The research mindset

As my students are just about to complete my research, I thought that this may just be the time to write about it. As all of us know research is all about confirming old facts, discovering new facts and contributing to the existing body of knowledge. Social Science research needs to be empirical and trust worthy. Research has a purpose of truth telling. It needs to bring out the details that fail to meet the eyes. For this it is important to focus and search for the truth.

Research is a mindset. A researcher will refuse to jump into conclusions without sufficient evidence to substantiate. The burden of evidence compels the researcher to remain focused on the topic and dig deep to unravel the new facts. To get to that level it is important to maintain the rigorous pursuit systematically. Every step taken has to be carefully documented and adhere to the procedures of the methodology.

This is further reflected in the day to day activities of the researcher. A researcher does not make random statements about anybody, does not engage in any loose talk, is constantly looking for rational and pragmatic answers. She refuses to believe anything at its face value. This may sound a bit boring and dull. The research mindset will not allow you to settle down and be complacent. It remains ever fresh and inquisitive without becoming nosy about the happenings.

Life itself becomes a search to understand the nature of how things happen and why they happen.