MEANING AND DEFINITION
OF RESEARCH
RE-SEARCH
Research is structured process of investigating
facts and theories. It is a method of answering
questions in a systematic and objective way
to examine conditions and outcomes to
establish relationships among phenomena,
and to provide an impetus for improving
methods of practice.
DEFINING RESEARCH
The purpose of such repeated search is to
thoroughly understand the problem or issue or
phenomenon or issue or phenomenon and find
the apt and effective solution to the problem or
strategy to deal with the issue or the
phenomenon.
Such solution or strategy adds to our stock of
knowledge in dealing with the problem or the
issue.
CONTINUED..
Research refers to a search for knowledge.
Research simply put, is an endeavor to discover
answers to problems through the application of
scientific method.
Research is essentially a systematic enquiry
seeking facts through objective, verifiable
methods in order to discover the relationship
among them and to deduce from them broad
principles or laws.
CONTINUED..
Research is really a method of critical thinking.
It comprises defining and redefining problems,
formulating hypothesis or suggested solutions,
collecting, organizing and evaluating data,
making deductions and making conclusions
and at last, carefully testing the conclusions to
determine whether they fit the formulated
hypothesis.
CONTINUED
Research is directed toward the solution of a
problem.
Research is highly purposive,
Researchinvolves the quest for answers to
unsolved problems.
Research is characterized by patient and
unhurried activity.
Research is logical and objective.
Research is carefully recorded and reported.
CHARACTERISTICS OF A RESEARCH
o Research emphasizes the development
of generalization of principles or theories
that will help in predicting future
occurrences.
o Research is based upon observable
experience or empirical evidence.
o Research generally involves a hypothesis
or set of hypotheses concerning
explanation of a phenomenon.
CONTINUED..
Research demands accurate observation and description.
Research involves gathering new data from primary or first
hand sources, or using existing data for a new purpose.
Research activities are more often characterized by
carefully designed procedures, always applying rigorous
analysis.
Research requires expertise i.e. skill necessary to carry out
investigation, search the related literature and to
understand and analyze the data gathered.
CONTINUED..
Research applies every possible test to
validate the procedures employed, the data
collected and the conclusions reached.
Researchers are not only scholarly and
imaginative, but also have highest integrity
and patience.
CONTINUED
Research is thus the process of a systematic
and in-depth study or search of any particular
topic, subject or area of investigation,
involving collection, compilation, presentation
and interpretation of relevant details or data
CONTINUED
Scientific and Non- Scientific Method
METHODS OF GAINING KNOWLEDGE
Psychologists use scientific method to gain
knowledge about human and animal
behavior. This method ahs emphasized as the
basis for investigation.
It
is an approach to knowledge that is best
described by distinguishing it from what might
be called non-scientific or “ everyday
approaches to knowledge.
THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD
Thescientific method is empirical and requires
systemic , controlled observation.
Toachieve control in a research situation,
researchers manipulate independent
variables or selected levels of individual
differences variables to determine effect on
behavior.
Dependent variables are measures of
behavior used to assess the effects of
independent variables.
CONTINUED
Scientificreporting is unbiased and objective, clear
communication of concept occurs when operational
definitions are used.
Scientificinstruments are accurate and precise,
physical and psychological measurement should be
valid and reliable.
A hypothesis is a tentative explanation for a
phenomenon, testable hypothesis have clearly
defined concepts (variables).
Scientists
use skeptical attitude and are cautious
about accepting explanations until sufficient empirical
evidence is obtained.
CONTINUED
General Approach Intuitive
Observation Casual, Controlled
Reporting Biased , subjective
Concepts Ambiguous
Instruments Inaccurate, imprecise
Measurement Not valid or reliable
Hypotheses Untestable
Attitude Uncritical, accepting
NON-SCIENTIFIC METHOD
