Philosophy of Research

 Research may be defined as a scientific undertaking

by means of logical and systematized techniques. It
consists of the process of formulating and seeking
answers to questions about the social world.
Discover new facts or verify and test old facts;
 Analyze their sequences, inter-relationships and
causal explanations which are derived with an
appropriate theoretical frame of reference;
 Develop new scientific tools and theories which would
facilitate reliable and valid study of human behavior.
OBJECTIVES OF RESEARCH

 Development of knowledge
 Scientific study of social life.
 Welfare of humanity
 Classification of facts
 Social control and prediction
 Characteristics Of Research

1. Research is directed towards the problem

2. Research emphasizes the dent of generalizations, principles or theories that will be helpful in
predicting future occurrences.
3. Research is based upon observable experiences or empirical evidence.
4. Research demands accurate observation and description.
5. Research involves gathering new data from primary or first hand sources or using existing
data for a new purpose.
6. Although research activity may at times be somewhat random and unsystematic, it is more
often characterized by carefully designed procedures, always applying rigorous analysis.
7. Research requires expertise, involves the quest for answers to unsolved problems
8. Research strikes to be objective and logical applying every possible test to validate the
procedures employed, the data collected ad the conclusion reached.
9. Research is characterized by patient and unhurried activity.
10. Research is carefully recorded and reported.
SIGNIFICANCE OF SOCIAL RESEARCH

 It inculcates scientific and inductive thinking

 It provides new ideas and insights
 It promotes the development of logical habits of thinking and organization.
 It evaluate existing policies and helps to formulate new policies
 It solve various operational problems related to economy, politics, business and Government.
 It studies social relationships and helps to solve various social problems
 It helps to improve the level of living in the society
STEPS IN SOCIAL RESEARCH
1. Selection of the problem
2. Study of research literature
3. Formulating the problem
4. Research design
5. Formulating the hypothesis
6. Selecting the sample
7. Collection of data
8. Methods and tool for data collection
9. Analysis of data
10. Interpretation and generalizations
SELECTION OF RESEARCH PROBLEM
 We are aware that the goal of social research is to improve the level of living in the
society.
 Society in general is plagued by several problems which need to be studied for
finding a solution.
 The most urgent of them need the attention of the researchers.
 It is thus selection of research problem has high value to the society and the
researcher must be able to identify those problems that need an urgent solution.
 Choosing a correct problem for study is a difficult exercise, as it depends on the time,
effort and commitment on the part of the scholar.