Unit One: An Overview on the Nature and Characteristics of Research

1.1 Meaning of Research

Research in common parlance refers to a search for knowledge. Once can also define research as a
scientific and systematic search for pertinent information on a specific topic. In fact, research is an art of
scientific investigation (Kothari, 2004). The Advanced Learner’s Dictionary of Current English lays
down the meaning of research as “a careful investigation or inquiry especially through search for new
facts in any branch of knowledge.” Redman and Mory define research as a “systematized effort to gain
new knowledge.” Some people consider research as a movement, a movement from the known to the
unknown. It is actually a voyage of discovery. We all possess the vital instinct of inquisitiveness for,
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.
C.R.Kothari.(2004). Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques. New Delhi: New age
international (P) limited, publisher.
1.2. Objectives of Research
The purpose of research is to discover answers to questions through the application of scientific
procedures. The main aim of research is to find out the truth which is hidden and which has not been
discovered as yet. Though each research study has its own specific purpose, we may think of research
objectives as falling into a number of following broad groupings:
1. To gain familiarity with a phenomenon or to achieve new insights into it (studies with this object
in view are termed as exploratory or formulative research studies);
2. To portray accurately the characteristics of a particular individual, situation or a group (studies
with this object in view are known as descriptive research studies);
3. To determine the frequency with which something occurs or with which it is associated with
something else (studies with this object in view are known as diagnostic research studies);
4. To test a hypothesis of a causal relationship between variables (such studies are known as
hypothesis-testing research studies)
1.3 Characteristics of a Research
1. The research should focus on priority problems.
2. The research should be systematic. It emphasizes that a researcher should employ a structured
procedure.
3. The research should be logical. Without manipulating ideas logically, the scientific researcher
cannot make much progress in any investigation.
4. The research should be reductive. This means that the findings of one researcher should be made
available to other researchers to prevent them from repeating the same research.

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 5. The research should be replicable. This asserts that there should be scope to confirm the findings
of previous research in a new environment and different settings with a new group of subjects or
at a different point in time.
6. The research should be generative. This is one of the valuable characteristics of research because
answering one question leads to generating many other new questions.
7. The research should be action-oriented. In other words, it should be aimed at reaching a solution
leading to the implementation of its findings.
8. The research should follow an integrated multidisciplinary approach, i.e., research approaches
from more than one discipline are needed.
9. The research should be participatory, involving all parties concerned (from policymakers down
to community members) at all stages of the study.
10. The research must be relatively simple, timely, and time-bound, employing a comparatively
simple design.
11. The research must be as much cost-effective as possible.
12. The results of the research should be presented in formats most useful for administrators,
decision-makers, business managers, or the community members.
1.4 Selecting and Identifying a Problem

“There are two factors in the selection of topic external and personal. External criteria involve how the
topic is important for the field, availability of both data and data collection methods and the
administration is cooperative or not. Personal Criteria means researcher own interest, time and cost.
Criteria for selection of research problem depend on the following characteristics”
(www.studylecturenotes.com).

• Personal Inclination. The chief motivation in the way of selecting research problem is the
personal inclination of the researcher. If a researcher has personal interest in the topic, he would
select that problem for his research work (www.studylecturenotes.com).

• Resources Availability. During the selection, a researcher will see to the resources available. If
these resources like money, time, accommodation and transport are available to the selection
place, then the selection of the problem is easy (www.studylecturenotes.com).

• Relative Importance. The importance and the problem also play a vital role in the selection of
research problem. If the problem is relatively important, then the researcher tends towards the
selection of the problem (www.studylecturenotes.com).

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 • Researcher Knowledge. The researcher knowledge should play a vital role in the selection of
the research problem. The wisdom and experience of an investigator is required for well
collection of the research data. He can bitterly select a problem (www.studylecturenotes.com).

• Practicality: Practicality is also responsible for the selection. The practical usefulness of the
problem is the main motivation for a researcher to attend it(www.studylecturenotes.com).

• Time-lines of the Problem. Some problems take little time for its solution while others take
more time. So, it depends on the time in which we have to complete his research
work(www.studylecturenotes.com).

• Data Availability. If the desired data is available to the researcher, then the problem would be
selected (www.studylecturenotes.com).

• Urgency. Urgency is a pinpoint in the way of the selection of research problem. Urgent problem
must be given priority because the immediate solution can benefit the people
(www.studylecturenotes.com).

• Feasibility. Feasibility is also an important factor for the selection of the research problem. The
researcher qualification, training and experience should match the problem
(www.studylecturenotes.com).

• Area Culture. The culture of the area for which a researcher conducts his research is also
responsible for the selection of research problem (www.studylecturenotes.com).

1.4.1 Considerations for Identifying a Research Problem

• Any research is a difficult task to achieve and research needs to do a great effort. Selection of
research topic is the first step to success.

• Research topic must be very clear and easy to understand. It should not distract people.

• If a topic is well define is the only way to successful research. The topic should not create doubt
and double impression.

• Easy language is a key to success. Use technical words if necessary otherwise focus of
simplicity.

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 • Research title should be according to the rules of titling. There are different rules of titling, a
researcher must aware before writing a research title.

• While selecting a research topic current importance of a researcher should also be considered.
Topic should not be obsolete and it should have great importance in the current
day(www.studylecturenotes.com).

1.4.2 Criteria for Selecting a Research Problem/Topic

• When deciding on a topic, there are a few things that you will need to do:

• brainstorm for ideas

• choose a topic that will enable you to read and understand the literature

• ensure that the topic is manageable and that material is available

• make a list of key words

• be flexible

• define your topic as a focused research question

• research and read more about your topic

• formulate a thesis statement(www.umflint.edu/library

• Be aware that selecting a good topic may not be easy. It must be narrow and focused enough to
be interesting, yet broad enough to find adequate information. Before selecting your topic, make
sure you know what your final project should look like. Each class or instructor will likely
require a different format or style of research project (www.umflint.edu/library).

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