1. Definitions of Research
The Advanced Learner’s Dictionary of
Current English lays down the meaning of
research as “a careful investigation or inquiry
specially through search for new facts in any
branch of knowledge.”
Redman and Mory define research as a
“systematized effort to gain new knowledge.”
Research can be defined as ‘the application of
the scientific method in the study of problems’
(Koul 10).
2. Objectives of Research
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).
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).
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).
To test a hypothesis of a causal relationship between variables
(such studies are known as hypothesis-testing research studies).
3. Motivation in Research
Desire to get a research degree along with its
consequential benefits.
Desire to face the challenge in solving the unsolved
problems, i.e., concern over practical problems initiates
research.
Desire to get intellectual joy of doing some creative work.
Desire to be of service to society.
Desire to get respectability.
4. Characteristics of Research
It is a careful investigation or re-examination of facts.
It attempts to discover the relationship among facts so as
to deduce principles or laws from them.
Research is a systematic attempt to obtain answers to
meaningful questions.
It is supposed to be a purely objective, impartial, empirical
and logical analysis.
It seeks to integrate and systematize facts.
The knowledge gained by research is of highest order.
Research is characterized by patient and unhurried
activity.
5. What is not Research?
Research is not simple gathering of information.
Merely reorganizing or restating what is already known and has
already been written, valuable as it may be as learning
experiences, is not research. It adds nothing to what is known”
(Best and Kahn 19).
If previous important studies are researched, using some
procedures, then it’s merely repetition, not research.
Research outlaws personal bias.
Research is not a quick activity
Research is not based on the shallow study of the respective
subject.
Research is not something based on assumptions, beliefs,
theories, or untested generalizations.
6. Ethics of Research
It is important for the researcher to reveal fully his or her
identity and background.
The purpose and procedures of the research should be fully
explained to the subjects at the outset.
Ascertain whether the research benefits the subjects in anyway.
Where necessary, ensure the research does not harm the
subjects in anyway.
The research should be as objective as possible. This will
require careful thought being given to the design, conduct and
reporting of research.
Informed consent should be sought from all participants. All
agreements reached at this stage should be honored.
7. Subjects should have the option to refuse to take part and
know this and the right to terminate their involvement at
anytime and know this also.
Arrangements should be made during initial contacts to
provide feedback for those requesting it. It may take the
form of a written resume of findings.
The dignity, privacy and interests of the participants
should be respected. Subsequent privacy of the subjects
after the research is completed should be guaranteed.
Deceit should only be used when absolute necessary.
When ethical dilemmas arise, the researcher may need to
consult other researchers or teachers.
8. Follow guidelines for authorship, copyright and patenting
policies, data sharing policies, and confidentiality rules in
peer review.
Strive for honesty in all scientific communications.
Honestly report data, results, methods and procedures, and
publication status. Do not fabricate, falsify, or
misrepresent data.
Openness: Share data, results, ideas, tools, resources. Be
open to criticism and new ideas.
Respect for Intellectual Property: Honor patents,
copyrights, and other forms of intellectual property. Do
not use unpublished data, methods, or results without
permission. Give credit where credit is due
9. Animal Care: Show proper respect and care for animals
when using them in research. Do not conduct unnecessary
or poorly designed animal experiments.
The first thing to do before designing a study is to
consider the potential cost and benefits of the research.
Do not plagiarize the work of others.
Cite all ideas and information that is not your own and/or
is not common knowledge.
Ensure work is new and original research.
10. Examples of Unethical Research
Practices
“We are required to ask you to sign this consent form. You
needn’t read it; it’s just routine.”
“A few cases seemed quite different from the rest so we
deleted them.”
“Yes as a student of this university you are required to
participate in this study.”
“There is no need to tell any of the parents that we are
modifying the school lunch diet for this study.”
“Requiring students to participate in class discussions
might be harmful to some, but it is necessary for our
research.”
11. Significance of Research
“All progress is born of inquiry. Doubt is often better than
overconfidence, for it leads to inquiry, and inquiry leads to
invention” is a famous Hudson Maxim in context of which
the significance of research can well be understood.
Research provides the basis for nearly all government
policies in our economic system.
Research has its special significance in solving various
operational and planning problems of business and
industry.
Research is equally important for social scientists in
studying social relationships and in seeking answers to
various social problems.
12. To those students who are to write a master’s or Ph.D.
thesis, research may mean a careerism or a way to attain a
high position in the social structure.
To professionals in research methodology, research may
mean a source of livelihood.
To philosophers and thinkers, research may mean the
outlet for new ideas and insights.
To literary men and women, research may mean the
development of new styles and creative work.
To analysts and intellectuals, research may mean the
generalizations of new theories.
13. References
Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques (Second
Revised Edition) by C. R. Kothari.
A GUIDE TO RESEARCH ETHICS UNIVERSITY OF
MINNESOTA CENTER FOR BIOETHICS 2003.
Research Ethics by Prashant V. Kamat, Based on the
lectures of Leonard V. Interrante Editor-in-chief,
Chemistry of Materials.
