What is Scientific Research ?
characteristics of scientific research
Scientific Research is an empirical systematic, controlled, and critical investigation of hypothetical result.Generally, it is conducted to solve the problems. It helps to find out the main causes and solution of the problem.
Scientific research is a step by step process. In scientific research , data are collected, data are analysed, data are interpreted and evaluated in a planned manner. Before the process of scientific research, the researcher always makes plans, chooses a subject matter and the methods for drawing the quality result.
Scientific research is the application of scientific method systematically to study the social issues or phenomena and to draw the valid conclusion.Scientific research starts with a specified research question and the formulation of a hypothesis to answer that question. Hypothesis always should be clear and answerable.
Characteristics of Scientific Research
Characteristics of Scientific research means the nature, features and traits of scientific research. The main characteristics of the scientific research are as follows :
1. Rigorous
Rigorous refers to the carefulness and degree of exactness in research process. Use of good theoretical base and good research method is considered as rigorous study in research. Research should be conducted by taking large number of sample so that the valid conclusion can be derived. If the sample is taken few then the result may not come exact or correct and chance of getting wrong result will be high.
2. Purposiveness
A research should start with a specific purpose. If research is conducted
without any purpose, such kind of research is useless. The purpose of the research determines the process of sample selection, data collection and interpretation.
Thus, if a researcher is able to set the clear purpose then he/she can avoid the major errors and come to the correct conclusion.
3. Replicability
If the same results is found while conducting the research again then the result obtained is considered as replicable. Scientific research
requires such quality. If observations are not repeatable, then our conclusion or results
are considered as unreliable. Thus, the research should be always replicable.
4. Objective
The scientific research should be objective . It means the results of our data should be based on the facts resulting from collected data and not on our own sentimental or emotional values. Researcher should not interpret the result from own perspective but based on actual findings which is derived from the collected data.
5. Testability
Researcher develops and tests hypothesis logically in scientific research. Hypothesis is the presumption of relationship between the variables. Such relationship is developed logically. Relationships are tested using various mathematical and statistical tools and techniques in scientific research. Thus, testability is one of the characteristics of scientific research.
6. Generalizability
Generizability refers to the wider applicability of the research findings. The conclusion derived from scientific research should be applied in large scale. For wider generalizabilty, the research should be conducted logically, carefully and systematically. For example, if a researcher finds that tension reduces performance is true in varieties of organization then the chances of generalizability of findings are high.
Conclusion :
Above six characteristic of scientific research together form the bases and criteria for the scientific research.Researcher should always know about these features of scientific research to conduct the better research. Some other characteristics or features of scientific research are precision, operational definitions, veritable, ethical neutrality, accuracy, abstraction, etc.
Also read :
Definition of Research and its types...
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