Definitions of Research from Authors

 Definitions of Research from Authors


Written by Ari Julianto
Research comes from the Middle French word rechercher, meaning “to seek out.” It means writing a research paper requires us to seek out information about a subject, take a stand on it, and back it up with the opinions, ideas, and views of others. What results is a printed paper variously known as a term paper or library paper, usually between five and fifteen pages long—most instructors specify a minimum length—in which we present our views and findings on the chosen subject.

The word research is composed of two syllables, re and search.re is a prefix meaning again, anew or over again search is a verb meaning to examine closely and carefully, to test and try, or to probe. Together they form a noun describing a careful, systematic, patient study and investigation in some field of knowledge, undertaken to establish facts or principles. Below some definitions of research from various authors.

- Kumar Singh, Yogesh. 2006. Fundamental of Research Methodology and Statistic, Mumbai: New Age International Publisher. 
Actually research is simply the process of arriving as dependable solution to a problem through the planned and systematic collection, analysis and interpretation of data. Research is the most important process for advancing knowledge for promoting progress and to enable man to relate more ffectively to his environment to accomplish his purpose and to resolve his conflicts. Although it is not the only way, it is one of the more effective ways of solving scientific problem.

- Mouly, George. 1970. The Science of Educational Research Methods. London: University of London Press Ltd.   
The systematic and scholarly application of the scientific method interpreted in its broader sense, to the solution of social studiesal problems; conversely, any systematic study designed to promote the development of social studies as a science can be considered research.

- Woody, Clifford. 1927 of the University of Michigan the Journal of Social Studies Research. 
Research is a carefully inquiry or examination in seeking facts or principles; a diligent investigation to ascertain something,  according to Webster’s New International Dictionary. This definition makes clear the fact that research is not merely a search for truth, but a prolonged, intensive, purposeful search. In the last analysis,research constitutes a method for the discovery of truth which is really a method of critical thinking. It comprises defining and redefining problems; formulating hypotheses or suggested solutions; collecting, organising and evaluating data; making deductions and reaching conclusions; and at last, carefully testing the conclusions to determine whether they fit the formulating hypotheses.

- Best, John W. 1977. Research in Education, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentice Hall Inc.
Research is considered to be the more formal, systematic, intensive process of carrying on the scientific methods 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 conclusions.Research is but diligent search which enjoys the high flavour or primitive hunting.

- McGrath. J. H. 1961. Research Methods and Designs for Education, Pennsylvania: International Textbook Company, An Intent Publisher. 
Research is a process which has utility to the extent that class of inquiry employed as the research activity vehicle is capable of adding knowledge, of stimulating progress and helping society and man relate more efficiently and effectively to the problems that society and man perpetuate and create.

- Creswell, John W. 2012.Educational Research, Planning, Conducting, and Evaluating Quantitative and Qualitative Research. Boston: Pearson. 
Research is a process of steps used to collect and analyze information to increase our understanding of a topic or issue. At a general level, research consists of three steps:
1. Pose a question.
2. Collect data to answer the question.
3. Present an answer to the question.

- D. Slesinger and M. Stephenson in the Encyclopaedia of Social Sciences  
Research is the manipulation of things, concepts or symbols for the purpose of generalising to extend, correct or verify knowledge, whether that knowledge aids in construction of theory or in the practice of an art.

-  C.R. Kothari. 2004. Research Methodology, Methods and Technique. Jaipur: New Age International Publisher. 
An original contribution to the existing stock of knowledge making for its advancement. It is the persuit of truth with the help of study, observation, comparison and experiment. In short, the search for knowledge through objective and systematic method of finding solution to a problem is research. The systematic approach concerning generalisation and the formulation of a theory is also research. As such the term ‘research’ refers to the systematic method consisting of enunciating the problem, formulating a hypothesis, collecting the facts or data, analysing the facts and reaching certain conclusions either in the form of solutions(s) towards the concerned problem or in certain generalisations for some theoretical formulation.

- Walliman, Nicholas. 2011. Research Methods The Basic. London: Routledge.
Research is about acquiring knowledge and developing understanding,collecting facts and interpreting them to build up a picture of the world around us, and even within us. It is fairly obvious then, that we should hold a view on what knowledge is and how we can make sense of our surroundings. These views will be based on the philosophical stance that we take.

- Postlethwaitem, T. Neville. 2005. Educational Research:Some Basic Concepts and Terminology. Paris: UNESCO. 
Research is the orderly investigation of a subject matter for the purpose of adding to k nowledge. Resea rch can mean ‘re- search’ implyi ng t hat the subject matter is already known but, for one reason or another, needs to be studied again. Alternatively, the expression can be used without a hyphen and in this case it typical ly means i nvest igat ing a new problem or phenomenon.

 - Richards, Jack C. and Richard Schmidt. 2002. Longman Dictionary of Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics. London. Pearson Education Limited.  
Research is the study of an event, problem or phenomenon using systematic methods,in order to understand it better and to develop principles and theories about it.

Hope today's posting will be useful for all of us. Amien.