Philosophy of Research: An Introduction

Abstract

The word research itself is a combination of “re” and “search,” which is meant by a systematic investigation to gain new knowledge from already existing facts. Frankly speaking, research may be defined as a scientific understanding of existing knowledge and deriving new knowledge to be applied for the betterment of the mankind. In the words of Wernher von Braun (a German philosopher), “Research is what I’m doing when I don’t know what I’m doing.” It is basically the search for truth/facts. The significant contribution of research deals with the progress of the nation as well as an individual with commercial, social, and educational advantages. Albert Szent Gyorgyi (Hungarian Biochemist, Nobel Prize 1937) writes “Research is to see what everybody else has seen and think what nobody has thought.” Research may be an important parameter to judge the development of any nation/generation. According to Clifford Woody (American philosopher, 1939), “Research comprises of defining and redefining problems, formulating the hypothesis for suggested solutions, collecting, organizing and evaluating data, making deductions and reaching conclusion and further testing the conclusion whether they fit into formulating the hypothesis.” The major objectives of research are to find out a hidden and undiscovered truth of the nature/society. There are various objectives behind undertaking research by individuals as well as various organizations/universities. Some philosophical objectives behind any research include:

Review Questions

• 1. Explain the term “research” in view of two philosophers.

• 2. Briefly describe the different steps involved in a research process.

• 3. Describe the different types of research, clearly pointing out the difference between an experiment and a survey.

• 4. “Empirical research in India in particular creates so many problems for the researchers.” State the problems that are usually faced by such researchers.

• 5. “Creative management, whether in public administration or private industry, depends on methods of inquiry that maintain objectivity, clarity, accuracy, and consistency.” Discuss this statement and examine the significance of research.

• 6. What is research problem? Define the main issues which should receive the attention of the researcher in formulating the research problem. Give suitable examples to elucidate your points.

• 7. “Knowing what data are available often serves to narrow down the problem itself as well as the technique that might be used.” Explain the underlying idea in this statement in the context of defining a research problem.

• 8. What is research design? Discuss the basis of stratification to be employed in sampling public opinion on inflation.

• 9. Give your understanding of a good research design. Is single research design suitable in all research studies? If not, why?

• 10. “It is never safe to take published statistics at their face value without knowing their meaning and limitations.” Elucidate this statement by enumerating and explaining the various points which you would consider before using any published data. Illustrate your answer by examples wherever possible.

• 11. “Experimental method of research is not suitable in management field.” Discuss, what are the problems in the introduction of this research design in business organization?

• 12. What are common features of good research?

• 13. How many ways the philosophical scientific knowledge may be classified in the research?

• 14. Explain Wilfred Carr’s concept of educational philosophy and theory.

• 15. What is the difference between philosophy of research and philosophy in research?

• 16. What is the physical relationship between learning and experience?

• 17. What is the impact of action research on the scholar’s learning?

• 18. What are philosophical features of a good research study?

• 19. Explain the role of a philosopher in an interdisciplinary research.

• 20. Write Short Notes on the following:

  • (a) Educational Research and Philosophy

  • (b) Philosopher in the Classroom

  • (c) Educational Research: Pursuit of Truth

  • (d) Interdisciplinary Research

  • (e) Pragmatic Theory of Knowledge

  • (f) Ethical Codes and Academic Independence