henomena may ‘not permit experimental research; only e inquiry is possible. For example, sociologists interested in studying socio-class structures, race, mob behaviour, personality, etc. cannot manipulate these phenomena and hence must be content with redictive inquiry. Similarly, research in astronomy largely involves description and prediction. . : some | redictiv’ 5. The fifth purpose of research is to enable explanation of phenomena. Explanation involves accurate observation and measurement of a given 7 phenomenon. In order to explain a phenomenon one should be able to describe it, predict its occurrence and observe factors that cause its occurrence with certainty and accuracy. 6. The sixth and last purpose of research is to enable theory development. ‘{ Theory development involves formulating concepts, laws and generalizations about a given phenomenon. Research is also conducted in an attempt to confirm or validate existing theories. This is sometimes referred to as “falsification of theory”. Sources of knowledge 1. As mentioned earlier, research is an important source of knowledge because it is objective and involves systematic procedures. It however does not mean that there is absolute objectivity in research. Pure objectivity in any research study is virtually impossible. Different researchers are bound to apply research procedures relative to their own different realities. There is also an element of error in any research study particularly because of the complexity and changeability of the phenomena we have to deal with. Enror is defined as anything that causes prediction to vary from what actually occurs. The research process tries to identify and minimize the effects of. error; we can decrease error but can never eliminate it completely. Sources of error in the research process include inaccurate observations during data collection, bias and changes in conditions during the research process. 2. Experience is a common mode of obtaining knowledge. er, after learn through their experiences in life. For example, a fart beans growing beans for several years, may come to the conclusio® be base do best during the season of short rains. This conclusion ae Y ins than On the fact that yields per acre are higher during = have exactly the during the long rains. However, no two human ben Human beings