AIMS OF RESEARCH AS A SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITY (Source: https://explorable.com/aims-of-research#:~:text=The%20ultimate%20aims%20of%20research,the%20accumulation%20of%20human%20knowledge.)

The ultimate aim of research is to generate measurable and testable data, gradually adding to the accumulation of human knowledge. Ancient philosophers believed that all answers could be achieved through deduction and reasoning rather than measurement. Science now uses established research methods and standard protocols to test theories thoroughly. Scientific research allows us to test hypotheses and lay solid foundation for future research and study. No theory or hypothesis can ever be completely proved or disproved, but research enables us to make valid assumptions about the universe.This gradual accumulation of knowledge dictates the overall direction of science and philosophy.

1)Observation and Description: The first stage of any research is to observe the world around us and to ask questions about why things are happening.Every phenomenon in the universe has a reason behind it, and the aims of research are to understand and evaluate what is happening.However simple the phenomenon or however easy it appears to be to generate logical and intuitive answers, scientific research demands rigorous testing for a truth to be accepted.

2)Predict: This stage is where you must make a statement of intent and develop a strong hypothesis. This must be testable, with aims of research being to prove or disprove this statement. At this stage, you may express your personal opinion, favoring one side or the other. You must make a statement predicting what you expect the final answer to be. You must, however, keep an open mind and understand that there is a chance that you may be wrong. Research is never about right or wrong but about arriving at an answer, which improves our knowledge of natural processes.

3)Determination of the Causes: This is often the purpose for many areas of scientific research and is where one of the predictions is tested, usually by manipulating and controlling variables. The idea is to generate numerical data that can determine the cause with one of the many statistical tests.Statistical procedures are then utilized to either prove or disprove the hypothesis and prediction.However, very little research gives such a black and white answer, but opens up new areas of potential study and allows scientists to focus on a specific direction.

4)Explain: After determining the causes, the next layer of the research process is to try to find possible explanations of 'Why?' and 'How?' things are happening.For most areas, this stage involves sifting through and reviewing earlier studies about similar phenomena. Most research is built upon the work of previous researchers, so there should be a wealth of literature resources available.

New Directions: Whatever the final answer, it can be used to promote a healthy debate and discussion about the validity of the results. The aims of research can then be fine-tuned, or may serve to open up new areas of interest. Either way, the store of human knowledge has been enriched and increased.

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