Definitions of Research

PA 119 Lecture by: Maria Rhodora E. Malicdem

 Reading a factual book of any sort is a kind of research. Surfing the internet or watching the news is also a type of research. Science does not use this word in the same way, preferring to restrict it to certain narrowly defined areas. The word review is more often used to describe the learning process which is one of the underlying tenets of the rigid structures defining scientific research.

Research Defined
Research has been defined in a number of different ways. A broad definition of research is given by Martin Shuttleworth - "In the broadest sense of the word, the definition of research includes any gathering of data, information and facts for the advancement of knowledge. Another definition of research is given by Creswell who states - "Research is a process of steps used to collect and analyze information to increase our understanding of a topic or issue". It consists of three steps: Pose a question, collect data to answer the question, and present an answer to the question. The Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines research in more detail as "a studious inquiry or examination; especially : investigation or experimentation aimed at the discovery and interpretation of facts, revision of accepted theories or laws in the light of new facts, or practical application of such new or revised theories or laws".

THE SCIENTIFIC DEFINITION

The strict definition of scientific research is performing a methodical study in order to prove a hypothesis or answer a specific question. Finding a definitive answer is the central goal of any experimental process. Research must be systematic and follow a series of steps and a rigid standard protocol. These rules are broadly similar but may vary slightly between the different fields of science. Scientific research must be organized and undergo planning, including performing literature reviews of past research and evaluating what questions need to be answered. Any type of real research, whether scientific, economic or historical, requires some kind of interpretation and an opinion from the researcher. This opinion is the underlying principle, or question, that establishes the nature and type of experiment. The scientific definition of research generally states that a variable must be manipulated, although case studies and purely observational science do not always comply with this norm.

Research as Defined at UPLB

Research is a studious inquiry or examination, an investigation or experimentation aimed at the discovery and interpretation of facts, revision of accepted theories or laws in the light of new facts, or practical application of such theories or laws. In UPLB, the classification and definition of research reflect the diversity of research activities being conducted in the different units of the university. These vary from the very basic laboratory type of researches to the high-end applied researches. The following are the definitions of the most common terms used in UPLB research and its related activities.

1. By nature
Basic Research - any systematic and creative work undertaken primarily to acquire new knowledge of the underlying foundations of phenomena and observable facts, without any particular or specific application or use in view. Applied Research - any original investigation to acquire new knowledge. It is, however, directed primarily towards a specific practical aim or objective. In order to define research and development priorities at the national, regional, and provincial levels, the Department of Agriculture - Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR) further classified basic and applied research into: Upstream research - any research project of basic strategic type implemented by national centers of excellence such as UPLB. Midstream research - any systematic work, drawing on existing knowledge gained from research and/or practical experience that is directed to producing new materials, products and devices, to installing new processes, systems and services, and to improving substantially those already produced or installed; these are technology verification and technology adaptation type of research implemented by regional SCUs. Downstream research - these are applied research projects with significant output for dissemination and technology demonstration at the provincial level.

2. By research focus
Commodity - refers to research undertakings that focus on product development of specific commodities like rice and other agricultural products or certain research fields like culture, breeding, and /or feeding of fishery resources. Non-commodity - refers to research undertakings that focus on socioeconomic aspects or interdisciplinary researches with policy implications to agriculture. Examples: Integrated Pest Management (IPM); mechanization; biodiversity; biotechnology; crop protection; and forest biology.

3. By stage of technology development

Technology generation research - focuses on a single factor affecting the productivity of a single commodity. Example: Studies on varietal resistance to rice blast. Technology adaptation research - evaluates the performance stability and replicability of technologies over space and time, conducted either in the research station or farmers' fields and done under the supervision and management of the researcher. Example: Testing of promising varieties of upland rice tolerant to rice blast. Technology verification research - compares performance of the improved technologies to the existing farmers' practice under existing farm environment. This research is conducted in farmers' own farms under the supervision and assistance of researchers. Example: Testing of recommended upland varieties in actual farm condition.

4. By location
On-station research - trials conducted in research stations where facilities for experimentation are excellent and accessibility to researchers is favorable. Usually, only the researchers are involved in formulating the research objectives and methodologies. On-farm research - trials conducted in farmers' fields with the farmers involved in formulating improved technologies to be tried or tested. a) Researcher-managed - on-farm trials conducted on farmers' fields managed by researchers who evaluate in detail the specific management components to be assigned to the cropping systems. b) Farmer-managed - on-farm experiments managed by farmers to find out how they respond to suggested improvements.

5. Scope of activity
Research program - a group of interrelated or complementing projects usually requiring an interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary approach to meet established goal(s) within a specific time frame. It is composed of at least two projects. Research project - a set of interrelated studies/activities or a component of a program with predetermined objective(s) to be accomplished within a specific time frame. It is composed of at least two studies or activities. Research study - A basic unit in the investigation of a specific problem identified under a research project.