Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
conceptualization of problem, a researcher frames
and reframes his/her ideas so as to reach to a
meaningful research program.
program, and other information on relevant
field of studies. These may help a researcher in
anticipating the outcome of the research also.
When a researcher has a better access to litera-
ture, the better he understood a research pro-
gram; as a result, each and every research
organization must have a well-equipped refer-
ence library. With the advancement of computer
and Internet technology, a researcher, in any
part of the world, is now better placed than
their counterparts a few years ago. Thus, not
only having a good library but also selecting
an appropriate library are important for the
smooth conduction of a research program. The
review of literature, thus, constitutes the inte-
gral part of a research program, in spite of its
being time-consuming, daunting, and, to some
extent, frustrating but rewarding. The review of
literature provides clarity and enhances the
knowledge of a researcher, improves methodol-
ogy in the context of findings, etc.
2.1.2 Purpose of Study
Any research program is guided by three “w's”:
what to do, why to do, where to do, and also how
to do. All these are guided by the purpose of the
study. The purpose of the study guides a
researcher to the type of research problem(s)
he/she should undertake, which means what to
do, whether the study is basic in nature or an
empirical one. Once the problem has crept into
the mind of the researcher, the immediate ques-
tion that rises into his/her mind is “why.” That
means what is the purpose of the study, why
should one undertake this type of study, and
what would be the benefit to human beings.
Next, he/she should try to satisfy the query in
his/her mind, that is, where to take up a research
program, meaning the type of research program
to be undertaken—experimental, social, etc. He/
she should have a clear-cut understanding of the
objective of the study. The problems to be
investigated must be conceptualized unambigu-
ously, because that will help in deciding whether
further information are needed or not.
2.1.4 Selection of the Problem
The selection and formulation of a research prob-
lem is the most important phase of a research
program. A research must answer the questions
“for whom,” “what to do,” etc. Once the concep-
tualization and purpose of the study are fixed
along with an extensive literature survey, formu-
lation and statement of the problem are next
steps. The problem should examine the issues to
be addressed and the path. While stating the
problem unambiguously, care must be taken to
verify the subjectivity and validity of the
background facts and information of the prob-
lem. The path of formulation of the problem
generally follows a sequential pattern in which
the number of formulations is set up, each being
more specific than the previous one and each
being framed more analytically and realistically
on the basis of the available information and
resources. In selection and formulation of the
problem, the subject area, the situations, the
resources available particularly the time and
monetary resources, etc., are required to be kept
in mind. Any research program is usually
associated with time consumption and possibility
2.1.3 Survey of Literature
Once a problem is conceptualized, it should be
checked and cross-checked for its possible
acceptance or nonacceptance in the light of the
scientific inquisitiveness. Extensive survey of
literatureshouldbedonesoastohaveacom-
prehensive idea about not only the theoretical
aspects but also the operational aspect of the
program to be undertaken. A survey of research
on theoretical aspects will help a researcher in
fine-tuning a research program. This will also
help in boosting the self-confidence of a resear-
cher in his/her line of thinking. The operational
part of the survey of the literature will give an
idea to a researcher on how to accomplish a
research program, what could be the possible
problems in reaching the objective of
the
