What is Research?

The systematic investigation into and study of

materials and sources in order to establish facts
and reach new conclusions.
Research comprises "creative work undertaken on
a systematic basis in order to increase the stock of
knowledge, including knowledge of humans,
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, life, technological,etc.

The word research is derived from the Middle

French "recherche", which means "to go about
seeking"
The earliest recorded use of the term was in 1577.
Creswell who states that - "Research is a process of
steps used to collect and analyze information to
increase our understanding of a topic or issue". It
consists of three steps: Pose a question, collect
data to answer the question, and present an
answer to the question. Creswell, J. W. (2008).
Educational Research: Planning, conducting, and
evaluating quantitative and qualitative research
(3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River: Pearson.
Thus, research is an original addition to the
available knowledge, which contributes to its
further advancement. It is an attempt to pursue
truth through the methods of study, observation,
comparison and experiment. In sum, research is
the search for knowledge, using objective and
systematic methods to find solution to a problem.

Qualities of a good researcher

1. A good researcher manifests thirst for new information.
A good researcher shows an open mind about things. He does not just take things by
themselves but explores new grounds. He adopts the philosophy of thinking beyond
the box, leaving out the conventional for something innovative. A good researcher
treads the unknown frontier.
Pieces of evidence of this thirst for new information manifest in people who do not stop
learning. Those persons who maintain an open mind for new possibilities to happen,
even when everything appears to have been discovered or studied, or options
exhausted.

2. A good researcher has a keen sense of things around him.

Keenness is a quality developed through an observant attitude. A good researcher
sees something more out of a common occurrence around him. And he sees this
quickly.
He can see a wiggling worm inside a flower, or the beautiful color combinations of a wild
plant, or simply, notices the small fly in the burger.

3. A good researcher likes to reflect or think about the

things he encounters.
Researchers who pause and reflect on the knowledge that they gained, either formally
in school or through their experience, gain insights. Insights are creative thoughts that
make one nod his head and say, Aha, this is something I have been looking for! An
original idea was born.

4. A good researcher must be intelligent enough to express

his ideas.
How can you express your thoughts if you cannot write? The point here is that a good
researcher must be adept in the written language.
How can people understand your point when you are the only one who can understand
what you have written?
Intelligence to express ideas is a quality that appears to reside in gifted individuals. But
if you recognize your weakness in this realm, why not seek someone who can? After all,

ideas are more important; but of course, better if you present them in such in a way that
others understand well what you want to say.

5. A good researcher applies a systematic approach in

assessing situations.
Research requires systematic and objective thinking to arrive at something. Logical
reasoning, therefore, is applied by a good researcher.
He can analyze things, meaning, he can break down a complex situation into
manageable bits that he can focus his attention into (see article on conceptual
framework).

QUALITIES OF A GOOD RESEARCHER

INTRODUCTION
Research means search for knowledge.It aims at discovering the truth.It is an essential and powerful
tool leading men towards progress.It is an original contribution to the existing stock of knowledge.It is
undertaken to discover answers to questions by applying scientific method. It is the search for
knowledge through objective and systematic method of finding solution to problems.Therefore
research is a process of systematic and in depth study or search of any particular topic,subject or area
of investigation backed by collection, computation and interpretation of the relevant data.

According to Clifford woody Research comprises of defining and re-defining problems,

formulating hypothesis, collecting, organizing and evaluating data, making deductions and research
conclusions and at last carefully testing conclusions to determine whether they fit the formulating of
hypothesis.

Researcher is a person who is conducting research. The Success of a research work to a

great extend depends upon the qualities of the researcher. A good researcher represents a great
responsibility since it is not simple to assemble in concise manner all the important qualities of a good
researcher.

QUALITIES OF A GOOD RESEARCHER

No research can be a success without good researchers, although it is really difficult to find adequate
number of good researcher who are genuinely motivated towards applied or basic research. A
researcher has to meet people from various walks of life and has to discuss variety of topics .In order
to produce best results, a researcher should have variety of qualities both general and specific.

(A)GENERAL QUALITIES
1. Scientific Mind
A researcher must have a scientific mind. He should not be influenced or guided by superficial facts.
He must give up personal likes and dislikes. The researcher should be performed along scientific lines.
He must discard superstitions .He must avoid all types of bias. He must have practical experience and
emotional maturity so that he can fully utilize his efforts to gain scientific knowledge and discoveries.

2.Seeker of truth and knowledge

A researcher is a seeker of truth. So he himself must be truthful and sincere. He must have desire for
the knowledge. He must be prepared to make any type of sacrifice in terms of time, money and energy
to find out the real truth..Truthfulness corresponds to the desire for accuracy of observation and
precision of statement.A researcher must be scrupulously honest and must have intellectual integrity.
He must be tactful and resourceful.

3. Alertness , insight and imagination

A scientific mind must always be alert to appreciate minute changes in situations. He must have the
mind to work under all circumstances. A researcher should be accurate in observation, quick in
perception and statement. He must be disciplined. He must have a high degree of imaginative power.

4. Quick power of understanding and ability for explaining;

He must know his subject thoroughly . he must be a good conversationalist and must possess ability
to put across ideas to others. He should have the ability to grasp things quickly.

5. Trained and educated

A researcher must have good knowledge about his area of research. He must have sufficient
experience and training to understand analyse and solve the problems. He must have an analytical
mind. He must be acquainted with the latest techniques of research.

6. Patient and educated

A researcher must have the quality of patience. A research combines in itself success and failure. A
researcher must not feel defeated if the desired outcome does not come forth at the expected time.
Many years may be required to complete the project. He should not give up his hope in the meantime.
He must have courage and conviction. He required social qualities like pleasant manners, humorousness
etc..

( B) SPECIFIC QUALITIES
1 Knowledge of the technique of research.
The research worker should also possess intimate knowledge of the technique that is to be applied to

the problem. In the absence of such knowledge the research worker is likely to commit methodological
errors.

2. Knowledge of the subject

The research have a complete knowledge of the subject under study. This knowledge helps him in
preparing forms of questionnaire and schedule and getting proper information.
3. Personal taste in the study
The research worker must take personal interest in the study. A forced work is often very monotonous
and tiresome.

4. Unbiased attitude
The research worker must be unprejudiced and free from all preconceptions. He must maintain an
open mind towards the subject under study.
5.Familiarity about the informants
The research worker must be familiar with the people whom he is studying. If he is familiar with
them he can gather information easily. Further he can appreciate their views properly.

CONCLUSION
A good researcher requires the intention to be involved in research and immediately thereafter to
show a dedicated interest to do the best research possible. From there we must accumulate the
knowledge needed to advance the current ideas already existent in the research world. The intention
of this writing is to introduce there qualities that consider essential for a good researcher to succeed. A
good teacher researcher should investigate their questions with their students systematically
documenting what happens. A good researcher should evaluating performance and present findings to
others.

Rules in doing research

I. Understand the structure of information within the field of literary research:
I.1 Differentiate between primary and secondary sources
I.4 Differentiate between reviews of literary works and literary criticism
I.5 Understand the concept and significance of peer-reviewed sources of information
I.6 Understand that literary texts exist in a variety of editions, some of which are more authoritative or
useful than others
I.7 Understand the authorship, production, dissemination, or availability of literary production. This
includes understanding the meanings and distinctions of the concepts of editions, facsimiles, and
authoritative editions

II. Identify and use key literary research tools to locate relevant information:
II.1 Effectively use library catalogs to identify relevant holdings at local institutions and print and online
catalogs and bibliographic tools to identify holdings at other libraries
II.2 Distinguish among the different types of reference works (e.g., catalogs, bibliographies, indexes,
concordances, etc.) and understand the kind of information offered by each
II.3 Identify, locate, evaluate, and use reference sources and other appropriate information sources about
authors, critics, and theorists
II.4 Use subjective and objective sources such as book reviews, citation indexes, and surveys of research
to determine the relative importance of an author and/or the relevance of the specific work
II.5 Use reference and other appropriate information resources to provide background information and
contextual information about social, intellectual, and literary culture
II.6 Understand the range of physical and virtual locations and repositories and how to navigate them
successfully
II.7 Understand the uses of all available catalogs and services

III. Plan effective search strategies and modify search strategies as needed:
III.1 Identify the best indexes and databases
III.2 Use appropriate commands (such as Boolean operators) for database searches
III.3 Identify broader, narrower, and related terms or concepts when initial searches retrieve few or no
results
III.4 Identify and use subject terms and other specialized indexes and bibliographies

IV. Recognize and make appropriate use of library services in the research process:
IV.1 Identify and use librarians and reference services in the research process
IV.2 Use interlibrary loan and document delivery to acquire materials not available at one's own library
IV.3 Use digital resource service centers to read and create literary and critical documents in a variety of
digital forms

V. Understand that some information sources are more authoritative than others and
demonstrate critical thinking in the research process:
V.1 Know about Internet resources (e.g., electronic discussion lists, Web sites) and how to evaluate them
for relevancy and credibility
V.2 Differentiate between resources provided free on the Internet and subscription electronic resources
V.3 Develop and use appropriate criteria for evaluating print resources
V.4 Learn to use critical bibliographies as a tool in evaluating materials

VI. Understand the technical and ethical issues involved in writing research essays:
VI.1 Document sources ethically
VI.2 Employ appropriate documentation style
VI.3 Understand the relationship between received knowledge and the production of new knowledge in
the discipline of literary studies

VI.4 Analyze and ethically incorporate the work of others to create new knowledge

VII. Locate information about the literary profession itself:

VII.1 Access information about graduate programs and specialized programs in film study, creative
writing, and other related fields, and about workshops and summer study opportunities
VII.2 Access information about financial assistance and scholarships available for literary study and
related fields
VII.3 Access information on careers in literary studies and use of these skills in other professions
VII.4 Access information on professional associations

Distinguish between research area and research

topic
What is the difference between Subject and Topic?
The word subject is usually used in the sense of niche or branch of knowledge.
On the other hand, the word topic is used in the sense of title or the aspect chosen in
the subject.
Due to this, one can say that the word topic is the subset of the word subject.
A topic normally concentrates on a particular area of a given subject.
On the other hand, a subject refers to a vast area of a branch of study.

Importance of review of literature

What is a literature review?
The ability to review, and to report on relevant literature is a key academic skill. A
literature review: situates your research focus within the context of the wider
academic community in your field; reports your critical review of the relevant
literature; and identifies a gap within that literature that your research will attempt
to address. To some extent, particularly with postgraduate research, the literature
review can become a project in itself. It is an important showcase of your talents of:

understanding, interpretation, analysis, clarity of thought, synthesis, and

development of argument. The process of conducting and reporting your literature
review can help you clarify your own thoughts about your study. It can also establish
a framework within which to present and analyse the findings. After reading your
literature review, it should be clear to the reader that you have upto-date
awareness of the relevant work of others, and that the research question you are
asking is relevant. However, dont promise too much! Be wary of saying that your
research will solve a problem, or that it will change practice. It would be safer and
probably more realistic to say that your research will address a gap, rather than
that it will fill a gap.

Why do I need a literature review?

When readers come to your assignment, dissertation, or thesis, they will not just
assume that your research or analysis is a good idea; they will want to be
persuaded that it is relevant and that it was worth doing. They will ask questions
such as: What research question(s) are you asking? Why are you asking it/them?
Has anyone else done anything similar? Is your research relevant to
research/practice/theory in your field? What is already known or understood about
this topic? How might your research add to this understanding, or challenge existing
theories and beliefs? These are questions that you will already probably be asking
yourself. You will also need to be ready to answer them in a viva if you will be
having one.