Research is the scientific process of seeking truth. In other words, research is a systematic process of re-investigation, i.e., a systematic process of making better observations, seeking different perspectives, and adding additional knowledge. Its main driving force is the development of problem-solving methods and the tendency to simple inquiry – the ultimate goal of which is to help achieve the greatest human welfare. It is said that research is not about knowing the completely unknown; rather, it is about knowing deeply and clarifying what is needed for the sake of understanding.
Marry E. Macdonald (Polansky, 1960: 24) said, Research may be defined as a systematic investigation intended to add to available knowledge in a form that is communicable and verifiable.”
D. Slesinger and Stephenson (Encyclopedia of Social Sciences, 1930:330) mentioned that research is the manipulation of things, concepts, or symbols to generalize, extend, correct, or verify knowledge, whether that knowledge is in the construction of a theory or in the practice of an art.
Paul D. Leedy (1989:12) mentioned that research is a critical and exhaustive investigation or experimentation having as its aim the revision of accepted conclusions in the light of newly discovered facts.
Again, Richard M. Grinnell, Jr. (1997:4) gives a comprehensive definition of research, she says that Research is a structured inquiry that utilizes acceptable scientific methodology to solve problems and create new knowledge that is generally applicable.
The elements that researchers work with in research work are as follows:
1. An inquisitive and curious mindset;
2. A specific field of study;
3. Well-structured hypotheses (hypotheses);
4. Availability of observable data;
5. Scientific analysis techniques; and
6. A logical strategy for presenting results.
Nature of Research:
Objectively, any research is interested in enriching the existing knowledge by acquiring new knowledge and forming theories. Behind this, of course, the researcher’s inquisitive or curious mind and the expectation of inventing a solution to the problem work. But in reality, the results of research are used in different ways. Keeping this perspective in mind, scientists have tried to divide research into two parts. For example:
1. Basic research; and
2. Applied research
Also, in the present day, scientists mention another type of research, then
3. Action research
1. Basic research:
Basic research is often referred to as Pure Research, Fundamental Research, etc. Its main goal is to discover various basic principles and truths of the world. According to this principle, basic research only tests and develops theories over a long period of time. There is no immediate expectation of its use. It may be used later or indirectly; however, there is no trend towards basic research on this topic. These studies are mainly conducted in controlled environments. In addition, scientists use animals instead of humans for basic research in behavioral fields. So that it is possible to maintain control here. In defining basic research, Kenneth D. Balley (1982:21) says, Pure research (sometimes called basic research) involves developing and testing theories and hypotheses that are intellectually interesting to the investigator and might thus have some social application in the future, but no application to social problems in the present time.
2. Applied Research:
Applied research is also called field research. The main goal of this research is to test and apply the information obtained at the field level. Unlike basic research, the emphasis here is on the practical side rather than on control and accuracy. In fact, all the information related to real problems, needs, resources, processes and benefits necessary for implementing development programs are collected through applied research and the causal relationship is verified. Its definition is given by Kenneth D. Bailey (1982:21) that, Applied research is research with findings that can be applied to solve social problems of immediate concerns. The main objective of the researcher in this type of research is to develop immediately usable and relevant solutions. Unlike basic research, the ultimate consideration here is not the acquisition of knowledge for the sake of knowledge, but the application of knowledge to solve problems.
3. Action Research:
All research that is conducted immediately and quickly to implement development programs adopted through applied research and to increase their effectiveness and dynamism can basically be called action research. The difference between this research and applied research is that in action research, the emphasis is on reality and the focus is on specific aspects of the program rather than on generalities.
Lehmann and Mehrens (Devi, 1997:10) have noted that, Action research is a type of applied or decision-oriented research, but with the stipulation that the resources are the same person as the practitioners who will make and live with the decision.
An example of the nature of research:
Population growth is a major national problem in any underdeveloped country. To identify the cause of this problem, the researcher will mainly adopt the basic research technique. The results obtained from such research do not put pressure on the researcher to implement anything. Rather, it helps in determining the implementation. For example, illiteracy, poverty, poor management, etc. are identified as the causes of population growth. After identifying the causes of population problems, the researcher adopts the applied research technique to eliminate them. That is, the results obtained from this research identify the appropriate ways for the researcher to solve the related problems. For example, expansion of education, socio-economic development, introduction of family planning/population control programs, etc. were found here as one of the ways to reduce the population growth rate. The results of applied research put pressure on the concerned authorities to implement them. Otherwise, the work of applied research is undertaken to implement the obtained results in practice. Finally, programs and projects are formulated to implement the information obtained from applied research in practice. And all the research work that is conducted in the implementation of all these programs and projects is action research. For example, a project was undertaken in village ‘A’ to expand family planning programs and thereby reduce the birth rate through improving socio-economic conditions. The baseline survey, ongoing and final evaluation studies, etc. conducted in the initial phase of the project are excellent examples of action research.
