Research
Introduction
Research
is considered to be the more formal systematic intensive process of carrying on
the scientific method of analysis. It involves a more systematic structure of
investigation usually resulting in some sort of formal record of procedures and
report of results or conclusions.
Research
is an organized investigation of a problem. In its broadest sense, it is an
attempt to gain solution to problems.
Research
is the studying of a problem in pursuit of a definite objective through
employing precise methods, with due considerations to the adequate control
factors other than the variable under investigation and followed by analysis
according to be statistical procedure.
- APHA (1956)
“Research
is an abstraction and selection from an infinite variety of possible things
that one might study”. - Gowin and Millman (1969)
“ Research essentially is a problem-solving
process, a systematic, intensive study directed towards full, scientific
knowledge of the subject studied.”
French Ruth M (1968)
“ research
may be defined as the systematic and objective analysis and recording of
controlled observation that may lead to the development of generalisations, principles,
theories, resulting in prediction and possible ultimate control of
events.” - JW Best.
“
research is a careful enquiry or examination is seeking facts or principles, a
diligent investigation to ascertain something.” -
Clifford Woody
Research
and problem – solving
The term
research and scientific method are sometimes used synonymously in educational
fields although some differences are recognized , “ research is considered to
be the more formal, systematic and intensive process of carrying on a
scientific method of analysis ,” for the purpose of discovering and development
of an organized body of knowledge.” In problem-solving, the scientific method
may be informal application of problem identification, hypothesis formulations,
observation, analysis and conclusion.”
Problem
–solving
Problem
– solving is a systematic approach to
the solution or alleviation of simple , complex, immediate, long term problems,
characterized by sequential execution of the following observation through
action processes.
Ø
Identification
and definition of the elements composing the problem and interrelationships
among elements.
Ø
Specification
of crux of the problem along with theorizing about relevance of background
facts and theories.
Ø
Determination
and systematic collection of facts germane to the proposed crux of the
problems.
Ø
Analysis
and interpretation and synthesis of the collected facts along with previously
known facts and theories judged to be relevant to the problems
Ø
Proposal
of strategic courses of action calculated to solve or alleviate the problems
Ø
Selection
of a course of action
Ø
Action
Ø
Observation
and evaluation of outcomes of action , followed as warranted by modifications
of course of actions.
Research
Research
is a quest for new knowledge pertinent to an identified area of interest , i.e.
a problem, through application of the scientific process. Essential components
of the process are as follows.
v
Definition
of the problem, including what others have experienced, learned and thought
about the problem.
v
Delineation
of the focus for the study (specification of the particular dimension of the
problem on which inquiry will focus)
v
Determination
of the facts pertinent to the focus (selected from among those identified as
being germane to the problem)
v
Employment
of appropriate and expedient techniques and precise measurement for collection of facts, with due
consideration to adequate control of factors other than the variable under
investigations
v
Decisions
about degree of breadth and depth sought, which in turn, influence the nature,
scope and sources of facts, as well as the characteristics of subjects selected
for study
v
Submission
of quantitative and quantifiable data to statistical analysis
v
Selection
of the data analysis to be done ( statistical theoretical and descriptive) and
use of original imaginative thinking to reveal previously unrecognized
relationships between among variables
v
Proposals
of generalisations based on findings and applicable to populations larger than
the one studied-included will be hypotheses recommended for testing in future
investigations
v
Presentations
of findings and results of analysis in communicative and verifiable form.
Differences
between research and problem-solving
There
are some fundamental differences in the purposes of research and
problem-solving. The purpose of research is to reveal new knowledge, the
purpose of problem-solving is to solve an immediate problem in a particular
setting. And also there are many process differences in between the research
and problem-solving as follows
Research
and nursing process
The
research and nursing process are both used to solve problems. They require
specific steps of enquiry ,i.e. obtaining and making sense of information, making
decisions about the meaning usefulness of the study or intervention.
The
nursing process is used to determine health needs and plan nursing care for
clients. It is used as a basis for gaining and using information about clients
to help them, restore, maintain, or promote health depending on the nursing
diagnosis , knowledge from a number of disciplines may be used in the nursing
process to help clients solve particular health problems. Whereas in the
research process it is used to gain knowledge that can be used in other similar
situations. Nurses may want to gain knowledge about the reason, a particular
event happens or the best way to provide care for clients with a certain health
problem. The research process is used to gain knowledge that can be applied to
a whole group or class of clients.
The
research must utilize the many process steps attributed to it, and problem-solving
may utilize all the steps.
The
research process consists of phases or steps that can be compared and
contrasted with those of the nursing process. As stated above, both are
problem-solving processes used by nurses in practice. Comparison of phases by
the nursing process and research process is deiced in table 1.2.
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