Research, Development and Social Transformation

Abstract

Human beings are known for their inquisitiveness. There is an innate never-ending curiosity in human beings to comprehend what lies beyond the horizons: seeking answers to the questions- why? how? where? and what? These questions when channelled systematically using methods, techniques and tools to find out the probable answers are what culminates as research. Thus, research harbours on finding out the facts. It basically implies the methodical and systematic study of a problem. The aim of research is to generate information, verify the existing knowledge and arrive at new perspectives that would add to the existing gamut of knowledge. The underlying purpose of research is to bring about development that can lead to social transformation for the betterment of humankind. For research to successfully execute its main objectives it has to follow a process of planning, leading to a systematic study to seek probable answers to the questions. Researchers in order to conduct meaningful research thus, „subscribe to the idea that one does not know the fact unless one has conducted a systematic study‟ (Srivastava, 2004:2).