Research: Terminology and Process

What is research and the objectives of research?

  Generally, we use the term 'search' for the meanings, to find out, to know, to learn, or to investigate. Research moves one step further, is an academic activity that involves certain techniques to find out the truth. So, research stands for filling the knowledge gap, to negate the findings that already have been researched, to approve the findings with new perspectives. Besides, research helps us to enlarge the findings (add something new to the findings). Basically, research is a process that involves a few logical steps to conclude as a result of the findings. The steps are followed in an identical sequence manner so that the entire research work seems logically connected to others. First, we define or redefine problems and try to formulate a hypothesis or possible solutions to the research problem. The hypothesis followed by collection data (basic information) and need to organize and evaluate it, then finally, reaching to some findings (conclusions) based on the organization, analysis, and interpretation of the information collected. It also includes testing the findings regarding the hypothesis. Research is, thus, a close, careful, and systematic study of a subject.

 The objectives of research may vary according to the fields of the researcher and the profile of the researchers. The significant purposes of research in Literature are as follow:

• To obtain a research degree.
•  To acquire specialization in a particular subject.
•  To face the academic competition.
•  To improve teaching, to satisfy the curiosity.
•  To fulfill some academic need.
• To resolve a conflict.
•  To contribute to the collective efforts for enhancing knowledge.
• To sharpen the critical insight and literary sensibility.
• To cultivate own ability of abstract thinking.

Understanding Research Assignment

The research assignment is preplanning of entire research. The research assignments prepared well; it helps us to move further, knowing the things to be done. We choose (Scholar's interest) the topic on the advice of the supervisor. Aware of objectives, target audience, length and time limit of completion of the research paper, we start to going library or surfing the internet or the fieldwork (according to the nature of research). We always keep a research notebook to note down the working bibliography and notes extracting out of them as primary and secondary resources. We should also be aware of the scope of research to work accordingly. Research work should be explorative rather than persuasive. And preparing a research strategy that includes judging the merits and demerits of the resources, utilising the available resources, and the authenticity of the sources.

Selection of Topic

Research work begins with the selection of a tentative topic based on a scholar's research interest area. We choose the topic on the advice of the supervisor in the form of modification. He may suggest some changes, suggestions on the topic or in its wording. The topic must be of the candidate's interest. To make the topic precise or focused, we eliminate unwanted words to narrow down a specific question or problem. We should also be aware of the research scope/limitation.

Thus the selection of an appropriate topic depends on:

• Previous reading in the area of the topic.
•  Defining the purpose and the objectives in the context of the topic. Wording the topic in the proper form.
• They are making sure the availability of the required primary and secondary sources of the topic.
• The need and Knowledge of the previous work done on the topic.  
• And the relevance of the topic that entails the applicability of the research work.

The Road not Taken By Robert Frost

About Author

Robert Frost is an American poet who has undergone hard times throughout his initial phase of a writing career. As a poet, Frost faced a lot of ups and downs to get his poem published in America. His initial poems used to be published in England, having enough publicity there as a poet, came back to America and achieved the lost dignity on his native land. He is primarily a poet of the fundamental existence of human life. He composes poems aiming at the life of humans in the center. As Mathew Arnold tried to explain poetry and relates it to human life, "poetry is nothing but the anatomy of life", fits best on Robert Frost practically. The Poem 'The Road not Taken' published in a collection 'Mountain Interval' in 1916. This poem is well received across the globe, the title is well familiar among the students. Generally, his poems have been prescribed to high school level and higher education. Particularly the poem 'The Road not Taken' has become common in Indian universities and schools. The poem is figurative as depicts human life with many choices at that time people need to be judicious and thoughtful to take the right decision. 

Paraphrase

The poem consists of four stanzas, each stanza has been arranged in sequence manner. The first stanza introduces us to the poet who is standing on a road that diverges into two and goes into the yellow forest. the poet is not in haste to choose the one to move further. After much consideration and thinking about the suitability for his traveling to the final destination. The poet asserts that he can not travel on both roads rather will travel on one road as far as he can. Moving to the second stanza, the poet assures that what he has chosen is the outcome of much consideration. And he is also responsible for further outcomes as well. the poet finds himself on the equal distance where another road is coming parallel. Now the third stanza, it is early morning time and the poet finds himself on the same distance and perhaps he was the first on the way on that road. Leaves were lying, no footprint was there on the road. At that time, he was the first and last traveler who has used that road to reach the destination. He is firmly determined for his tireless traveling till the final destination. In the fourth concluding stanza, the poet much elated by his crowd less successful traveling will echo the same ages and ages. this is what makes the poet's journey with a difference.

Conclusion

thus the poem is much inspirational for youths who are on the journey of their career. Sometimes, our youths seem a little bit perplexed regarding their career option and their ability. The parents, sometimes, impose their wishes on their children for their future career is not fair or judicious. It is also evident that many youths obsessed with herd mentality or group behavior that create danger for the parents as well as children. The economical condition of parents and the ability of children should have the determining points for their future career.

For Contemporary Indian English Novelists