Meaning of Research
Let's discuss the meaning of 'Research' today ! On 'Research' there are lots of definitions given by different authors.
It is -
- a search for knowledge.
- a scientific and systematic search for pertinent information on a specific topic.
- an art of scientific investigation.
- a movement, a movement from the known to unknown
- a voyage of discovery
According to Clifford Woddy research is "defining and redefining problems, formulating hypothesis or suggested solutions; collecting, organizing and evaluating data."
Research is the pursuit of truth with the help of study, observation, comparison and experiment. In short, the search for knowledge through objective and systematic method of finding solution to a problem is research.
The systematic approach concerning generalization and the formulation of a theory is also research.
Research is “the manipulation of things, concepts or symbols for the purpose of generalizing to extend, correct or verify knowledge, whether that knowledge aids in construction of theory or in the practice of an art."
When the unknown confronts us, we wonder and our inquisitiveness makes us probe and attain full and fuller understanding of the unknown. This inquisitiveness is the mother of all knowledge and the method, which man employs for obtaining the knowledge of whatever the unknown, can be termed as research.
The Advanced Learner’s Dictionary of Current English lays down the meaning of research as “a careful investigation or inquiry specially through search for new facts in any branch of knowledge.”
As such the term ‘research’ refers to the systematic method consisting of enunciating the problem, formulating a hypothesis, collecting the facts or data, analyzing the facts and reaching certain conclusions either in the form of solutions(s) towards the concerned problem or in certain generalizations for some theoretical formulation.
We can conclude by defining research as an original contribution to the existing stock of knowledge making for its advancement.
