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.