M.Sc.

Data Science

Research: Definition, Objectives, Types

of research, Motivation, Characteristics
 What is Research?
• Research simply seeks the answer of certain questions which have not been
answered so far and the answers depend upon human efforts
• It may be illustrated by taking an example of the moon. Some years ago man
did not know what exactly the moon is? Was this problem which had no
solution?
• Man could only make some assumptions about it but the man now this time
by his efforts, he went to the moon brought the soil of the moon and studied
it
• But the question arises, “Is the answer of the question in examination also
research”?
• Research answers only those questions of which the answers are not available
in literature i.e., in human knowledge
• Thus, we can say research seeks the answer only of those questions of which
the answers can be given on the basis of available facilities.
 Meaning of Research
• Actually research is simply the process of arriving as dependable solution
to a problem through the planned and systematic collection, analysis
and interpretation of data
• Research is the most important process for advancing knowledge for
promoting progress and to enable man to relate more effectively to his
environment to accomplish his purpose and to resolve his conflicts
• Although it is not the only way, it is one of the more effective ways of
solving scientific problems
 Term Research
• The term ‘Research’ consists of two words:
Research = Re + Search
• ‘Re’ means again and again and ‘Search’ means to find out something, the
following is the process:
Person Phenomena Conclusions
• Therefore, research means to observe the phenomena again and again from
different dimensions.
• The research is a process of which a person observes the phenomena again
and again and collects the data and on the basis of data he draws some
conclusions.
• Research is oriented towards the discovery of relationship that exists among
phenomena of the world in which we live
• The fundamental assumption is that invariant relationship exists between
certain antecedents and certain consequents so that under a specific set of
conditions a certain consequents can be expected to follow the introduction
of a given antecedent.
 Definitions of Research
According to George J. Mouly
• He defines research as, “The systematic and scholarly application of the
scientific method interpreted in its broader sense, to the solution of
social studiesal problems; conversely, any systematic study designed to
promote the development of social studies as a science can be
considered research
 Definitions of Research
According to Clifford Woody of the University of Michigan
• Research comprises defining and redefining problems, formulating
hypothesis or suggested solutions; collecting, organising and evaluating
data; making deductions and reaching conclusions; and at last carefully
testing the conclusions to determine whether they fit the formulating
hypothesis
 Definitions of Research
According to D. Slesinger and M. Stephenson
• The manipulation of things, concepts or symbols for the purpose of
generalising to extend, correct or verify knowledge, whether that
knowledge aids in construction of theory or in the practice of an art is
called as Research
 Research
• 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 is research
• The systematic approach concerning generalization and the formulation
of a theory is also research
• As such the term ‘research’ refers to the systematic method consisting
of enunciating the problem, formulating a hypothesis, collecting the
facts or data, analyzing the facts and reaching certain conclusions either
in the form of solutions(s) towards the concerned problem or in certain
generalizations for some theoretical formulation
 Objectives of Research
• The purpose of research is to discover answers to questions through the
application of scientific procedures. The main aim of research 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:
• The research has the following three objectives:
• Theoretical objective
• Factual objective and
• Application objective
 Theoretical Objectives
• Those researches whose objectives are theoretical formulate the new
theories, principles or laws
• Such type of research is explanatory because it explains the relationships
of certain variables
• These researches contribute some basic knowledge to the human
knowledge
• The researches in different disciplines i.e., Physics, Chemistry,
Mathematics etc. have the theoretical objective.
 Factual Objectives
• Those researches whose objective is factual find out new facts. This
objective is by nature descriptive
• These researches describe facts or events which happened previously
• Such type of research is done in history
 Application Objectives
• The research having application objective does not contribute a new
knowledge in the fund of human knowledge but suggests new
applications
• By application we mean improvement and modification in practice
• For example if anyone gives a new application of electricity then such
type of research has application objective
 Types of Research
• There are three types of objectives of research: theoretical, factual and
application
• The first two types of objectives of research contribute new knowledge
in the form of new theory and facts in a particular field of study or
discipline.
• The third objective does not contribute to knowledge but suggests new
application for practical problems
• Thus, the researches are classified broadly into two categories:
• Fundamental or Basic research, and
• Action research or Applied research
 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
General Characteristics of Research
• It gathers new knowledge or data from primary or first-hand sources.
• It places emphasis upon the discovery of general principles.
• It is an exact systematic and accurate investigation.
• It uses certain valid data gathering devices.
• It is logical and objective.
• The researcher resists the temptation to seek only the data that support his
hypotheses.
• The researcher eliminates personal feelings and preferences.
• It endeavors to organize data in quantitative terms.
• Research is patient and unhurried activity.
• The researcher is willing to follow his procedures to the conclusions that may be
 unpopular and bring social disapproval.
• Research is carefully recorded and reported.
• Conclusions and generalizations are arrived at carefully and cautiously.

Specific Characteristics of
Research
• A sound philosophy of social studies as the basis of research
• Research is based on insight and imagination
• Research requires an inter-disciplinary approach
• Research usually employs deductive reasoning process
• Research should come out of a desire to do things better
• Research is not as exact as research in physical science
• Research is not the field of the specialist only
• Research generally requires inexpensive material
• Research is based on the subjectivity and intangibility of social phenomena
• Research is perhaps incapable of being dealt through empirical method •
Research is based on inter dependence of causes and effect • Research
cannot be a mechanical process

Function of Research
• The main function of research is to improve research procedures through the
refinement and extension of knowledge
• The refinement of existing knowledge or the acquisition of new knowledge is
essentially an intermediate step toward the improvement
• The function of research is to aid to making a decision concerning the refinement
or extension of knowledge in this particular area.
• The function of research is to improve the students learning and classroom
problem with which teacher is encountering with problems. The more effective
techniques for teaching can be developed.
• Another function of research is to aid administrators to improve the systems