What is Research?

Summary

In this educational video, the presenter clarifies the concept of research, emphasizing its systematic nature and goal of creating new knowledge. They differentiate research from mere beliefs and intuitions, highlighting the importance of a structured approach to ensure validity and objectivity. The video also stresses that research contributes to the collective pool of knowledge, whether through new theories or incremental insights, such as understanding food preferences.

Takeaways

• 🔍 Research is defined in various ways by different authors but fundamentally involves a systematic and organized effort to investigate specific problems.
• 🧠 The script emphasizes two key aspects of research: a 'systematic process' and the creation of 'new knowledge'.
• 🤔 Research is not based on mere beliefs, intuitions, or opinions but follows a structured methodology to ensure validity and objectivity.
• 📚 The goal of research is to expand the existing body of knowledge, contributing to a deeper understanding of the world.
• 🌟 Research can involve creating new theories or simply adding small pieces of knowledge that can have significant value.
• 🔬 The systematic process in research is a set of procedures and methodologies developed over time to ensure the results are free from biases and subjectivity.
• 🌐 Research aims to describe, explain, predict, and control observed phenomena, contributing to a more accurate understanding of the world.
• 📈 The script illustrates that research is not just for creating new theories but also for investigating specific phenomena to gain insights.
• 👨‍🔬 Researchers play a crucial role in advancing knowledge by focusing on particular fields and contributing to the collective pool of knowledge.
• 💡 The script suggests that even a small study, like investigating food choices, can be considered research if it follows a systematic approach and adds to the knowledge base.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of research according to the video?

The primary purpose of research is to create new knowledge through a systematic process.

How does the video define a systematic process in research?

A systematic process in research is a set of procedures and methodologies developed over decades that are free from biases and subjectivity.

What are some of the different definitions of research mentioned by various authors in the video?

Some definitions include: a systematic and organized effort to investigate a specific problem, a scientific inquiry to describe, explain, predict, and control observed phenomena, and an activity undertaken to find out in a systematic way.

Why is it not sufficient to base knowledge solely on beliefs, intuitions, and opinions?

Simply believing something doesn't make it true, and strong beliefs can be proven false. Beliefs can also be opposed, and there's no objective way to determine who is right without a systematic process.

What is the role of a researcher in the context of creating knowledge?

A researcher's role is to make or increase knowledge in a particular field and contribute to the overall pool of knowledge.

Can research only result in creating new theories, or can it also contribute smaller pieces of knowledge?

Research can contribute to both new theories and smaller pieces of knowledge, as even a small piece of knowledge can add significant value to a subject.

What is an example of a research topic mentioned in the video?

An example given is investigating the food choices of a group of people in a country, such as their preference for seafood, local food, or continental cuisine.

How does the video suggest we can decide who is right when there are opposing beliefs without a systematic process?

The video implies that without a systematic process, there is no objective way to determine the validity of opposing beliefs.

What is the significance of creating knowledge in a particular field according to the video?

Creating knowledge in a particular field is significant as it contributes to the overall understanding and body of knowledge, allowing for a deeper and more accurate comprehension of the world.

Why is it important to follow a systematic process when developing knowledge, as per the video?

Following a systematic process is important because it ensures that the knowledge developed is free from biases and subjectivity, leading to more accurate and valid conclusions.

What does the video suggest is the outcome of not following a systematic process in research?

The video suggests that not following a systematic process could result in knowledge that is based on biases and subjectivity, which may not be accurate or valid.