The Practical Use of Research

The Practical Use of Research The term Research is an often misused term. Its usage in everyday language is very different from the strict scientific meaning. The Oxford Dictionary of Current English defines it as the study of materials and sources in other to establish facts and reach new conclusions. The term Research is a multi-faceted concept that has attracted numerous views. It is both a process and an outcome. But no matter the dimension, it should lead to understanding of an outcome. Research refers to empirical data collection in the pursuit of scientific endeavour usually in the form of an experiment, survey or evaluation (Australian Psychological Society, Code of Ethics). According to Osuala (2005), Research is simply the process of arriving at dependable solutions to problems through the planned and systematic collection, analysis and interpretation of data. Research is a most important tool for advancing knowledge, for promoting progress, and for enabling man to relate more effectively to his environment, to accomplish his purposes, and to resolve his conflicts. Another school of thought defines research as the process of investigation, an examination of a subject from different points of view. It is not just a trip to the library to pick up a stock of materials, or picking the first hits from a computer search, but the hunt for the truth. It is also getting to know a subject by reading up on it, reflecting , playing with the ideas, choosing the area that interest you and following up on them. In other wards it is a way you educate yourself (Denscombe, 1998). Creswell (2003) identifies research as the systematic process of collecting and analyzing information to increase our understanding of the phenomenon under study. It is therefore the function of the researcher to contribute to the understanding of the phenomenon and to communicate that understanding to others. From the above definitions of the concept and from my own judgment, I can state from a broad sense of the word that research include the gathering of empirical data, information and facts for the advancement of knowledge. It also involves a dedicated system of scientific methodology that can be used by researchers to arrive at the right conclusion. The three definitions above are not entirely different from my point of view because Denscombe, 1998, seem to explain that research involves an in depth inquiry about a subject to make an informed judgment. Creswell, 2003, agrees with me that data or information obtained and process leads to an increase in knowledge of the subject. However, research is not only about the pursuit of scientific endeavours as stated by the Australian Psychological Society, Code of Ethics, (2001), but a social event as well. The limitation of scientific method must, however, be thoroughly understood. For example, science cannot deal directly with values. It can define some of the issues involved in making value-judgments, but the judgment themselves are outside the scope of science. Research is a tool for studying social events and learning about them and their interconnections so that general causal laws can be discovered, explained and documented. Knowledge of events and social laws allows society to c ontrol events and to predict their occurrence and outcomes. Research is oriented towards the discovery of the relationships that exist among the phenomena of the world in which we live. It is devoted to finding conditions under which a certain phenomenon occurs and the conditions under which it does not occur in what might appear to be similar circumstances. From the above discussions research is a series of linked activities. According to Atkinson and Bouma (1995) research processes has three main phases. These are phase one: Essential first steps Selecting, narrowing and formulating the problem to be studied. Selecting the research design. Designing and devising measures for variables. Setting up tables for analysis. Selecting a sample. Phase two: Data collection Collecting evidence or data about the research question. Summarizing and organizing data. Phase three: Analysis and interpretation of data. This involves Relating data to the research questions and hypothesis. Drawing conclusions Assessing the limitations of the study. Solution to the problem in the form of recommendation Making suggestions for further research. What Research is not Research does not include what is already known, but is reserved for activities designed to discover facts and relationships that will make knowledge more effective. Attempts to classify types of research pose a difficult problem (Best and Khan, 1993). This is because various textbooks suggest different systems of classification. These are classifications by: purpose of research; Method used in the research; and paradigm of the study. Research can be classified into two broad categories namely scientific or experimental research and social science research. For the purpose of my study I wish to explain research under social science. Social science research, irrespective of its type and nature, entails a degree of measurement. This involves categorizing and assigning values to concepts, and is diverse in nature and levels of operation. It is also a very useful procedure because it serves to ensure high quality in research. Diversity in research reflects diversity in the parameters that guide it. More precisely, it means diversity in the Ontology and epistemology that underlie the methodology, which in turn guide the research. Simply, methodologies produce different research designs, because they follow in their theoretical structure different ontological and epistemological prescriptions. Critique of my definition of research Concerns with the definition of research in my opinion may be raised by what I referred to as gathering of empirical data, information and facts for the advancement of knowledge, hence a critique of my definition. Flaws or weaknesses in my definition. There has been considerable interest in recent years in the role of philosophical assumptions and paradigms in doing research. During the 1970s and 1980s prominent concerns were raised about the limits of quantitative data and methods often associated with positivism, the prevailing paradigm. Positivism assumes an objective world which scientific methods can more or less readily represent and measure, and it seeks to predict and explain causal relations among key variables. However, critics argued that positivistic methods strip context from meanings in the process of developing quantified measures of phenomena (Guba and Lincoln, 1994: 106). The issue therefore of empirical approach to research has been justified by its success in measuring quantitative research. However, in more recent years, scientists have been challenged to explain phenomena that defy measurement and their inability to quantitatively measure some phenomena and the dissatisfaction with the results of measurement of other phenomena which have led to an intense search for other approaches to study human phenomena. This interest has led to an acceptance of qualitative research approach which does not need empirical data to discover knowledge. One cannot help but to stuck by the success of qualitative research methods in the marketplace of academic ideas (Atkinson, 1995, p. 117). The background of using qualitative methods to study human phenomena is rooted in the social sciences. This tradition came about because aspects of human science were unable to be described fully using quantitative research methods. More recently, the practice of qualitative rese arch has expanded to clinical settings because empirical approaches have proven to be of limited service in answering some of the challenges and pressing clinical questions, especially where human subjectivity and interpretation are involved (Thorne, 1997, p. 28). However, the use of qualitative research has its own flaws as well. It is unable to study relationships between variables with the degree of accuracy that is required to establish social trends. Empirical scientists who support the Cartesian framework believe that if objective measurement cannot be assigned to a phenomenon, then the importance and thus the existence of the phenomenon may be in question. Many contemporary scientists and philosophers question the value of this system, particularly in situations that include humans and their interactions with other humans. Data quality is very important for the research purpose and if care is not taken often, critics think the nature of data collection could lead to the production of large amounts of useless information. Empirical data should not be the approach of investigating social actions to interpret and understand the actors reasons for social actions, but to subject their action into reality. Information and facts Others may say that what may be a piece of information to one researcher may be irrelevant to another. Therefore how do we determine relevant information or facts for research? Quantitative research methodology has its weaknesses, among other things for the way in which it perceives reality, validity and the methods it uses as well as the relationship it establishes with the researched. Qualitative research methodology has been criticized, among other things for not being able to cope with demands related to reliability, objectivity, representativeness and the value of collected data. Advancement of Knowledge; Again, critiques think that in research people may omit evidence that may not agree with their opinion and could produce inadequate information which does not represent the facts. In other words, beliefs may be established on insufficient evidence. Therefore improper conclusions or inferences owing to personal prejudices may be drawn. The common response to these criticisms is that, these concepts are strengths and not weaknesses of my definition. With the underlying terms or concepts that I have used in my definition, let me consider the following; Empiricism. Empirism goes back to the writings of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, and is directly associated with the work of Francis Bacon (1651-1626), John Locke (1632-1704) and David Hume (1711-1776). Empiricism supports the view that knowledge come through experience mediated through the senses and insight can only be achieved through pure experiences. Empiricism assigns a high value to experience and gives primacy to facts. Hence, observation and experience offer the basis of knowledge. For Hughes, (1990), opinions are reflections of our impressions of reality. In a more radical form, empiricism argues that only things that can be verified empirically exist. What cannot be verified does not exist; truths that are not based on experience are meaningless. Quality of data. Often, data collection is essential for a reliable and valid research. Data collection entails decisions and action regarding the collection of the information required to address the research question. Data processing entails grouping, presentation, analysis and the interpretations of the findings. Examine and compare data after which data should be conceptualized and analyzed qualitatively or quantitatively. Empirical data are generally relevant for analysis. Research Information here refers to any relevant material that is useful for and during the study. They may include key informants, study groups, events and methods of data collection and assistants. Ways of Gaining / advancing Knowledge The means by which man seeks knowledge to his problems can be classified under broad categories; tenacity, authority, and science. The Method of Tenacity; under this situation people hold firmly to the truth, that they know to be true because they hold firmly to it, because they have always known it to be true. Frequent repetition of such truths seems to enhance their validity. People also infer new knowledge from propositions that may be false. The Method of Authority; this method establishes belief. If the Bible says so, it is so. If a mother says it, it is true. Life could not, in fact, go on without the method of authority (Osuala, 2005). The Method of Science; Francis Bacon (1561-1626) planted the seeds of acquiring modern scientific knowledge. He suggested that conclusion should be based on observed facts. The triangulation of both inductive and deductive reasoning gave birth to the scientific method. This method has self-correction aspects which it is believed no other method of attaining knowledge has. There are built-in checks all along the way of this method. These checks are so conceived and used that they control and verify the scientists activities and conclusions to the end of attaining dependable knowledge outside himself. A scientist does not accept a statement as true even though the evidence at first looks promising. Dependable knowledge is attained through science because science ultimately appeals to evidence; propositions are subjected to an empirical test. Conclusion: From the above discussions research in my opinion is a process by which we come to know what we want to know. It is a series of linked activities but should not be seen as a set of rigid steps to be followed. The obvious function of research is to add to existing store of knowledge and sometimes remove inappropriate or inapplicable theory. The three definitions and my personal own on research all go to add to further clarify the meaning of research as being purposive in the solution of a given problem, demands logical and objective approach, involves gathering data from primary and secondary sources. It also demands accurate and adequate knowledge about what already exist and how others have tackled it.

To Say This Is Enough :: essays research papers

Novels present different views about life. They often consist of stories about events that may be totally imaginary, or fictionally realistic. Writers usually write novels to present their ideas and comments about human behavior. Three literary works that poignantly shows their authors' perceptions about life and human behavior are 'The Lame Shall Enter First';, Joy Luck Club, and To Kill A Mocking Bird. Flannery O Conner shows what really matters in life in 'The Lame Shall Enter First';. The importance of faith and courage in a patriarchal society is imprinted in Joy Luck Club. Lastly, in To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee presents an agathistic assumption about human behavior. Literature is said to be the mirror of human behavior, as a form of art, it can also be used to show the quirks and flaws of society---such is the case in these pieces.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The assumption made by the character in 'The Lame Shall Enter First'; is that it is enough for a person to appear morally right, as if faith in God is not necessary. The belief that there is no God is presented by the protagonist, Sheppard. For Sheppard, intelligence and morality are the most important values in life. It is not important for him to believe in God. He does not believe in the after life, nor does he believe that he has to follow the Bible. For him, the Bible is another book written by a fanatical society that preceded his. Sheppard introduces that premise that God should be replaced by science by trying to impress its wonders to Rufus John. He reasons that since there is neither physical nor scientific evidence that god exists. Rufus should stop believing in God and the bible. Because of Sheppard's lack of faith, he gauges his value according to how many people he has helped.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Flannery O'Conner defies everything that Sheppard stands for by taking everything that Sheppard value at the end of the story. Rufus  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  John, the focal point of Sheppard's obsession on helping others, shows Sheppard the error of his ways by going back to prison. By refusing to be taken by Sheppard's persuasion of looking at the world in a scientific viewpoint, Rufus shows that faith is more important than being free---if being free means not believing in God. From the story, Flannery O'Conner takes the side of Rufus. 'The lame shall enter first…'; is the cry that Rufus yelled at Sheppard.

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Ben Symonds Clarke gets hit by a car High school student Clarke Greenbank, who was previously struck by a car, has overcome the humiliation and abuse and is now back on top of the social scene. On September 11th 2008, Clarke Greenbank was biking from his house to Harry Miller Middle School, located in Rothesay New Brunswick. He was almost there, he rode up to the cross walk and made sure the cars stopped for him to cross, they did, and unfortunately one of the drivers did not notice Clarke.Clarke was hit by an oncoming car; he was tossed off his bike and landed on his back on the hood of the car, he then rolled off the car into the middle off the street. Fortunately Clarke was not injured severely, Clarke says â€Å"My back was a bit sore for a few weeks and I wasn’t able to play sports or anything†. Clarke’s humiliation started once the news of his accident spread through the school, fellow classmate Colin Rachford says that the reactions of Clarkes peers were a long the lines of â€Å"hahahahahaha†, â€Å"Oh my god† and â€Å"Of course it was Clarke†.It was the school joke, people would often bring it up to Clarke, and he would get stared and giggled at while walking the lonely halls of Harry Miller Middle School. The teasing went on for a long while; Clarke says â€Å"I was literally known as the guy who got hit by a car for all of grade 8†. At first Clarke would become annoyed or angry when people would bring it up, by either ignoring them or tell them to â€Å"shut up†. These teasing’s continued to happen and Clarke was becoming tired of getting mad over it so he decided to make jokes about the incident. He was amused with the attention he was getting.Classmate Bailey Collins says â€Å" One day in class we had a supply teacher who made us tell our name and 1 piece of information about ourselves, once it got to Clarkes turn he said: My name is Clarke Greenbank and I got hit by a car†. Cla rke thought it would be pointless to let it get to him forever, from there on out Clarke was neither ashamed nor embarrassed about his incident but accepted as a good story to tell when he is older and has kids of his own and he says â€Å"Hopefully when I tell my kids the story of me getting hit by a car they will be more careful when crossing streets.Now instead of being known as the guy who got hit by a car, Clarke is known for his exceptional speed skating skills, great sense of humour, ok taste in music and his winning smile. From getting hit by a car Clarke has learned to expect the unexpected in life and to look both ways before crossing the street. Clarke is grateful that he was not seriously injured and from the man himself â€Å"if it was brewed there, it’s from there’.

Annotated Bibliography On Hierarchical Order Within South...

Evelyn Goh’s paper on Hierarchical order in South East Asia aims to explain the surprising peace and mutual co-operation which grew out of South East Asia following the post-Cold-War period. Her main argument is that it is the South East Asian states themselves which created this peace and co-operation through two broad ‘pathways’: Omni-enmeshment on a regional and inter-state level and the creation of a ‘complex balance of influence.’ My main criticism with her argument is that the current order in South East Asia has yet to be challenged by a substantial security crisis, leaving us questioning just how robust these pathways are. I also reference to John Mearsheimer’s paper on the ‘false promise of international institutions’ to provide further criticisms. Regardless, I found her analysis on how smaller states can create the regional framework for peace compelling – it runs counter to the two major streams of IR thought (re alism and liberalism) while explaining what they could not predict: peace in South East Asia. Omni-enmeshment Goh’s first ‘pathway’ is that South East Asian states have followed a policy she dubs ‘Omni-enmeshment’. By enmeshment, Goh means ‘the process of engaging with a state so as to draw it into deep involvement into international or regional society, enveloping it in a web of sustained exchanges and relationships with the long-term aim of integration.’ In layman’s terms, Goh is not talking simply about two states agreeing to co-operate on economicShow MoreRelatedLibrary Management204752 Words   |  820 Pages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Figure 8.2. Types of Departments Found in Libraries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Figure 8.3. Vertical and Horizontal Specialization within Libraries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Figure 8.4. The Flow of Authority within a Traditional Organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Figure 8.5. A Flat Organization Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Figure 8.6. A Vertical Organization Chart . . . .Read MoreContemporary Issues in Management Accounting211377 Words   |  846 PagesTown Dar es Salaam Hong Kong Karachi Kuala Lumpur Madrid Melbourne Mexico City Nairobi New Delhi Shanghai Taipei Toronto With oYces in Argentina Austria Brazil Chile Czech Republic France Greece Guatemala Hungary Italy Japan Poland Portugal Singapore South Korea Switzerland Thailand Turkey Ukraine Vietnam Oxford is a registered trade mark of Oxford University Press in the UK and in certain other countries Published in the United States by Oxford University Press Inc., New York ß Oxford University PressRead MoreHbr When Your Core Business Is Dying74686 Words   |  299 Pagesyou. But it will be on the exam. At AlliedSignal, Bossidy was one of the ï ¬ rst big-company CEOs to experiment with the then-newfangled notion of process management: the idea that horizontal processes (such as the sequence of steps from accepting an order t o fulï ¬ lling it) could be managed just as functions are and, indeed, that companies might even be managed along process lines. Process management has come a long way since then, and no one has played a greater role in its development than Michael Hammer