Research Methodology Research Methodology and History Author: Dr. Sohail Akhtar Sakhani, Iqra Nazir, PhD Scholar The Beginning, Concept, and Definition of Research When humans emerged from the era of caves and jungles and stepped into the modern age, they set out to conquer the universe. They shatter mountains, conquer the waves of the sea, and are constantly engaged in the discovery and conquest of new things in the universe. New information and new research have become the focus of their lives. Man is conducting new research every day; he has planted the flags of his victory by controlling the depths of the ocean and the heights of the moon. However, research is a process that has neither been completed nor will ever be completed; this research process will continue until the end of time. The Quran states that those who contemplate the structure of the earth and the heavens are wise. The Formal Beginning of Research The beginning of research dates back to ancient times when people would share oral accounts or verbal information about an event. This generally refers to the time related to the Mythological era. Humans have always sought to verify any event, even if this verification was passed down by word of mouth. The practical beginning of research was initiated by the famous Greek historian, philosopher, and researcher Thucydides, who believed in written research. His era was from approximately 460 BC to 395 BC. The Father of History, Herodotus, whose era was around 500 BC, also emphasized the investigation of events. Later, scholars in Athens, notably Plato and Aristotle, laid the foundation for the scientific method of research, providing a credible path for researchers so that research could be properly conducted in light of causes, effects, and rules and regulations. In this way, research passed through stages of evolution to reach the present day, and this process will continue. My respected teacher, Professor Dr. Shafiq Bhatti, says that the day the process of research stops, the world will end, and the Day of Judgment will come. The Concept of Research The word for research in Urdu is 'Tahqeeq' ( )تحقیقwhich is the equivalent of the English word 'Research'. Research means to investigate an event repeatedly & to examine its reality. We can define research as: "Research means to judge or draw out the new facts of the events or problems from the previous information". or "The genuine inquiry of the events". (To genuinely investigate an event). "Literal Meaning" Upon reflection, the word 'Tahqeeq' is an Arabic word derived from the root letters Haaq-qaaq ( ق، ق،)ح, which means to attain reality. According to the Urdu lexicon, its meaning is: to ascertain the truth, to discover, to investigate, to search for the truth, and to confirm something by obtaining proof. B.D. Panda Said about research R = Rational way of thinking and reasoning (Deductive & inductive) (Rationality and logic) E = Expert and exhaustive treatment (unbaised & Whole some logic) (Skill in observing problems)
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