RESEARCH SKILLS
Research means well-organized and systematic way of gathering data and facts. It is required in order to investigate, analyse, study and conduct testing to solve an existing problem or to formulate an idea to improve the way of doing any particular task. The word research applies to everything we do in our life. We do research before buying a car, seeking admission in institutes, launching a new product in the market, starting a new business or to improve the running one etc. Here the focus remains on how the individuals or organizations can benefit from a fruitful and productive research by applying organized set of skills.
Research Methods and Types
An effective research requires precise, skilful and step by step approach. It is mainly of two types which includes basic and applied research. The purpose behind conducting any type of research is to identify the likely problems and provide remedial measures to overcome those problems in future.
Types of Research.
Basic research is mainly conducted to bring about new ideas and knowledge for the people and it is more generalized in nature. Whereas, applied research is carried out to resolve an existing problem or set of problems specifically encountered by people or various organizations. In order to conduct research (basic or applied), there are mainly type of methods followed which are commonly known as non-scientific and scientific methods.
Methods of Research:
Non-scientific method is used by the researchers where majority of information, data, references etc. are not readily available. This method is mostly used to conduct basic type of research. Whereas, scientific method is the sequential logical steps taken for a comprehensive research. It provides precise and accurate findings in order to collect, analyse, interpret and evaluate data gathered for the research.
Research Skills
Broadly speaking for conducting a good research, different methods are used in various combinations as well as timeframe. This process provides ample opportunities for the researchers to develop and apply effective research skills. Elaborated below are some of the main research skills being applied by the researchers:
# Planning and Scheduling: Planning is the preparation carried out in advance before the start of any research. It is required to be clear, realistic and logical for achieving research oriented goals. Planning utilizes efficient tools and reliable resources for gathering data in order to conduct cost effective research. On the other hand, scheduling provides effective means to monitor the targets set during planning, identify shortcomings and resolve the issues emerging during the course of research process. For example, in order to conduct an applied research regarding what kind of warm clothing is used by the people during winters in a specific region. Here an effective planning will ensure dedicated surveys to be carried out during winter seasons at places which are more prone to low temperatures. Otherwise, the data gathered may not be that effective for the research.
# Observation: It provides quick insight of problems and issues to the researcher and best way of collecting data in terms of human behavior. This technique is useful where interviewing is not possible or effective. In qualitative type of researches, observational skill proves to be more effective through viewing, listening, smelling etc. and the data gathered would be more accurate. For instance, different researches conducted on wild life by video tapping or photography (as in case of National Geographic Channel) is mainly through observational techniques and following the routines without disturbing the animals’ normal living process.
# Problem Identification. The quality of a good researcher is to clearly identify the goals of the research process. The aim of research is to either rectify the impediment in the system or to investigate a topic for additional knowledge gathering. Besides being clear and precise, the research problem should be researchable and testable. An in appropriate and ambiguous problem statement results in wastage of efforts and time. For example, it is important for education system in Pakistan to identify problems pertaining to substandard examination results rather than concluding that students remained least interested in studies.
# Data Collection. A good research requires effective skills for data collection from different but reliable sources which includes internet, books, newspapers, magazines or journals, interviews, questionnaires from various group of people etc. The choice of data collection depends upon researcher to be qualitative (as per human judgment) or quantitative (as per mathematical results). Therefore, finding and collecting data as per the research prerequisite is a time taking process which requires experience, knowledge in order to develop effective research skills.
# Data Organizing. It starts after gathering data from different reliable sources in various forms. It is an essential skill to organize data by excluding the irrelevant information and arranging the same for further evaluation purpose.
# Critical Thinking and Analysis. After organizing data, it requires scrutiny through critical thought process. It requires detailed investigative approach by formulating questions about specific research essentials and subsequently seeking answers. Analytical thinking skill comes with experience and is the most effective way to digest large information within limited time required for conducting research.
# Report Writing. It is carried out upon successfully completing the process and concluding the requirements of research. The important element is to highlight the problem statement as well as the consequences which can occur followed by remedial measures. Subsequently, recommended solutions are elaborated with the help of mathematical models or graphs to substantiate the research conducted.
The conduct of research involves various skills in a multiple combination of research methods. This may include planning, observing, problem identification, data collection, organizing, critical thinking and analysis and at the end writing an effective research report. The methods utilized to conduct a research cannot guarantee that the research conducted remained successful. However, skills used to manage the research would be the deciding factor for having an effective research process.
