All human being possess the very distinct & vital instinct of “Inquisitiveness”. Whenever we are confronted with something unknown our this inquisitiveness pushes us to probe and attain understanding of the unknown & unexplored.
In common paralance research refers to a search for knowledge. We can also define research as a systematic & scientific search for pertinent information. Basically research is exploring the use of the words how and what essentially summarizes what research is
“ Twinkle Twinkle Little Star How I Wonder What You Are”. It is in fact, an art of careful scientific investigation of finding solution to scientific and social problems through objective and systematic analysis. It is a search for knowledge, that is, a discovery of hidden truths. Here knowledge means information about matters. The information might be collected from different sources like experience, human beings, books, journals, nature, etc. A research can lead to new contributions to the existing knowledge. Only through research is it possible to make progress in a field. Research is indeed civilization and determines the economic, social and political development of a nation. The results of scientific research very often force a change in the philosophical view of problems which extend far beyond the restricted domain of science itself.

Research is not limited to the field of science and technology only. There is a vast scope of research in other disciplines such as languages, literature, history and sociology. No matter which subject it is the only criteria required is that the research has to be an active, diligent and systematic process of inquiry in order to discover, interpret or revise facts, events, behaviours and theories. Practical Application of the research outcome is the refinement of knowledge in other subjects, or in enhancing the quality of human life also becomes a kind of research and development.
Its a very vast and interesting field of study and one should be well read before undertaking any research work.

Author: Dr. Meenakshi Thakur