Research : Meaning, Definition, Nature, Importance, Objectives and Types

In this article we are discussing the basic concepts of Research : Meaning, Definition, Nature, Importance, Objectives and Types

Research : Meaning, Definition, Nature, Importance, Objectives and Types

Meaning of Research

Research : Meaning, Definition, Nature, Importance, Objectives and Types

Meaning of Research – Research refers to the systematic and scientific investigation of a particular topic, with the aim of gaining new knowledge, insights, and understanding. It involves the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data in order to answer specific questions or solve problems.

First, we should start from the word ‘research’. This word is made up by adding ‘Re’ as a prefix to the word ‘search’. Search is to make known of an existent unknown thing. Therefore, research (search of searched) means to elicit some facts out of a known thing. Research in common parlance refers to a search for knowledge

Every letter of the word ‘research’ emphasizes a special and dignified meaning as given below. R – Rational (way of thinking)

E – Expert/Exhaustive (Treatment) S – Search (for solution)

E – Exactness

A – Analytical Analysis (of adequate data) R – Relationship (of facts)

C – Careful (recording)/ critical (observation) / constructive (attitude) / condensed/and compactly (stated Generalization)

H – Honesty/Hard work

Research is thus, an original contribution to the existing stock of knowledge making for its advancement. It is the pursuit of truth with the help of study, observation, comparison and experiment. In short, the search for knowledge through objective and systematic method of finding solution to a problem in research. Research : Meaning, Definition, Nature, Importance, Objectives and Types

Definition of Research

We can summarize the modern definitions of research in following points-Research is

“Research comprises defining and redefining problems, formulating hypothesis or suggested, solutions, collecting, organizing and evaluating data, making deductions and reaching conclusions and at last carefully listing the conclusions to determine whether they fit the formulating hypothesis.”

-Clifford Woody

“Research is the systematic and objective analysis and recording of controlled observations that may leave to development of generalizations, principles or theories result in prediction and possibly ultimate control of events.”                                

-John W.Best

Importance and Objectives of Research

Importance and Objectives of Research – To discover answers to questions through the application of scientific procedures, its main aim 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. (Exploratory or formulative research studies).
2. To portray accurately the characteristics of a particular individual, situation or a group. (Descriptive research studies).
3. To determine the frequency with which something occurs or with which it is associated with something else. (Diagnostic research studies).
4. To test a hypothesis of a causal relationship between variables (hypothesis-testing research studies).

Nature of Research 

Followings are the Nature of Research:

1. Systematic: Research is a systematic process that involves a structured approach to the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data.
2. Objective: Research should be objective, free from personal biases and opinions. The findings should be based on empirical evidence.
3. Replicable: Research should be replicable, meaning that the methods and procedures used should be clearly documented and able to be repeated by other researchers.
4. Valid and Reliable: Research should be valid and reliable, meaning that the methods used to collect and analyze data should be accurate and consistent.
5. Ethical: Research should be conducted in an ethical manner, ensuring that participants are treated with respect and that their rights and confidentiality are protected.

Overall, research is an important process for advancing knowledge and understanding in various fields, and its effectiveness depends on its systematic approach, objectivity, and ethical considerations.

TYPES OF RESEARCH:

Following are the various types of research: Basic or fundamental, Applied, Action, Qualitative, Quantitative, Exploratory, Descriptive, Evaluation, Experimental, Diagnostic Research

1. Basic Research: Basic research is conducted to gain a fundamental understanding of a phenomenon or to develop new theories and concepts. This type of research is often exploratory and aims to answer questions that have not been previously addressed.
2. Applied Research: Applied research is conducted to solve specific problems or to address practical issues. It involves the application of existing knowledge and theories to real-world problems.
3. Action Research: Action research is a form of applied research that focuses on solving specific problems within a particular setting or community. It involves collaboration between researchers and practitioners in order to develop practical solutions.
4. Qualitative Research: Qualitative research is conducted to explore subjective experiences, attitudes, and behaviors. It involves collecting and analyzing data through observation, interviews, and focus groups.
5. Quantitative Research: Quantitative research is conducted to measure and quantify phenomena. It involves collecting and analyzing numerical data through surveys, experiments, and statistical analysis.

1. Fundamental Research/Pure Research/Basic Research:
   • It is undertaken for the sake of knowledge without any intension to apply it in practice.
   • This research helps in developing theories by discovering broad generalization and principles.
   • It is organized through different procedures of research like sampling, hypothesizing facts, etc. It can be experimented in a psychological laboratory.
   • Research concerning some natural phenomenon or relating to pure mathematics, research studies concerning human behavior carried on with a view to make generalizations about human behavior are examples of fundamental research.
2. Applied
   • Aims at finding a solution for an immediate problem facing a society or an industrial/business organization.
   • Solve practical problem of the modern world, rather than to acquire knowledge for knowledge sake.
   • Marketing research is an example of applied research.
3. Exploratory Research
   • It is a preliminary study of an unfamiliar problem about which researcher has little or no knowledge.
   • The objective of exploratory research is the development of hypothesis rather than their testing.
4. Action Research
   • Its aim is immediate application but not any development of theory.
   • It is research either initiated to solve the immediate problem or if the researcher finds any problem during the course of his field investigation and observation, he applies it.

• Descriptive study
  • Includes surveys and fact findings enquiries of different kinds.
  • The major purpose of descriptive research is description of the state of affairs, as it exists at present.
  • In social science and business research the term often used is ex-post fact research.
  • The researcher has no control over the variables, he can only report what has happened or what is happening.
• Evaluation Study
  • It is a type of applied research.
  • It is made for assessing and taking stock of effectiveness of social or economic programmes.
  • For example: Family planning scheme, Irrigation project.
• Diagnostic Study
  • Similar to descriptive study but with a different focus, which is directed towards discovering what is happening? Why is it happening and what can be done about it?
  • It aims at identifying the causes of problems and possible solutions for it.

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