Meaning of Research.

Research in common parlance refers to a , " Search for Knowledge". One can also define research as a scientific and systematic search for pertinent information on a specific topic. In fact, research is an art of scientific investigation. The Advanced learner's Dictionary of current English lays down the meaning of research as "a carefull investigation or inquiry specially through research for new facts in any branch of knowledge . Redman and Mory define reaserch as a "systematized effort to gain new knowledge . Some people consider research as  a movement , a movement  from the known to the unknown. It is actually a voyage of discovery. We all posses the vital instinct of inquisitiveness for , when the unknown confronts us, we wonder and our inquisitiveness makes us probe and attain full and understanding of the unknown . This inquisitiveness is the mother of all knowledge and the method, which man employs for obtaining the knowledge of whatever the unknown, can be termed as research.

Research is an academic activity and as such the term should be used in a technical sense. According to Clifford Woody research comprises defining and re defining problems, formulating hypothesis 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 hypothesis. D. Slesinger and M. Stephenson in the Encyclopedia of social sciences define research as "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. Research is thus an original contribution to the existing stock of knowledge making for its advancement. It is the pursuit 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 methods consisting of enunciating the problem formulating hypothesis, collecting the facts or data, analysing the facts and reaching certain conclusions either the form of solutions towards the concerned problem or in certain generalisations for some theroretical formulation.

Approaches to research-there are two basic types of approaches to research viz.., Quantitative approach and the Qualitative approach.

Quantitative Approach-Quantitative Research involves the generation of data in quantitative form which can be subjected to quantitative analysis in a formal and rigid fashion. This approach can be further sub-divided into inferential, experimental and simulation approaches to research.

1.Inferential approach- The aim of inferential research is to form a data base to infer relationships of population, e.g survey method. It is done to conclude that  sample of population posses same characteristics as that of population.

2.Experimental approach- The experimental approach is conducted under a controlled research environment and some variables are manipulated to observe their effect on other variables.

3.Simulation Approach-Simulation approach involves construction of an artificial environment within which relevant information and data can be generated. It permits an observation of the continuous or dyamic behaviour of a system or its subsystem under controlled conditions.

Qualitative Approach- Qualitative approach involves study of subjectives assessment of attitude behaviour amd  opinions. i.e, non - Quantitative data.

In this case , research is a function of researcher's insight and impressions. It involes use of techniques such as depth interview , group interview , projective techniques etc. This approach involves study of non-quantitative data i,e characteristics or attributes, attitude opinion or behaviour . In this case , research is a function of researcher's insight and impressions.

Research has its importance in each and every field because it includes scientific and inductive thinking and promotes the development of logical habits of thinking P.M Cook explains the significance of research as that it is an honest. exhaustic and intelligent searching for facts and their meanings or implicaaaations with reference to a given problem.