What is Research?

Summary

The script delves into the multifaceted nature of research, highlighting the lack of consensus on a single definition. It references various scholars' perspectives, from systematic investigation to empirical and critical inquiry. Despite the differing views, a working definition emerges: research as a scientific exploration aimed at discovering or interpreting new facts, potentially revising existing theories. The script underscores the importance of scientific rigor, distinguishing research from mere fact-gathering and emphasizing the empirical foundation of science as a method for testing hypotheses.

Takeaways

• 🔬 Research is not universally defined, with scholars offering varying perspectives on its meaning.
• 📚 The Oxford Encyclopedic English Dictionary views research as a systematic investigation to establish facts and reach new conclusions.
• 🔍 Frederick Kerlinger defines research as a systematic, controlled, empirical, and critical investigation of hypothetical propositions.
• 🧐 Paul Leedy presents a utilitarian view, defining research as a procedure to find answers or solutions with demonstrable facts.
• 🔎 Despite differences, a working definition sees research as a scientific investigation aimed at discovering or interpreting new facts.
• 📉 New facts from research can lead to revisions or rejections of existing theories or laws.
• 🔬 Research employs rigorous and questioning techniques, necessitating a scientific method.
• 🚫 Any inquiry lacking scientific rigor cannot be strictly called research, such as mere fact-gathering.
• 🧪 Scientific rigor implies the use of the highest standards and best practices of science.
• 🌐 Science originated as a method to answer questions about nature through direct examination, rather than relying on dogmas or superstitions.
• 🔑 Karl Popper suggests that science is about rigorously testing proposed solutions to problems.

Q & A

What is the general definition of research according to the transcript?

Research is generally defined as the scientific investigation of a problem or gap, which aims at the discovery or interpretation of new facts.

How does the Oxford English Dictionary define research?

The Oxford English Dictionary defines research as the systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions.

What is Frederick Kerlinger's perspective on research?

Frederick Kerlinger defines research as the systematic, controlled empirical, and critical investigation of hypothetical propositions about presumed relations among natural phenomena.

How does Paul Leedy define research?

Paul Leedy defines research as a procedure by which we attempt to find systematically, and with the support of demonstrable facts, the answer to a question or the resolution of a problem.

What is meant by 'scientific rigor' in the context of research?

Scientific rigor refers to the implementation of the highest standards and best practices of science, involving systematic attempts to rationally categorize or explain empirical investigations.

Why is it incorrect to use the term 'research' for mere fact-gathering?

Using the term 'research' for mere fact-gathering is incorrect because it lacks the scientific rigor that is necessary for a true research process.

What is the role of empirical observation in science according to B.R. Hergenhan?

According to B.R. Hergenhan, empirical observations are the ultimate authority in science, as they involve the direct observation of nature.

How does Karl Popper define science?

Karl Popper defines science as a way of testing rigorously the proposed solutions to a problem.

What is the importance of categorizing observations in scientific research?

Categorizing observations is important in scientific research because it helps to organize and note similarities and differences among them, which is crucial for further analysis and explanation.

Can research lead to the revision or rejection of accepted theories or laws?

Yes, research can lead to the revision or even rejection of accepted theories or laws when new facts are discovered or interpreted that contradict or challenge existing knowledge.

What are the key elements that differentiate research from other types of inquiry?

The key elements that differentiate research from other types of inquiry include its systematic nature, the use of scientific methods, and the requirement of scientific rigor.