Literature Review on Definition of Research
The world is changing at a very fast rate. Global and domestic competition is more vigorous in these days. The need for intelligent support to cope with the real world is more important than ever. The intelligent are searching for what is the best way to live in a competitive world. The intelligent are searching the answers and search is the biggest part of research. Research starts with a problem. The researcher must feel a need, and then he collects data of facts, analyzes these data critically, and finally reaches a decision based on actual evidence. It involves original work, instead of hearsay or mere exercise of personal opinion and involves a great desire to satisfy a need. There are many definitions of research have been given by the authors. However different definitions formulated by such authors have co mmon elements. The word research is derived from the old French word ³cerchier´ meaning to seek or search. One seeks exhaustively for three reasons: 1. For more explanation 2. For verifiable truth and 3. To make discoveries The goal of searching is to become certain of the occurrence or existence of a certain phenomenon. According to Whitney, research is, ³a scientific approach in terms o accepted mind process involving all essential steps in problem solving through critical examination of hypothesis to find tentative corroboration and succeeding search for certainty as a basis of action.´ act ion.´ The Encyclopedia of social sciences defines research as ³the manipulation of things, concepts, or symbol for the purpose of generalizing, to extend, correct, or verify knowledge whether that knowledge aids in the construction of a theory or in the practice of an art.´ Aquino defined research as, ³the systematic search for pertinent information of a specific topic or problem. After a careful systematized research for pertinent information or data on a specific
1|P a g e
topic or problem and after the research worker has analyzed and interpreted the data, he eventually faces another essential task- that of preparing the research reports´ According to wiersma (1995), ³research is a process, an activity in the search of knowledge through recognized method of data collection, analysis and interpretation.´ According to Parel, research is ³a systematic study or investigation of something for the purpose of answering question poses by the researcher.´ According to Thomas and nelson (1996), ³research is a careful and systematic means of solving problems.´ Helmstadler defined research as the ³activity of solving problems which leads to new knowledge using methods of inquiry that are currently accepted as a adequate by scholars in the field.´ According to Crawford, research ³is simply a systematic and refined technique of thinking employing specialized tools, instruments and procedures in order to obtain a more adequate solution of a problem than would be possible under means. It starts with a problem, collects data or facts, analyzed these critically, and reaches decision based on actual evidence. In involves works instead of a mere exercise of opinion. It evolves from a genuine desire to now rather than a desire to prove something. It is qualitative seeking to know not only what but how much, and measurement is therefore a central feature of it.´ Hillway defined research as ³way mankind perfected it very slowly over a period of several centuries and at present it is considered as a most reliable source of advancing knowledge.´ Best defined research as ³the systematic and objective analysis and recording of controlled observations that may lead to the development of generalizations, principles or theories resulting in the prediction and possibly the u ltimate control of events.´ It is recognized that such definitions cannot easily capture all aspects of research. Most of the scholars are poorly measured when assessing research outputs. This measure is used for internal planning purposes, and especially to enable performance trends to be examined at departmental and faculty levels. The definition represents a t hreshold level for inclusion in research statistics.
2
|Page
Most important among these are the quality and impact of research. However, many other research contributions are highly valued by but are not measured directly. These include collaboration, synergy, technical support and critical appraisal of the work of others. In addition the value of strategically important research is not adequat ely reflected in the definition. Research can be defined as the formal and intensive process of carrying on scientific method of analysis. It is a systematic and objective analysis and recording of controlled observation that may lead to the development of principles. In broad sense, Research is the search for knowledge, or as any systematic investigation, with an open mind, to establish novel facts, solve new or existing problems, prove new ideas, or develop new theories. The primary purposes of basic research (as opposed to applied research) are documentation, discovery, interpretation, or the research and development of methods and systems for the advancement of human knowledge. Approaches to research depend on epistemologies, which vary considerably both within and between humanities and sciences. The researcher must have some idea of how to begin the search process, how to best search of information, to pick out those elements which best hold the possibility of turning into intelligence, and then how to communicate that intelligent in a way that helps managers make decisions. When it works right, business research is win-win proposition. The process enables a company to identify its customers and design products and process that maximize value for all. In return the company receives value as the customer spends their hard earned money. The research information is not intuitive or haphazardly gathered. Literally research (re-search) means to search again. The term connotes patient study and scientist investigation wherein the researcher takes another, more careful look at the data to discover all that is known about the subject. Research is not performed to support preconceived ideas but to test them. The researcher must be personally detached and free of bias in attempting to find truth. If bias enters into the research process, the value of the research is considerably reduced.
3
|Page
References
Ariola, D. M. (2006). Princiles and Methods of Research. Rex book store, Inc. Cooper, D. R., & Schindler, P. (eight Edition). Business Research Method. Tata Mcgraw- Hill Publishing Company Limited. Zikmund, W. G., Babin, B. J., Carr, J. C., & Griffin, M. (Eight Edition). Business Research Methods. South- Western, cengage learning.
4
|Page
