Am
faced with this hard topic which states boldly that there is no hope of doing perfect
research, and for me to simply say yes in agreement with this statement or simply
say no in disagreement with this statement would be naïve and not shallow
thinking. For what at first seems like a simple statement turns out to require
a surprisingly complex answer – one that takes us on a journey into the very
heart of trying to understand perfection. At this juncture I beg first to be allowed
to discuss what the words research and perfection mean.
The
etymology of the word Research is derived from the Middle French "recherche", which means "to
go about seeking", the term itself being derived from the Old French term
"recerchier" a
compound word from "re-" + "cerchier", or
"sercher", meaning 'search' (Wikipedia). Creswell defines
research as a process of steps used to collect and analyze information to
increase our understanding of a topic or issue (John). A Researcher starts
with a hypothesis or theorem which he/she the researcher needs to test in order
to prove or disapprove. That means the researcher has his/her mind thinking in
a certain way. Research follows a structured and systematic form in order to be
conducted successfully.
A
search for the definition of the word perfection on Google brings up a
definition of the word perfect as Having all the required or desirable
elements, qualities, or characteristics; as good as it is possible to be.
Sayings
about humans not being perfect; such as No one is perfect... that's why pencils
have erasers, There are no perfect men in this world, only perfect intentions, nobody
is perfect etc.; thus it can comfortably be said that humans cannot do anything
perfectly let alone research.
Some
one can argue that humans can be perfect depending on the type of research that
is being carried out. Take for example police investigations, a criminal will
be grab after investigation/research into the case with the aid of exhibits,
crime scene and interrogations of the suspects.
Religious
people believe conceptually that no one is perfect except God, this concept is
expressed throughout the bible in the books of Mark, Luke, Romans, Psalms and
so many others. Based on my strong beliefs in Christianity, there is no hope of
doing a perfect research.
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