide in order to produce desired aspects of learned behaviour among young people who attend schools and other educational institutions,
formal as well as non-formal.
1.2 Types of Research
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