University Zian Achor- Djelfa

Methodology course
2nd Year LMD students

Lecture one:
The concept of “Research”

1. Meaning of Research
2. Definitions of Research
3. Objectives of Research
4. General Characteristics of Research

1. Meaning of Research
Research seeks the answer of certain questions which have not been answered so far, and the
answers depend upon human efforts. In common parlance, it refers to a search for knowledge. The
Advanced Learners’ 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. In this
sense, it is a voyage of discovery. We all possess the vital instinct of inquisitiveness for, when the
unknown confronts us, we wonder our inquisitiveness makes us probe and attain full and fuller
understanding of the unknown. This inquisitiveness is the mother of all knowledge and the method
that we employ to obtain the knowledge that can be termed research (Kothari, 1990).

2. Definition of 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:
Observes Collection of data
Person --------------------------> Phenomena ------------------------> Conclusions
Again and again Analysis of data

Therefore, research means to observe the phenomena again and again from different
dimensions. It is a process of which a person observes the phenomena again and again and collects
data on the basis of data s/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
antecedents and certain consequents so that under a specific set of conditions a certain consequences
can be expected to follow the introduction of a given antecedent:

• According to Rusk
"Research is a point of a view, an attitude of inquiry or a frame of mind. It asks questions which
have hitherto not been asked, and it seeks to answer them by following a fairly definite procedure. It
is not a mere theorizing, but rather an attempt to elicit facts and to face them once they have been
assembled. Research is likewise not an attempt to bolster up pre-conceived opinions, and implies a
readiness to accept the conclusions to which an inquiry leads, no matter how unwelcome they may
prove. When successful, research adds to the scientific knowledge of the subject”.

• According to George J. Mouly

"Research is the systematic and scholarly application of the scientific method interpreted in its
broadest sense, to the solution of social […] problems; conversely, any systematic study designed to
promote the development of social studies as a science can be considered research”.

• According to Francis G. Cornell

“To be sure the best research is that which is reliable, verifiable, and exhaustive, so that it
provides information in which we have confidence. The main point here is that research is, literally
speaking, a kind of human behaviour, an activity in which people engage”.

3. 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 yet. Kothari (1990) sees that each research study has its own specific purposes.
These objectives often fall under a number of broad groupings. Some examples of these are as
follows:
• 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. Studies with this object are known
as hypothesis-testing research studies.

On the same issue, Singh (2006) provides a different classification of objectives. For him, there are
three fundamental objectives of research. These are:

• Theoretical Objectives
Those researches whose objectives are theoretical aim to formulate new theories, principles, or
laws. Such type of research is exploratory because it explains the relationships of certain variables.
The researches contribute some basic knowledge to the human knowledge.

• Factual Objectives
These researches whose objectives are factual aim to find out new facts. This objective by nature is
descriptive. These researches describe facts or events which happened previously. Such type of
research is done in history.

• Application objectives
The research having application objectives does not contribute a new knowledge in the field of
human knowledge but suggests new applications. By application, we mean improvement and
modification.

4. Motivation in research
What makes people to undertake research is a question of fundamental importance. The possible
motives for doing research may be either one or more of the following:
• Desire to get a research degree with its consequential benefits;
• Desire to face challenge in solving unsolved problems;
• Desire to get intellectual joy of doing more creative work;
• Desire to be of service to society; and
• Desire to get respectability (Kothari, 1990).

However, this is not an exhaustive list of factors motivating people to undertake research
studies. Many more factors, such as: directives of government, employment conditions; curiosity
about new things; desire to understand causal relationships, social thinking and awakening, and the
like may as well motivate people to perform research operation (ibid).

References:

- Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods

approaches (4th ed.). Sage Publications.

- Kothari, C. R. (2004). Research methodology: Methods and techniques (2nd ed.). New
Age International Publishers.

Questions:

How does the definition of research as a "voyage of discovery" help to conceptualize the purpose
and method of research?

Why is research described as a systematic process of inquiry rather than a mere collection of facts?

According to Rusk, what is the primary attitude or mindset that underpins effective research?

How does Mouly’s definition of research emphasize its role in solving social problems? Can you
provide an example of research addressing a specific social issue?

Kothari lists several motivations for engaging in research. Which motivation resonates most with
you, and why?

How can curiosity and the desire to understand causal relationships drive research in the field of
technology?

Why is it important for research to be reliable, verifiable, and exhaustive as emphasized by Francis
G. Cornell? Can you think of consequences if research lacks one of these qualities?