# Role of research in flourishing the modern human civilization.

Research has been instrumental in helping modern human civilization flourishes, acting as
the foundation for innovation, societal progress, and overall well-being. The role of
research in flourishing modern civilization can be seen in multiple domains:

1. Fostering Innovation and Economic Growth (Technological Progress, Economic

Expansion).
2. Enhancing Public Health and Longevity (Medical Breakthroughs, Preventive
Healthcare).
3. Improving Quality of Life (Better Living Standards, Access to Knowledge and
Education).
4. Addressing Global Challenges (Sustainability and Environmental Protection, Global
Health and Safety).
5. Promoting Social Progress and Equality (Understanding Society and Behavior, Social
Justice and Policy Reform).
6. Enhancing Global Connectivity (Communication and Information Sharing, Cultural
Exchange and Understanding).
7. Ethical Advancement and Moral Reflection (Navigating Technological Change,
Shaping Moral Standards).
8. Empowering Human Potential (Educational Advancements, Mental and Emotional
Well-being).

Research is a cornerstone of flourishing modern civilization. It drives innovation, improves

quality of life, and addresses global challenges, enabling societies to advance ethically,
sustainably, and equitably. By continuously expanding knowledge and finding new
solutions, research empowers humanity to thrive in an ever-evolving world.

# What is research?
Word ‘Research’ is comprises of two words = Re + Search. ‘Re’ means again and again and
‘Search’ means to find out something. Thus, it means to search again and again something.
Research is a systematic process of inquiry aimed at discovering new knowledge, validating
existing knowledge, or solving specific problems. The goal of research is to generate
insights that can be applied across various fields to advance knowledge, improve practices,
and contribute to society.

Research is an intellectual activity. It is responsible for bringing to light new knowledge. It

is also responsible for correcting the present mistakes, removing existing misconceptions
and adding new learning to the existing fund of knowledge. Experts defined research as
follows:

“Research is an endeavor / attempt to discover, develop and verify knowledge. It is an

intellectual process that has developed over hundreds of years ever changing in purpose
and form and always researching to truth.” J. Francis Rummel

“Research is considered to be the more formal, systematic intensive process of carrying on

the scientific method of analysis. It involves a more systematic structure of investigation,
usually resulting in some sort of formal record of procedures and a report of results or
conclusion.” John W. Best

“Research is a systematic effort to gain new knowledge.” Redman & Mori

In an easy to remember, P M COOK lists the attributes of research” taking the clue from
each initial alphabet of the word:

R - Rational way of thinking

E - Expert and exhaustive treatment

S - Search for solution

E - Exactness

A - Analysis

R - Relationship of facts

C - Critical observation, careful recording, constructive attitude and condensed

generalization

H - Honesty and hardworking

Research is, thus, an original addition to the available knowledge which contributes to the
further advancement. It is an attempt to pursue evidenced truth through the methods of
study, observation, comparison and experiment.
# Characteristics of Research
1. Systematic and Organized: Research follows a structured approach, often
involving clearly defined steps such as problem identification, hypothesis
formulation, data collection, analysis, and conclusion.
2. Empirical: Research relies on observable and measurable evidence, using
experiments, surveys, observations, and other methods to gather data.
3. Objective: Research aims to minimize bias and subjectivity by using rigorous
methods to ensure that conclusions are based on evidence rather than personal
opinions or beliefs.
4. Replicable: Good research is replicable, meaning that other researchers can follow
the same procedures and achieve similar results, which helps to validate findings.
5. Innovative: Research often involves exploring unknown areas or developing new
solutions to problems, contributing to innovation and progress.
6. Valid and verifiable: This concept implies that whatever you conclude on the basis
of your findings is correct and can be verified by you and others.

# Objective of Research
The basic goal of research is to generate insights that can be applied across various fields to
advance knowledge, improve practices, and contribute to society. The purpose of research
is to discover answers to questions through the application of scientific procedure. The
main aim of research is to find out the truth which is hidden and which has not been
discovered as yet. Though each research study has its own specific purpose, some general
objectives of research below:

1. Expand Knowledge: To discover new information and increase understanding in

various fields, from science and technology to the humanities and social sciences.
2. Solve Problems: To address specific challenges or issues, whether in medicine,
engineering, economics, or any other field.
3. Inform Decision-Making: To provide evidence-based insights that can guide policy,
business strategies, and public services.
4. Validate Theories: To test and refine existing theories, ensuring that they
accurately reflect the real world and contribute to a deeper understanding of
phenomena.
# Significance of Research
Research is of immense significance in shaping the development, progress, and well-being
of societies. It serves as a foundation for knowledge creation, problem-solving, and
innovation across various fields. The significance of research can be understood through its
contributions to science, technology, healthcare, social progress, and policy-making, among
other areas. Here are the key reasons why research is significant:

1. Advancement of Knowledge (Discovery of New Information, Validation of Existing Knowledge)

2. Driving Innovation and Technological Progress (Fostering Innovation, Industrial and Economic
Growth)
3. Improving Healthcare and Public Health (Medical Breakthroughs, Understanding and Preventing
Diseases)
4. Informed Policy-Making and Governance
5. Social and Cultural Development (Understanding Human Behavior, Preserving Cultural Heritage)
6. Solving Global Challenges
7. Improving Quality of Life
8. Guiding Ethical and Moral Progress

# Types of research
Descriptive Research: Descriptive research includes surveys and fact-finding enquiries of
different kinds. The major purpose of descriptive research is description of the state of
affairs as it exists at present. In social science and business research we quite often use the
term Ex post facto research for descriptive research studies. The main characteristic of this
method is that the researcher has no control over the variables; he can only report what
has happened or what is happening.

Analytical Research: In analytical research, the researcher has to use facts or information
already available, and analyze these to make a critical evaluation of the material.

Basic Research (Pure/Fundamental Research): Seeks to expand knowledge without a

specific practical application in mind. It focuses on understanding fundamental principles
and theories.

Applied Research: Aims to solve practical problems or improve processes and practices. It
directly applies knowledge to real-world challenges.

Qualitative Research: Involves collecting non-numerical data, such as interviews,

observations, and case studies, to understand complex phenomena, behaviors, or
experiences.
Quantitative Research: Involves collecting numerical data that can be statistically
analyzed to identify patterns, relationships, and generalizable results.

Conceptual research: Conceptual research is that related to some abstract idea(s) or

theory. It is generally used by philosophers and thinkers to develop new concepts or to
reinterpret existing ones.

Empirical Research: Empirical research relies on experience or observation alone, often

without due regard for system and theory. It is data-based research, coming up with
conclusions which are capable of being verified by observation or experiment.

Experimental Research: Tests hypotheses by manipulating variables in controlled

environments to determine cause-and-effect relationships.

One-time research or longitudinal research: In the former case the research is confined
to a single time-period, whereas in the latter case the research is carried on over several
time-periods.

# Research Approaches
Quantitative approach: The qualitative approach involves the generation of data in
quantitative form which can be subjected to rigorous quantitative analysis in a formal way.

 Inferential approach: The purpose of inferential approach to research is to form a

data base from which to infer characteristics or relationships of population. This
usually means survey research where a sample of population is studied (questioned
or observed) to determine its characteristics, and it is then inferred that the
population has the same characteristics.
 Experimental approach is characterized by much greater control over the
research environment and in this case some variables are manipulated to observe
their effect on other variables.
 Simulation approach involves the construction of an artificial environment within
which relevant information and data can be generated. This permits an observation
of the dynamic behavior of a system (or its sub-system) under controlled conditions.
The term ‘simulation’ in the context of business and social sciences applications
refers to “the operation of a numerical model that represents the structure of a
dynamic process. Given the values of initial conditions, parameters and exogenous
variables, a simulation is run to represent the behavior of the process over time.”
Simulation approach can also be useful in building models for understanding future
conditions.
Qualitative approach to research is concerned with subjective assessment of attitudes,
opinions and behavior. Research in such a situation is a function of researcher’s insights
and impressions.

# What is research methodology? Research Methods vs. Methodology.

The process used to collect information and data for the purpose of making business
decisions. The methodology may include publication research, interviews, surveys and
other research techniques, and could include both present and historical information.

Research methods include all those techniques/methods that are adopted for conducting
research. Thus, research techniques or methods are the methods that the researchers
adopt for conducting the research studies. On the other hand, research methodology is the
way in which research problems are solved systematically. It is a science of studying how
research is conducted scientifically. Under it, the researcher acquaints himself/herself with
the various steps generally adopted to study a research problem, along with the underlying
logic behind them. Hence, it is not only important for the researcher to know the research
techniques/ methods, but also the scientific approach called methodology.

# Research Process
Research process consists of series of actions or steps necessary to effectively carry out
research. These actions or steps are;

(i) Formulation of Research Problem: At the very outset, the researcher must
decide the general area of interest or aspect of a subject matter that he would
like to inquire into and then research problem should be formulated.

(ii) Extensive Literature Survey: Once the problem is formulated the researcher
should undertake extensive literature survey connected with the problem. For
this purpose, the abstracting and indexing journals and published or
unpublished bibliographies are the first place to go to academic journals,
conference proceedings, government reports, books etc. must be tapped
depending on the nature of the problem.
(iii) Development of Hypothesis: After extensive literature survey, researcher
should state in clear terms the working hypothesis or hypotheses. Working
hypothesis is tentative assumption made in order to draw out and test its logical
or empirical consequences. It’s very important or it provides the focal point for
research.

(iv) Preparing the Research Design: After framing hypothesis we have to prepare a
research design i.e. we have to state the conceptual structure within which
research would be conducted. The preparation of such a design facilitates
research to be as efficient as possible yielding maximal information. In other
words, the function of research design is to provide for the collection of relevant
evidence with optimum effort, time and expenditure.

(v) Determining Sample Design: A sample design is a definite plan determined

before any data is actually collected for obtaining a sample from a given
population.in census inquiry we involve a great deal of time, money and energy
so it it not possible in practice under many circumstances. Sample designs can be
either probability or non-probability. With probability samples each element has
a known probability of being included in the sample but the non-probability
samples do not allow the researchers to determine this probability.

(vi) Collecting the Data: There are several ways of collecting the appropriate data
which differ considerably in context of cost, time and other resources at the
disposal of the researcher. Primary data can be collected either through
experiment or through survey. In case of survey, data can be collected by any
one or more of the following ways;

 By observation,
 Through personal interview,
 Through telephonic interviews,
 By mailing of questionnaires or
 Through schedules.
(vii) Analysis of Data: The analysis of data requires a number of closely related
operations such as establishment of categories, the application of these
categories to raw data through coding, tabulation and then drawing statistical
inference. Analysis work after tabulation is generally based on the computation
of various percentages; coefficients etc., by applying various well defined
statistical formulae.

(viii) Hypothesis Testing: After analyzing the data, the researcher is in a position to
test the hypothesis, if any, he had formulated earlier. Do the facts support the
hypothesis or they happen to be contrary? This is the usual question which is to
be answered by applying various tests like ‘t’ test, ’F’ test etc. F test have been
developed by statisticians for the purpose .Hypothesis testing will result in
either accepting the hypothesis or in rejecting it. If the researcher had no
hypothesis to start with, generalizations established on the basis of data may be
stated.

(ix) Generalizations and Interpretation: If a hypothesis is tested and upheld

several times, it may be possible for the researcher to arrive at generalization i.e.
to build a theory. As a matter of fact, the real value of research lies in its ability to
arrive at certain generalizations. If the researcher had no hypothesis to start
with, he might seek to explain his findings on the basis of some theory. It is
known as interpretation.

(x) Conclusion, recommendations, limitations, and future research prospect:

In research, the sections of conclusion, recommendations, limitations, and future
research prospects are critical for summarizing findings, offering practical
insights, acknowledging constraints, and guiding future inquiries.
# Criteria of Good Research
Whatever may be the types of research works and studies, one thing that is important is
that they all meet on the common ground of scientific method employed by them. One
expects scientific research to satisfy the following criteria:

1. The purpose of the research should be clearly defined and common concepts be
used.
2. The research procedure used should be described in sufficient detail to permit
another researcher to repeat the research for further advancement, keeping the
continuity of what has already been attained.
3. The procedural design of the research should be carefully planned to yield results
that are as objective as possible.
4. The researcher should report with complete frankness, flaws in procedural design
and estimate their effects upon the findings.
5. The analysis of data should be sufficiently adequate to reveal its significance and the
methods of analysis used should be appropriate. The validity and reliability of the
data should be checked carefully.
6. Conclusions should be confined to those justified by the data of the research and
limited to those for which the data provide an adequate basis.
7. Greater confidence in research is warranted if the researcher is experienced, has a
good reputation in research and is a person of integrity
# Good research is always systematic- explain
Good research is always systematic because it follows a structured and organized process
that ensures reliability, validity, and replicability. Being systematic means that the research
adheres to a planned and logical sequence of steps, which helps in achieving accurate,
consistent, and meaningful results. Here’s an explanation of why good research must be
systematic:

1. Structured Approach
2. Logical Flow and Progression
3. Defined Objectives
4. Clear Research Design
5. Planned Execution
6. Avoiding Redundancy
7. Ensuring Validity and Reliability

Good research is always systematic because it ensures that the research process is
organized, consistent, and rigorous. This systematic nature of research enhances the
validity and reliability of findings, makes the research replicable, and contributes
meaningfully to the advancement of knowledge. A systematic approach also helps
researchers efficiently manage resources, avoid errors, and maintain focus, leading to well-
founded conclusions and actionable insights.

#Good research is logical- explain.