Introduction to research 3

Brynard DJ, Hanekom SX, Brynard PA

• Publisher: Van Schaik Publishers
• Year: 2014
• ISBN:
  9780627031991
• Topic: Éducation
• Subtopic: Études supérieures

Unique, accessible and easy-to-consult. Offers much-needed assistance to researchers in the writing and successful completion of a research report, dissertation or thesis. Assist researchers in their research methodologies with brief and up-to-date guidelines. An essential introductory manual for all students and researchers across a variety of disciplines.

1	Aspects of research

Learning objectives

After studying this chapter, you should have a general understanding of the field of research, as well as of the facets and relevant aspects thereof.

1.1Introduction

Human beings are curious by nature – they want to know more about things or objects to satisfy their curiosity. Consider a rudimentary example: for many years human beings wanted to know whether the moon was habitable, what its surface was like, and so on. With the advancement of knowledge in aviation, the construction of aircraft and associated means of transport, the development of rocket fuel and rocket construction, it was eventually possible to construct a spacecraft which could be used to transport human beings from the earth to the moon. The combined result of all the research pertaining to aviation, aircraft, rocket fuel and rocket construction was that man’s curiosity about the moon could be satisfied to some extent.

In order to land human beings on the moon, facts were needed for decision-making purposes and for explaining phenomena. It is obvious that the facts needed had to be objective, trustworthy and valid. Only by means of scientific investigation was it possible to obtain valid knowledge. By deduction then, systematic research is essential in order to obtain and evaluate knowledge. Presenting objective, trustworthy and valid knowledge, in turn, implies that a need for specific ethical behaviour from researchers exists.

The following rubrics highlight the importance, necessity and distinctive features of research, what research encompasses, as well as basic ethical requirements for researchers.

1.2Importance of research

The importance of research is closely related to the search for knowledge and the understanding of phenomena. Research provides scientific knowledge that can be used to determine the general applicability of objectives, as well as the efficient and effective utilisation of resources.

The knowledge obtained by means of research can be used to improve decision-making. This is especially important when one considers that decision-making in the public or private sector is based on verified data and not on intuition, tradition or mere gut feeling.

1.2.1 Reasons for undertaking research

Research is always undertaken with a specific objective in mind, inter alia

•to make rational, fact-based decisions

•to schedule work and to ensure that the actions taken are aimed at goal realisation

•to ensure the optimum utilisation of available resources

•to determine which areas, in the field of operation of the organisation, tend to be problematic

•to devise methods for the resolution of problems and the application of corrective measures through alternative strategies

•to increase the knowledge and understanding of a particular phenomenon

•to devise new theories and/or adapt existing theories to allow for changing circumstances, and

•to test the continued applicability of particular theories to specific situations.

1.3Elements of research

De Vos, Strydom, Fouche and Delport (2002: 78–79) quote from Babbie and Mouton (2001: 72) the so-called ProDEC framework of research that identifies four specific elements that are always found in scientific research, namely a research problem (Pro), research design (D), empirical evidence (E), and conclusions (C).

Subelements of the four abovementioned elements are:

•Curiosity about the unknown

•Searching for data to explain the unknown

•Satisfying the curiosity by finding an answer pertaining to the unknown

•Determining the truth of the answer

•The practical use of the answer

(Adapted from Botes, 1995...

Table of contents

• Cover Page
• Title Page
• Imprint Page
• Introductory Remarks ix
• Chapter 1 - Aspects of research
• Chapter 2 - Types of research
• Chapter 3 - Sources of topics for scientific research
• Chapter 4 - Demarcation of the research problem
• Chapter 5 - Formulating a hypothesis
• Chapter 6 - Writing a research proposal
• Chapter 7 - Basic reading techniques for literature review
• Chapter 8 - Methods for collecting data
• Chapter 9 - Preliminary investigation
• Chapter 10 - Data collection and sampling
• Chapter 11 - Data analysis
• Chapter 12 - Research report
• Chapter 13 - Technical aspects of report writing
• Chapter 14 - Academic writing
• Chapter 15 - Research ethics
• Bibliography (p. 92)