Introduction to Research:

UNIT 1 INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH: Purpose, Nature and Scope

PURPOSE, NATURE AND SCOPE

Structure
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Objectives
1.2 Meaning of Research and Scientific Research
1.2.1 Research
1.2.2 Scientific Research
1.3 Conceptual Foundations of Scientific Research
1.3.1 Facts and Theory
1.3.2 Hypothesis and Theory
1.3.3 Purpose of Theory
1.3.4 Developing a Theory
1.4 Scientific Approach
1.4.1 Use of Scientific Method in Social Science
1.4.2 Possibilities and Limitations of Use of Scientific Method in Social Sciences
[Link] Complexity of Subject Matter
[Link] Difficulties in Observation
[Link] Difficulties in Replication
[Link] Interaction between an Observer and Subjects
[Link] Difficulties in Control
[Link] Problems of Measurement
1.5 Classification of Research
1.5.1 Exploratory or Formulative Research
1.5.2 Descriptive Research
1.5.3 Diagnostic Research
1.5.4 Evaluative Research
1.6 Nature of Research
1.6.1 Characteristics of Research
1.6.2 Types of Research
[Link] Fundamental Research
[Link] Applied Research
1.7 Scope of Research in Rural Development
1.8 Let Us Sum Up
1.9 Check Your Progress: The Key

1.0 INTRODUCTION
Research is a process by which one acquires dependable and useful information
about a phenomenon or a process. It may be broadly defined “as a systematic
inquiry towards understanding a complex social phenomenon or a process”. It
follows the scientific approach to gain knowledge. The most important characteristic
of this approach is its thrust on objectivity. To what extent is the research using
scientific approach is useful in studying the problems of society? How can we
acquire reliable knowledge about the various aspects of human experience? To be
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Research in Rural Development more specific how can the scientific approach be of value in understanding social
phenomena? In this Unit we will discuss these questions. Our approach would be
first, to understand the meaning of the terms ‘research’ and ‘scientific research’
then to examine the scientific method, its application in social sciences, its
assumptions and finally to take a close look at the approach to find out how it can
help rural development professionals to understand the problems of rural
development.

1.1 OBJECTIVES
On the completion of this unit, you should be able to :

explain the meaning and importance of research;

state the purpose of research;

describe the nature of research; and

identify the areas of rural development in which research is being increasingly
undertaken.

1.2 MEANING OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC

RESEARCH
1.2.1 Research
When we observe certain objects or phenomena, we are often unaware of our
biases, we do not question them and so we attribute our observations entirely to the
objects or phenomena being observed. In this process, it is possible to arrive at
right decision on the basis of wrong reasons or vice versa. This questions the process
of observation. Was the observation error free? Every method of knowing has
certain limitations. While observing are we aware of our limitations? Any study to
create new knowledge or aims to increase existing fund of knowledge may it be
through observation or by some other methods, is called research if it takes into
account the biases, the errors and limitations. As such, research may be described
as systematic and critical investigation of phenomena toward increasing the stream
of knowledge.
Research in rural development is the application of research methods to the
production of knowledge that rural development professionals need to solve
problems they confront in the practice of rural development. The knowledge is
useful in appraising the effectiveness of methods and techniques of rural
development. It provides information that can be taken into consideration by
development professionals prior to making decisions, that affect their clients,
programmes, services or agencies such as use of alternative intervention techniques
or change or modification of programme/client objectives and so forth.
Following are some of the examples where research methods are used in rural
development:

a community worker is interested in obtaining information about the actual or
potential effectiveness of the individuals, couples or families in a rural
community,

a group worker wishes to assess the extent to which the technique of role play
is more or less effective than group discussion in increasing knowledge of
2 members of a self-help group;

a community organiser wants to know the views of the community before he/ Introduction to Research:
she takes a decision to change the programme objectives; Purpose, Nature and Scope

the director of a community welfare centre wants to know whether an income

generation scheme is as effective as a self-help group in enhancing women’s
empowerment; and

an administrator is concerned about effectiveness of implementation of new
programme launched. These are some of the situations, which call for application
of research methods and techniques in rural development.
Research offers an opportunity for all development professionals to make differences
in their practice. There is no doubt about the fact that development professionals
will be more effective practitioner guided by the findings of research. Research
deals with those methods and issues, which are useful in evaluating programmes
and practices.

1.2.2 Scientific Research

Science aims at description, explanation and understanding of various objects or
phenomena in nature. Research is a special endeavour, which involves systematic
and critical investigation towards increasing the stream of knowledge. Now it is
easier to define scientific research. We may define scientific research as a
“systematic and critical investigation about the natural phenomena to describe, explain
and finally to understand the relations among them”.

Check Your Progress 1

Define the terms ‘research’ and ‘scientific research’. Illustrate your answer
with examples from the area of rural development.
Note: a) Space is given below for your answer.
b) Compare your answer with the one given at the end of this unit.
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1.3 CONCEPTUAL FOUNDATIONS OF SCIENTIFIC

RESEARCH
1.3.1 Facts and Theory
Social sciences primarily deal with human behaviour, which is, by and large, complex
and dynamic in nature. One cannot, therefore investigate under guided conditions as 3