Outrider 3 - What is research?

Summary

In this video script, Tara Grabazon, Dean of Graduate Studies at Charles Darwin University, explores the concept of research, defining it as a systematic inquiry that develops knowledge. She emphasizes the importance of transparency, accountability, and the transformative power of research in various disciplines. Grabazon also discusses the different types of research, including exploratory, descriptive, and explanatory, and distinguishes between basic and applied research, advocating for the value of long-term, evidence-based inquiry.

Takeaways

• 📚 Research is fundamentally about developing knowledge, which can be theoretical or empirical, conceptual, or methodological.
• 🔍 Research is a systematic inquiry involving the formation of hypotheses, thesis statements, or research questions to collect, analyze, and draw conclusions from information.
• 🔄 Research is transformational, affecting social, economic, political, and intellectual aspects of life by creating an understanding of the world that was previously unknown.
• 🔬 The systematic component of research is crucial, requiring verification and peer review to ensure transparency and accountability.
• 🔗 Research dissemination is vital as it adds to new knowledge, forming the basis for new questions and the continuous transformation of knowledge over time.
• 🌐 Research aims to improve lives and environments, necessitating an understanding of what is working and what is not, based on evidence rather than opinion or experience alone.
• 🔑 Knowing what we know is essential for identifying what we don't know, which in turn triggers research questions and the pursuit of new knowledge.
• 📝 Literature reviews, referencing, and bibliographies are important in establishing the known state of knowledge and locating gaps for further research.
• 🔑 Research is not merely having an opinion or experience; it is based on rigorous, transparent study that contributes to the body of knowledge.
• 🔍 Three main purposes of research include exploratory, descriptive, and explanatory research, each serving different roles in understanding and solving problems.
• 🔬 The distinction between basic (pure) research and applied research is important, with basic research providing the foundation for the practical applications of applied research.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of research according to Tara Grabazon?

The primary purpose of research, as stated by Tara Grabazon, is to develop knowledge, which can be theoretical or empirical, conceptual, or methodological.

How does research contribute to transparency and accountability?

Research contributes to transparency and accountability through systematic inquiry, verification by others, and the peer-review process, which ensures that research findings are checked, robust, and honest.

What is the role of hypothesis, thesis statements, or research questions in conducting research?

Hypotheses, thesis statements, or research questions play a crucial role in research as they guide the collection, curation, organization, analysis, and shaping of information, leading to the drawing of conclusions.

Why is repeatability important in some research methodologies?

Repeatability is important in some research methodologies because it ensures that the results of an experiment or study can be verified and confirmed by others, adding credibility and reliability to the research findings.

How does research transform our social, economic, political, and intellectual lives?

Research transforms our lives by creating an understanding of the world that was not known before the research was conducted. It activates change and contributes to the improvement of lives, environments, and decision-making processes.

What is the significance of exploratory research in the field of research?

Exploratory research is significant as it often represents the first investigation into a particular problem or idea, shaping the framework for future research and enabling the development of subsequent research questions.

What is the difference between exploratory, descriptive, and explanatory research?

Exploratory research identifies and shapes problems or events, descriptive research provides detailed accounts of phenomena, and explanatory research investigates how variables interact, often revealing correlations and causality.

Why is basic research important despite not having immediate practical applications?

Basic research is important because it forms the foundation of knowledge upon which applied research and practical applications are built. It is essential for the long-term advancement of various fields and for solving complex problems that require deep understanding.

What is the impact of focusing solely on short-term outcomes in research?

Focusing solely on short-term outcomes can lead to the neglect of long-term, fundamental research that is crucial for understanding and addressing complex and large-scale issues such as climate change.

What does Tara Grabazon suggest as a commitment to research?

Tara Grabazon suggests that a commitment to research involves intellectual discipline, transcending the self, inquiry, asking questions, taking risks, and challenging what is known.

How does the script address the challenges faced by researchers in the current academic climate?

The script acknowledges the difficulties in developing a strong research career due to short-term contracts and casualization, emphasizing the importance of supporting researchers to conduct rigorous and impactful research over time.