Page 12 - DLIS401_METHODOLOGY_OF_RESEARCH_AND_STATISTICAL_TECHNIQUES

Unit 1: Concept of Research

1.3 The Purpose of Research Notes

The purpose of research can be a complicated issue and varies across different scientific fields
and disciplines. At the most basic level, research can be split, loosely, into two types, ‘pure
research’ and ‘applied research’.
Both of these types follow the same structures and protocols for propagating and testing
hypotheses and predictions, but vary slightly in their ultimate purpose. An excellent example
for illustrating the difference is by using pure and applied mathematics.
Pure maths is concerned with understanding underlying abstract principles and describing
them with elegant theories. Applied maths, by contrast, uses these equations to explain real
life phenomena, such as mechanics, ecology and gravity.

1.3.1 Pure Scientific Research

Some science, often referred to as ‘pure science’, is about explaining the world around us and
trying to understand how the universe operates. It is about finding out what is already there
without any greater purpose of research than the explanation itself. It is a direct descendent
of philosophy, where philosophers and scientists try to understand the underlying principles
of existence.
Whilst offering no direct benefits, pure research often has indirect benefits, which can contribute
greatly to the advancement of humanity. For example, pure research into the structure of the
atom has led to x-rays, nuclear power and silicon chips.

Did u know? Research inculcates scientific and inductive thinking and it promotes the
development of logical habits of thinking and organisation.

1.3.2 Applied Scientific Research
Applied scientists might look for answers to specific questions that help humanity, for example
medical research or environmental studies. Such research generally takes a specific question
and tries to find a definitive and comprehensive answer.
The purpose of research is about testing theories, often generated by pure science, and applying
them to real situations, addressing more than just abstract principles. Applied scientific research
can be about finding out the answer to a specific problem, such as ‘Is global warming avoidable?’
or ‘Does a new type of medicine really help the patients?’

1.3.3 Generating Testable Data

However, they all involve generating a theory to explain why something is happening and
using the full battery of scientific tools and methods to test it rigorously. This process opens
up new areas for further study and a continued refinement of the hypotheses.
Observation is not accurate enough, with statistically testable and analyzable data the only
results accepted across all scientific disciplines. The exact nature of the experimental process
may vary, but they all adhere to the same basic principles.
Scientists can be opinionated, like anybody else, and often will adhere to their own
theories, even if the evidence shows otherwise. Research is a tool by which they can test

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