 Swikriti Kutal

1.1 Meaning of Research:

 Derived from French word- Recercher
 Latin- Circare
 Composed of two words:
-re: again; anew; over again
-search: to examine closely and carefully, to test and try to probe
 The two words form a noun, research, to describe a careful and systematic
studies in some field of knowledge, undertaken to style fact or principle.
(Grinnell, 1997)
 Research, in simple terms can be defined as systematic investigation towards
identifying a ‘fact’ or a ‘problem’ with a view to acquire right information
and finding apt solution therefore.
 Mere aimless, unrecorded, unchecked search is not research which can never
lead to valid conclusions. But diligent, intelligent, continued search for
something is research.
 It is the most important tool for advancing knowledge, for promoting
progress and for enabling man to relate more effectively to his environment,
to accomplish his purposes and to resolve his conflicts.
 It refers to the process and means to acquire knowledge about any natural or
human phenomena. It is the process of discovering or uncovering a new fact.
 Hence, research is an inquiry for the verification of a fresh theory or for
supplementing prevailing theories by new knowledge.

- Research comprises following things: (e.g. Moot court)

 Defining and redefining problems
 Collecting, organizing and evaluating data
 Reaching the conclusion
 Testing the conclusion to determine whether they fit the existing
problem or not
 Suggesting the solution
(Related to application part of critical thinking)
Definitions:
Martyn Shuttleworth: In the broadest sense of the word, research includes any
gathering of data, information and facts for the advancement of knowledge.

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Redman and Mory: Research is systematic effort to gain new knowledge.
Advance Learner Dictionary of Current English: Research is a careful
investigation and inquiry specially through search for new facts in any branch of
knowledge.
Oxford Dictionary: The systematic investigation into and study of materials and
sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions.
Acc to encyclopedia of Social Science: Research is the manipulation of things,
concept or symbol of the purpose of generalizing to extend correction or verify
knowledge whether that knowledge aids in construction of theory or in the practice
of art.
Hence, research is a creative work undertaken on a systematic basis in order to
establish or confirm facts, reaffirm the results of previous work, solve new or
existing problems, support theorems or develop new theories.
Research, therefore, means a scientific collection and inspection of facts with a
view to determining (or searching) something, which may satisfy the curiosity of
the investigator and carry forward his knowledge. It requires a sound design for
investigation, the appropriate methods of data collection and a mode for analysis.
- A research in any problem or subject (topic) is not and end of it but it is
beginning of new search which always raises a new question. Therefore,
Research is a continuum. E.g. Marxism-thesis
-anti-thesis
-synthesis
Thus, research is a studious inquiry or examinations especially it is an
investigation or experimentation aimed at the discovery and interpretation of
facts.

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