introduction to research

Introduction to Research : 

Introduction to Research Teaching & Learning Commons Presentation http://talc.ukzn.ac.za

Definition : 

Definition Oxford Dictionary : term “ research has French origins and appeared in the 16th century Rooted in the term “search” and defined as “examine thoroughly”. Research meant an “act of searching closely and carefully”, or intensive searching”. First applied to science in 1639 as “scientific inquiry” (Godin, 2001) http://talc.ukzn.ac.za

The OECD Frascati Manual defines research as: : 

The OECD Frascati Manual defines research as: Research within higher education comprises creative work undertaken on a systematic basis in order to increase the stock of knowledge, including of humankind, culture and society, and the use of this stock of knowledge to devise new applications. (OECD, 2002:29) http://talc.ukzn.ac.za

The South African Context : 

The South African Context Understanding social change as a specific focus Collective and individual development as a fundamental objective http://talc.ukzn.ac.za

Types and Modes of Research : 

Types and Modes of Research Basic research Strategic research Applied research Experimental development http://talc.ukzn.ac.za

Basic Research : 

Basic Research Experimental or theoretical work to acquire new knowledge of the underlying foundations of phenomena and observable facts without any particular application or use in view http://talc.ukzn.ac.za

Strategic Research : 

Strategic Research Also known as oriented basic research Carried out with the expectation that it will produce a broad base knowledge Likely to form the background to the solution of recognised or expected current or future problems or offer possibilities for solving them (OECD, 2002:78) http://talc.ukzn.ac.za

Applied Research : 

Applied Research Original investigation to acquire new knowledge Directed towards a specific practical aim or objective Results intended primarily to be valid for a single or limited number of products, operations, methods or systems http://talc.ukzn.ac.za

Experimental Development : 

Experimental Development Systematic work, drawing on existing knowledge gained from research and practical experience Directed to produce new materials, products and devices, installing new processes, systems and services, and substantially improving those already produced or installed This category has little or no meaning for the humanities (OECD, 2002:79) http://talc.ukzn.ac.za

Thank You : 

Thank You hansrajhr@ukzn.ac.za http://talc.ukzn.ac.za