Introduction to Research

The word research was coined from a French word “CERCHIER” meaning “to seek or to search”. Thus, research is an attempt to solve or gain a solution to a problem.

• What is Research???

- Research is “the process of systematically obtaining accurate answers to significant and pertinent questions by the use of the scientific method of gathering and interpreting information”.(Balsley & Clover)

- A systematic, controlled, empirical and critical investigation of hypothetical propositions about the presumed relations among natural phenomenon. (Kerlinger, 1976)

- Research is an honest, scientific investigation undertaken for discovering new facts or establishing new relationships among facts already known which will contribute to the present body of knowledge and can lead to an effective solution of existing problems.

- The process of collecting/gathering data and information by a scientific or logical procedure that aims to solve a particular scientific problem.

• What is not a Research?

Research is not only gathering information; such as gathering information from resources such as books and magazines. Research is not only the transportation of facts; only transporting facts from one resource to another doesn’t constitute research. 

Only gathering information, and merely transporting facts from one resource to another does not contribute to new knowledge although this might make existing knowledge more accessible.

• Characteristics of Research

The characteristics of the research are as follows:

- Originates with a question or problem

- Involves the gathering of new data from new sources or 1st hand information

- Directed towards the solution of a problem

- Characterized by carefully designed procedures applying rigorous analysis

- Emphasizes the development of generalizations, principles, hypothesis, and theories that may be helpful in predicting future occurrences

- Requires expertise

- Demands accurate observation and description of what is being studied

- Strives to be logical, applying every possible test to validate the procedures being employed

- Requires innovative approaches and determination to succeed

- Carefully and accurately recorded and reported

- Cyclical (helical) in nature.

• Purpose of Research

The purpose of research are as follows:

- Corrects perceptions

- Develops and evaluates concepts, practices, and theories

- Gathers information on a certain phenomenon that is lacking in knowledge

- Obtains knowledge for practical purposes

- Provides hard facts that serve as a basis for planning, decision-making, project implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.

- Finding answers to questions or solutions to problems

- Discovering and interpreting new facts

- Testing theories to revise accepted theories or laws in the light of new facts

- Formulating new theories.

• Importance of Research

According to Hudson Maxim “All progress is born of inquiry. Doubt is often better than overconfidence, for it leads to inquiry, and inquiry leads to invention”. Research is important because it contributes to new knowledge. Further explanation of the importance of research are highlighted as follows:

- Research inculcates scientific and inductive thinking and it promotes the development of logical habits of thinking and organization.

- New knowledge and facts are obtained through research which can lead to invention and innovation

- Solve operational problems; research, as an aid to economic policy, has gained added importance, both for government and business.

- Research provides the basis for nearly all government policies in our economic and health system.

- Perceptions and assumptions can be generalized or proved through research

- Appropriate decisions can be made through evidence generation via research

- Existing technologies are invented and upgraded through research which makes our daily life and work life easier

- Research is important to broaden our knowledge

- Research is equally important for social scientists in studying social relationships and in seeking answers to various social problems.

In addition to what has been stated above, the significance of research can also be understood keeping in view the following points:

1. 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;
2. To professionals in research methodology, research may mean a source of livelihood;
3. To philosophers and thinkers, research may mean the outlet for new ideas and insights;
4. To literary men and women, research may mean the development of new styles and creative work;
5. To analysts and intellectuals, research may mean the generalizations of new theories.

Thus, research is the fountain of knowledge for the sake of knowledge and an important source of providing guidelines for solving different business, governmental and social problems. It is a sort of formal training which enables one to understand the new developments in one’s field in a better way.

• WHAT ABOUT RESEARCH in Health Science???

Research in health science is a systematic study and assessment of 

- health problems or phenomenon; 

- finding ways to improve practice and patient care through creative studies; 

- initiating and evaluating change; and 

taking action to make new knowledge useful in health.

RESEARCH in health science includes the breadth and depth of the discipline of health science and the rehabilitative, therapeutic and preventive aspects of health science as well as the preparation of practitioners and personnel involved in the total health sphere.

• Importance of Research in Health Science

- Research is essential to find out preventive ways for better health of the people and find out better treatments for patients. 

- It plays an important role in discovering new treatments and making sure that we use existing treatments in the best possible ways. 

- Research can find answers to things that are unknown, filling gaps in knowledge and changing the way that healthcare professionals work. 

- Improve the quality of life for people living with illness

- Improve future healthcare.

• Who needs Research???

Research is for the: 

- PCL Level/Undergraduate students doing term papers

- Graduate students defending master thesis/doctoral dissertation

- Doctors/nurses

- Legislators needing information to formulate the right kinds of laws.

- Technical staff of government officials providing the baseline reports.

- Supervisors, managers, top executives in both public and private sectors engaged in planning, decision-making evaluation and even in dealing with human behaviors.

- Consultants

- NGOs

• Limitations of Research

- Result of faulty planning and implementation of the project

- The individual researcher; research is better in team

- The scope of knowledge or information available about the topic and the problem under study also must be considered

- The tools of measurement may be inadequate or entirely lacking.