Research in Rural Development Check Your Progress 4

List out the four types of research.

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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1.6 NATURE OF RESEARCH

Research, as explained earlier, is systematic and critical investigation of a
phenomena. It identifies the variables, collects and analyses data on such variables
to find answers to certain crucial questions. These answers contribute further to
increase human knowledge. Orderliness is the hallmark of research. Research has
to have an organic unity. This becomes essential if the knowledge which accrues
from research is to be verified; for, it must be verifiable by anybody who takes the
trouble to do so. In fact, research is considered to be a formal, systematic, intensive
process of carrying on the scientific method of analysis. It involves a more
systematic structure of investigating, usually resulting in some sort of formal record
of procedures and results or conclusions.

1.6.1 Characteristics of Research

The major characteristics of any research are; objectivity, precision, design and
verifiability. Let us look at these attributes more closely:
Objectivity: Ideally, research is beyond the subjective bias of the researcher. The
researcher makes deliberate efforts to eliminate personal preference resisting the
temptation to seek only such data that supports his/her hypothesis. The emphasis
is on testing, rather than proving the hypothesis. The researcher is willing to suspend
personal judgement and permit the data and logic to lead independently to a sound
conclusion. Objectivity is achieved through standardisation of research instruments,
choosing appropriate research design and analytical tools and ensuring dependability
of data.
Precision: Precision in scientific research is achieved through the uses of statistical
methods and techniques. As such, research conclusions convey the exact meaning
to the reader, e.g. measures of central tendency, variability, corelation, regression
etc. are the most precise expression in quantitative research which explains or
represents the truth. Precise language describes the study accurately so that the
study may be replicated or the results correctly used.
Design: In a scientific research, the researcher has to have a very specified design
of carrying out the investigation. This will imply that any scientific inquiry will, in
general, undergo the following steps:
– defining of the problem,
– statement of the hypothesis,
– collection and analysis of data,
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– testing and confirmation or rejection of hypothesis, and Introduction to Research:
Purpose, Nature and Scope
– reporting of results.
Only if the research has been carried out by using a specified process, it can be
replicated for verification.
Verifiability: This is an important characteristic of every research. Research
methods and findings presented to the professional community for other researchers
to analyse, confirm or reject them. Research is a social enterprise and its information
is open for public scrutiny. This characteristic of research, i.e. verifiability, is related
to the criteria of objectivity and precision. Only through further investigation or
replication of studies can the results of a single study be confirmed or revised.
Through this process, a body of new knowledge is developed and new questions
identified.
Verifiability is achieved primarily through two different approaches: first, analysing
the same data on the same sample through alternative analytical tools (statistical
methods), second, replicating the study on a different sample.

1.6.2 Types of Research

Research studies may be broadly classified into two categories, namely, fundamental
or basic research, and applied research. This classification is based on the goal or
objective of the research study.
1.6.2.1 Fundamental Research
This type of research aims at obtaining the empirical data that can be used to
formulate, expand or evaluate a theory. This type of research study is not oriented
in design or purpose towards the solution of practical problems. Its essential aim is
to expand the frontiers of knowledge without any intention of practical application.
Of course, the findings may be eventually applied to practical problems that have
social value. For example, advances in the practice of medicine are dependent
upon basic research in biochemistry and microbiology. Likewise progress in rural
development has been related to progress in the discovery in the general laws of
development through basic research in economics and sociology. The primary
concern of basic research, however, is the creation of knowledge solely for the
sake of knowledge. Its design is not hampered by considerations of special usefulness
of the findings.

1.6.2.2 Applied Research

Applied research is directed towards the solution of an immediate, specific and
practical problem. This is a research performed in relation to actual problems and
under conditions in which they are found in practice. Through applied research,
development professionals are often able to solve their problems at the appropriate
level of complexity. For instance, to understand group dynamics in a rural setting,
we may depend on basic research for discovering the more general laws of group
dynamics operating in the rural setting, but applied research must be conducted in
order to determine how these laws operate in the rural setting. This approach is
essential if scientific changes in rural development are to be effected.
It needs to be noted that there is not always a sharp line of demarcation between
basic and applied research. Certainly, applications of theory help in solving practical
problems. We apply theories of group dynamics in the community. On the other
hand, basic research may depend upon the findings of applied research to complete
its theoretical formulations. An experiment in group dynamics in a community could
shed some light on a group dynamics theory. Furthermore, observations in a practical
situation serve to test theories and may lead to the formulation of new theories. 11
Research in Rural Development
Check Your Progress 5
Describe the two types of research studies?
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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1.7 SCOPE OF RESEARCH IN RURAL

DEVELOPMENT
Research re-examines the special body of knowledge, concepts and theories and
tries to evolve a systematic theory and valid concepts. In the area of rural
development, research is conducted to know the efficacy of different programmes
of rural development so as to search for alternate strategies/interventions for
effective implementation of the programmes.
Identification of needs and resources, evaluation of programmes and services in
the areas of rural development of governmental and non-governmental organisations/
agencies are some of the areas in which researches are undertaken. Research may
be conducted to find out the problems faced by development professionals /workers
in governmental and non-governmental organisations/agencies and communities in
its concern with rural development. Thus, research in rural development embraces
the entire gamut of rural development; concepts, theories, methods, programmes,
services and the problems faced by development professionals /workers in their
practice.
The broad areas of research in rural development may be categorised as follows:
i) Village as a Community,
ii) Class, castes and occupational pattern,
iii) Rural economy,
iv) Land reform measures and its effects,
v) Peasant movements,
vi) Self-help groups and women’s empowerment,

12 vii) Watershed management,