Research: Introductory

Prof. Dr. Md. Ghulam Murtaza Khulna University Khulna, Bangladesh 23 February 2012

Concept

mental images as summary devices for bringing together observations and experiences that seem to have something in common the process of specifying the vague mental imagery in sorting out the kinds of observations and measurements that will be appropriate for the research .means drawing boundaries around terms to make these tangible, to be happened is an early planning stage in the development of a research initiative (a program announcement, request for applications, or request for proposals).

Definitions

R = rationale way of thinking E = expert/exhaustive treatment S = search for solution E = exactness A = adequate date; analytical analysis R = relationships among facts, information C = careful recording; critical observations H = honesty; hard work .as the search for knowledge, or as any systematic investigation, with an open mind, to establish novel facts, solve new or existing problems, prove new ideas, or develop new theories. .. systematic search for knowledge

Definitions
A broad definition of research is given by Martin Shuttleworth - "In the broadest sense of the word, the definition of research includes any gathering of data, information and facts for the advancement of knowledge (Shuttleworth, Martin(2008).http://www.experiment-resources.com/definition-of-search.html.)

Creswell states - "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).

..systematic investigation, including research development, testing and evaluation, designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge

Definitions

The Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines research in more detail as "a studious inquiry or examination; especially: investigation or experimentation aimed at the discovery and interpretation of facts, revision of accepted theories or laws in the light of new facts, or practical application of such new or revised theories or laws (Merriam Webster (m-w.com). Encyclopdia Britannica. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/research. ..a devoted attempt of finding out the truth .. a careful inquiry or examination to discover new information or relationships and to expand and to verify the existing knowledge (Rummel, J Francis, An Introduction to Research Procedures in Education, 2nd edition, New York: Harper & Row Publishers, 1964). .as the formal, systematic and intensive process of carrying on the scientific method of analysis is the systematic collection, analysis and interpretation of data to answer a certain question or to solve a problem

Definitions
is a process of finding facts and arranging them in such a manner that information is obtained regarding any fact, figure or phenomenon. ..as the scientific investigation of phenomena which includes collection, presentation, analysis and interpretation of facts that lines an individuals speculation with reality. .is the pursuit of truth with the help of study, observation, comparison and experiment; the search for knowledge through objective and systematic method of finding solutions to a problem (Kothari, C.R.. Research methodology: Methods & techniques. India: New Age International Publishers, 2006.

Importance/Purpose
The purpose of research can be a complicated issue and varies across different scientific fields and disciplines (http://www.experiment-resources.com/purposeof-research.html#ixzz1mzP5OE9a) to solve problems to make a sound decision; is very vital to our everyday decision making. to obtain academic degrees to unveil the truth to acquaint with the facts/happening to find out causal/underlying relationships

Importance/Purpose

to fulfill an academic requirement for example as partial fulfillment for the award of a doctorate degree. to solve practical problems of the society for enjoyment; some people enjoy the intellectual challenge of creative work delegation by some authority; a researcher may be called upon to study a specified phenomenon by some higher authority. to generate new theories, confirm existing ones or disapprove the previous ones to be informed about the situation to contribute to the existing body of knowledge. This is mainly triggered by curiosity about a subject.

Importance/Purpose
The purposes may be : Explanation - Possibly the most cited reason for conducting research is to use it to explain why something is occurring. Prediction - Research is used to help assess a situation and predict what may happen in the future. Monitoring - Many decisions made must be monitored to insure that goals are being attained. Discovery/New improved situation finding out new situation Hypothesis Testing - Finally, research helps test theories about some issues. Hypothesis testing, which is at the heart of scientific research, relies on statistical analysis to help evaluate a hypothesis.

Importance/Purpose
Research in whatever field of inquiry has four purposes: Describing and explaining: This is the attempt to understand the world we live in. Research is concerned with acquiring knowledge, establishing facts and developing new methods. Prediction: In research, predictions are usually stated as hypotheses, i.e. clear unambiguous statements which can be subjected to scientific verification or refutation. We are able to say that given these conditions then this is likely to happen. Control: Control represents the way in which research can be applied to real problems and situations, thus helping us to shape our environment. When we understand the relationship between variables we are able to control our environment to suit our interests.

Characteristics

Gathering new data or using existing data for a new purpose. Directed towards the solution of a problem. Relies on empirical evidence, i.e. on events or data that can be verified by observation. Systematic in procedures of planning, collection of data, analysis and reporting. It follows clearly stipulated procedures. Generalizing findings to larger groups by discovering general principles that will be helpful in predicting future occurrences. Requires careful and accurate observation and description. Logical and objective; every possible step is taken to ensure validity of procedure, tools and conclusions. Research findings sometimes contrary to popular belief.

Characteristics

Empirical. Research is based on direct experience or observation by the researcher. Logical. Research is based on valid procedures and principles. Cyclical. Research is a cyclical process because it starts with a problem and ends with a problem. Analytical. Research utilizes proven analytical procedures in gathering the data, whether historical, descriptive, experimental and case study. Critical. Research exhibits careful and precise judgment. Methodical. Research is conducted in a methodical manner without bias using systematic method and procedures. Replicability. The research design and procedures are replicated or repeated to enable the researcher to arrive at valid and conclusive results.

Characteristics
Reliability Validity Systematic Critical Rigorous Accuracy Credibility Generalizability. Empirical Systematic Controlled (http://gulnazahmad.hubpages.com/hub/research-methodology)

Characteristics
Characteristics of the Researcher Intellectual Curiosity. A researcher undertakes a deep thinking and inquiry of the things, and situations around him/her. Prudence. The researcher is careful to conduct his/her research study at the right time and at the right place wisely, efficiently, and economically. Healthy Criticism. The researcher is always doubtful as to the truthfulness of the results. Intellectual Honesty. An intelligent researcher is honest to collect or gather data or facts in order to arrive at honest results. Intellectual Creativity A productive and resourceful investigator always creates new researches.

Characteristics
Qualities of a Good researcher:

Research-oriented Efficient Scientific Effective Active Resourceful Creative Honest Economical Religious

Typologies
Research can be classified by purpose or by method. Two major categories:

Basic Research Applied Research

Typologies
BASIC RESEARCH Also called Pure or fundamental Research, it is undertaken for increase in knowledge. It is conducted to satisfy any curiosity such as: (a) what makes things happen, (b) why society changes and (c) why social relations are in a certain way. In fact, it is the source of most new theories, principles and ideas. The main motivation is to expand man's knowledge. To sum up, basic research is purely theoretical to increase our understanding of certain phenomena or behavior but does not seek to solve any existing problem. Applied research It is use of basic research or past theories, knowledge and methods for solving an existing problem. It deals with practical problems. In the present world situation, more emphasis is being given to applied research to solve problems arising out of overpopulation and scarcity of natural resources. Applied research should not be treated the same as Research & Development (R&D) which is involved in developing ideas/products demanded by the existing clients.

Typologies

Research may be Obtrusive or Non-Obtrusive Obtrusive research - where the researcher introduces conditions that influence participants. Where the researcher manipulates the environment. Non-obtrusive research - where researcher avoids influencing subjects in any way and tries to be as inconspicuous as possible.

Action research is a methodology that combines action and research to examine specific questions, issues or phenomena through observation and reflection, and deliberate intervention to improve practice.

Typologies
Applied research is research undertaken to solve practical problems rather than to acquire knowledge for knowledge sake. Basic research is experimental and theoretical work undertaken to acquire new knowledge without looking for long-term benefits other than the advancement of knowledge. Clinical trials are research studies undertaken to determine better ways to prevent, screen for, diagnose or treat diseases. Epidemiological research is concerned with the description of health and welfare in populations through the collection of data related to health and the frequency, distribution and determinants of disease in populations, with the aim of improving health. Evaluation research is research conducted to measure the effectiveness or performance of a program, concept or campaign in achieving its objectives.

Typologies
Literature review is a critical examination, summarisation, interpretation or evaluation of existing literature in order to establish current knowledge on a subject. Qualitative research is research undertaken to gain insights concerning attitudes, beliefs, motivations and behaviours of individuals to explore a social or human problem and include methods such as focus groups, in-depth interviews, observation research and case studies. Quantitative research is research concerned with the measurement of attitudes, behaviours and perceptions and includes interviewing methods such as telephone, intercept and door-to-door interviews as well as self-completion methods such as mail outs and online surveys.

Typologies
Service or program monitoring and evaluation involves collecting and analysing a range of processes and outcome data in order to assess the performance of a service or program and to determine if the intended or expected results have been achieved. Ex-post research: relation between dependable and undependable variables Experimental/Laboratory research: Survey research: Historical research: describes what was-mostly non obtrusive Descriptive research: describes what is-mostly non-obtrusive Correlation research: makes comparisons, looking for trends or tendencies

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