Introduction of Research
- 1. Research The word 'research' means searching again or to search for something new or to modify the existing one. In this sense,the word research signifies knowing something new or getting more knowledge. The general meaning of the word research is finding the answers of some questions. Research is a careful investigation or inquiry especially through search for new facts in any branch of knowledge. ( advance learner dictionary, 1952) Research comprises defining or redefining problems, formulating hypothesis or suggested some solutions; collecting, organising and analyzing data; making deduction and reaching solutions; at last carefully testing conclusion to determine whether they fit for formulating hypothesis. ( Clifford Woody, nd) The manipulation of things, concepts or signs, for the purpose of generalising to extent, correct or varify knowledge whetherthat knowledge aids in the construction of theory or practice of an art. (D. Slesinger & M. Stephenson, nd) Characteristics of Research These are some characteristics of research: I. The research is purposeful and goal directed. II. The research is planned and methodical in its nature and processing. III. The research originates with a question or problem, needing to be defined clearly by finding out its solution stated in term of laid down objectives. IV. The research is never carried out in haphazard, unsystematic and unplanned way. V. The research is quite responsible, serious and sincere in its planning and execution. Purpose ofthe Research The purpose of the research is to discover the answers to questions through the application of search procedure. The basic aim of the research is to find out the truth which is hidden or which has not been dicoversed as yet. Aims ofthe Research These are the aims of the research: I. To gain familiarity with in the phenomenon or to achieve new insight into it. II. To portray accurately the characteristics of particular situation. III. To determine frequency with which something occurs. IV. To test hypothesis of a casualrelation between variables. Method ofAcquired Knowledge The knowledge is acquired through methods alike: I. The method relying on tradition II. The method relying on authority or expert. III. The method utilizing sense or personal experience. IV. The method making use of instrumental reasoning ( inductive reasoning).
- 2. V. The method using combination of Inductive and deductive reasoning. VI. The method of using scientific investigation and inquiry. Branches ofResearch 1. Applied vs. Fundamental 2. Qualitative vs. Quantitative 3. Descriptive vs. Analytical 4. Conceptual vs. Empirical Applied Research Applied Research is conducted for the purpose testing or applying theory and evaluating its usefulness in the solution of field problems. It is also called field research. In applied research,researcher develops a theory. Fundamental Research Fundamental research is conducted solely for the purpose of theory development and refinement. It is also called basic or pure research. In fundamental research,the researcher uses some other theory or apply it into practical atmosphere. Qualitative Research Qualitative research concerns to the qualitative phenomenon, e.g. phenomena related to or involving quality or kind. For example: the comparison between two classes of on the basis of intelligence of students or a comparison between two classes on the basis of spoken skill or writing skill of students. Quantitative Research Quantitative research deals with the quantitative measurement of some characteristics. It is an applicable phenomena that can be expressed in term of quantity. For example: to count the strength of boys and girls in a classroom. Comparison of two classes on the basis of strength of boys or girls. Descriptive Research Descriptive research involves collecting data in order to test hypothesis or to answer the question concerning the current status of the subject of the study. Different kinds of fact finding and surveys are involved in descriptive research. Linguistics research is included in descriptive research. Analytical Research Researcher has to use the fact and information already available and analyze these to make a critical evaluation of the materials. Literature research is included in analytical research.
- 3. Conceptual Research Conceptual research is related to some abstract idea(s) or theory. It is generally used by the philosopher or thinker to develop a theory or to reinterpret the existing one. Empirical Research Empirical research relies on the experience or observation alone often without due regards for system or theory. It is data based research coming up with the conclusion which is capable of being verified by observation or experience. Difference between qualitative and quantitative research.
- 4. Qualitative I. Qualitative research is concerned with qualitative phenomenon, e.g., phenomena relating to or involving quality or kind. II. For example: the comparison between two classes of on the basis of intelligence of students or a comparison between two classes on the basis of spoken skill or writing skill of students. III. In qualitative research,the researcher seeks understanding of complex interrelationship. IV. It is subjective in nature V. it is holistic in approach VI. inductive reasoning is involved in qualitative research. VII. it s text based research. VIII. statistical measurement is not involved in qualitative research. IX. verbal data is involved in it. X. hypothesis is generated into it XI. to discover or explore the idea used in ongoing process is the objective of the research. XII. non-structural techniques are involved like in-depth interviews etc. XIII. purposive sampling is used into qualitative research XIV. it is process oriented inquiry XV. it is less generalizable XVI. time expenditure is lighter in planning process while heavier in analyzing process Quantitative I. Quantitative research deals with the quantitative measurement of some characteristics. It is an applicable phenomena that can be expressed in term of quantity. II. For example: to count the strength of boys and girls in a classroom. Comparison of two classes on the basis of strength of boys or girls. III. In quantitative research,the researcher seeks explanation and control. IV. it is objective in nature V. it is particularistic in approach VI. deductive reasoning is involved in quantitative research VII. It is number based research VIII. statistical measurement is involved in quantitative research IX. numerical data is involved in it. X. hypothesis is tested into it. XI. to examine the cause and effect of between variables is the objective of the research XII. structured techniques are involved like in questionnaire, survey, observation. XIII. random sampling is used into quantitative research. XIV. it is result- oriented inquiry. XV. it is more generalizable XVI. time expenditure is heavier in planning process while lighter in analyzing process