Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
plans. Generally this type of research doesn't
include strong theoretical basis with high com-
plex method of analysis; rather, it is directed
towards mitigating immediate problems under a
given situation.
Laboratory experiments are characterized by its
replicability.
1.2.8.13 Field Research
Field research is a type of research that is not
necessarily confined to laboratories. By field
research, we generally mean researches were
carried out under field conditions; field
conditions may be agricultural, industrial, social,
psychological, and so on. Field experiments are
the major tools in psychology, sociology, educa-
tion, industry, business, agriculture, etc. An
experimenter may or may not have control over
the variables. Field research may be an ex post
facto research. It may be an exploratory in nature
and may be a survey type of research. Field
research can be very well suited for testing
hypothesis and theories. In order to conduct a
field research, an experimenter is required to
have high social experimental, psychological,
and other knowledge.
1.2.8.11 Historical Research
Historical research means an investigation of the
past. In this type of research, past information is
noted and analyzed to interpret the condition
existed during the period of investigations. It
may be a cross-sectional research or a time series
research. This method utilizes sources like
documents, remains, etc., to study past events
or ideas, including the philosophies of people
and groups at any remote point in time. In
forecasting generally the past records are
analyzed to find out the trends and behaviors of
a particular subject of interest. These are some-
times mathematically modeled to extrapolate the
future of a phenomenon with an assumption that
past situations will likely continue in the future.
The Delphi and expert opinion methods are
examples of using such historical method of
research in solving research problems.
1.2.8.14 Intervention Research
Interventional research mainly aimed at
searching for the type of interventions required
to improve upon the quality of life. Its main
objective is to get an answer to the type of
intermediaries and intervention (may be institu-
tional, formal, informal, and others) required to
solve a particular problem. Once the finding of an
interventional research is obtained, the govern-
ment and other agencies work out an intervention
strategy. For example, it is decided that to ensure
food and nutrition security by 2020, the produc-
tivity should increase at 3% per annum. The
question is not only related to what should be
the strategy to achieve the target but also related
to what should be the appropriate steps; what
should be the role of government, quasi-
government, and nongovernment agencies; and
what are technical, socioeconomic, and other
interventions required at different levels—
intervention research is the only solution.
In business, let a particular house wants to
popularized their products to the consumer.
Now research is required to answer the questions
what should be the marketing/promotional/inter-
mediary strategies to reach to the consumer, in
1.2.8.12 Laboratory Research
Laboratory research is one of the most powerful
techniques in getting answers a researcher has in
his or her mind. Laboratory research is also one of
the wings of experimental research. It may com-
bine with field research or may work indepen-
dently. Modern scientific research is heavily
dependent on laboratory/instrumental facilities
available to researchers. A better laboratory facil-
ity in conjunction with tremendous inquisitive-
ness of a researcher may lead to an icebreaking
scientific achievement for the betterment of
human life. There are so many good popular,
renowned laboratories in the world which con-
tinue to contribute to the knowledge bank not
only by genius scientists but also by the facilities
available to them. Under laboratory condition, a
research is being carried out to some extent under
control conditions. In laboratory research, an
experimenter has the freedom to manipulate
some variables while keeping others constant.
