In this article we will discuss authentic seven sources of knowledge for research purpose. Effort has been made in this article to highlight all the authentic sources of knowledge.
We will also give the answer of the questions that what are sources of knowledge in research | what are sources of knowledge in business research | what are seven authentic sources of knowledge in research.
Doubtless to say that the secret of our cultural development has been research, pushing back the areas of ignorance by discovering new truths, which in turn, lead to better ways of doing things and better products.
There is no alternative to truth and therefore, to research. To research is to get nearer to truth. What are different sources of knowledge for white box testing?
Likewise, the human knowledge works at two levels. At the primary level it functions as the basis of useful human activities, as when a teacher solves mathematical problems for the students or as when a doctor uses his knowledge to cure diseases. At the secondary level, knowledge is employed to obtain increments in the existing knowledge.
The activity that produces this new knowledge is known as research. All research is an advance on existing frontiers of knowledge. It takes us beyond the frontiers of present knowledge. Both are breaking fresh ground and improving existing knowledge and the proper functions of research.
However, the research adds to the existing knowledge in an orderly way. Mere aimless and confused grouping for new knowledge does not stand for research. The knowledge which accrues from research is verified and verifiable by anybody who may like to do so.
The process by which it has been derived is replicable i.e. it can be repeated and the stated results confirmed. It is objective and capable of 'third party' verification. However, people have always tried to understand, discuss, explain and control the things and events around them.
Objectives of this Article
- Identify the seven authentic sources of knowledge.
- Explain the sense perception.
- Discuss the role of tradition.
- Authority.
- Expert’s opinion and metaphysics in acquiring knowledge.
If you are finding sources of knowledge in educational research or sources of knowledge for research then you are at right page. Here we will explain all sources of knowledge in philosophy of education.
Sources of Knowledge | Seven Sources of Knowledge
There are seven authentic sources of knowledge. Sense perception, reason, tradition, authority, metaphysics, magic, expert opinion, personal experience, deduction and induction and science are among the system that have been used to acquire the knowledge.
Sense Perception
The earliest understanding of the environment probably came through sense perception as first source of knowledge in research.
It ranges from practical judgments and experiences in everyday life. The sense perception may be defined as a connected series of concepts that help people to make sense out of a chaotic environment and to function more effectively in it.
Although sense perception conclusions have been and can be valuable, yet they can be wrong.
For example, early observations of the learning process by educators and psychologists led to the sense perception conclusion that practice enhances learning i.e. "practice makes perfect".
Observations of highly skilled individuals such as musicians and artists who practice a great deal to perfect their abilities, probably contributed to this belief.
As a result, students have been repeatedly asked to recite the alphabet and multiplication tables and to complete large homework assignments.
We can quote here the renowned theorist Thorndike (1930) who argued that the results may not always be positive. According to him, the consequences of practice determine at least, in part, the effectiveness of practice.
Tradition
Tradition is the second source of knowledge in research. The dependence on tradition or custom is also necessary. We often refer to custom and tradition in the event of solving a problem.
In many activities and situations this ready reckoner serves the purpose very well. It largely determines our mode of facing the situations and mode of making adjustments.
The combine customs and traditions specify for us our food, clothes, speech, dealings etc. Ordinarily we obey the customs and traditions and avoid violating them. We try to seek explanations of the phenomena through the media of traditions and customs.
Authority
Authority is the third source of knowledge in research. When a crisis arises due to unforeseen situation or even in terms or storm, calamities and conflict, man often finds the tradition inadequate. He normally comes out of his complacency and to look for newer and better modes of behavior.
The savage tribal wise man appeals, to his gods in times of crises. The tribal chief/ sardar remains the supreme authority for many centuries and his subjects considered him as an all-knowing and all-competent superman. They looked to him for guidance and advice in their social, religious, economic, political and even private affairs.
Similarly, the example of a religious scholar can be cited who assumed the role of authority. The followers go to the religious leader for knowledge, advice, and explanation of the phenomena, domestic problems and medical treatment.
Moreover, the expert or the scholar is a center of authority to which we look in times of crisis still. The scholars, philosophers, economists or scientists are the most dependable interpreters of the existing knowledge, evidence as well as the sources of knowledge/ new ideas, innovations and inspirations.
The expert of discipline is considered to have a solution for every problem of the area concerned.
Finally, authority is a valuable source of knowledge but it does have a major weakness. An authority, whether a political figure, parent, religious leader or scholar can be wrong. Consequently, it is dangerous to rely solely on a single source of knowledge.
Expert Opinion
Expert opinion is the fourth source of knowledge in research. Sometimes in search of knowledge one can take the statement of experts who, because of their intellect, training, expert experience or aptitudes are better informed than other people.
Contacts and discussions with experts are also helpful to get knowledge. The participation of researchers in conferences, seminars and workshops and listening to the learned experts are very helpful in getting knowledge and locating research problems.
However, an effort must be made to find out whether the experts are recognized by other authorities in the field and whether they are in a position to know the facts about the particular problems under consideration.
Rationality
Rationality is the fifth source of knowledge in research. Rationalism is a system by which knowledge is gained by reason and not by experiencing the world. It is also called metaphysics.
It is a rational approach to knowledge of ultimate causation and reality. It deals with the causes and principles of existing things, not with experience.
Rationalism regards human reason as the only reliable guide to sources of knowledge. Rationalists do not believe that it is necessary to verify knowledge either by faith or experience. Finally rationality can provide a valuable means of knowing.
Magic
Another way an individual can gain knowledge and control the world is through magic. It is the sixth source of knowledge in research. According to Craig (1985, P.6) whenever magic occurs in its unadulterated form it assumes that in nature one event follows another, necessarily and invariably, without intervention.
There are two broad classes of magic. One is imitative magic and other is contagious. In imitative’s magic people attempt to produce a desired effect by imitating that effect. On the other hand, contagious magic is based on associations between objects or events.
Scientific Method
According to KerIinger (1983, P.11) science is the systematic, controlled, and critical Investigation of hypothetical propositions about presumed relations among natural phenomena.
However, science is based on the assumption that the universe is uniform and orderly and governed by cause-and-effect laws. It is also the seventh source of knowledge in research.
On the other hand, scholars are unhappy with the weakness of existing ways of knowing, learned to integrate the strengths of these ways of knowing into a new approach i.e. scientific method. Of particular importance is that deductive and inductive reasoning were incorporated into the scientific method.
In induction, observed facts are used to generate theories or hypotheses that are consistent with those facts. Similarly, in deduction, specific implications are derived from a theory. Sometimes, both inductive and deductive methods are used to acquire knowledge.
References
- Fred N. Kerlinger (1983) Foundations of Behavioral Research. 2nd ed. Delhi, Surjeet Publications, PP. 2-6.
- DeoboId B. Van Dalen (1973) Understanding Educational Research, 3rd ed. New York, McGraw-Hill Book Company, pp. 2-5, 10-17.
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