Law and You > Research Methodology > Logical Consistency: A Criteria of a Good Research
List of Sub-Topics
- Introduction
- Aspects of Practical Feasibility
- Importance of Practical Feasibility
- Ensuring Practical Feasibility
- Examples of Practical Feasibility
- Assessing Practical Feasibility
- Conclusion
Good research is characterized by several key criteria that ensure its quality, reliability, relevance, originality, clarity, precision, methodology rigor, validity, ethicality, transparency, significance, logical consistency, contribution of knowledge, practical feasibility, Generalizability, critical thinking, and replicability. These criteria help researchers design studies that are rigorous, ethical, and impactful. In this article, let us discuss practical feasibility as a criteria for good research.
The word research is composed of two syllables, re and search. The dictionary defines the former as a prefix meaning again, a new or over again and the latter as a verb, meaning to examine closely and carefully, to test and try, or to probe. Together they form a noun describing a careful, systematic, patient study and investigation in some field of knowledge, undertaken to establish facts or principles (Grinnell 1993). The simplest meaning of research is to search for facts, answers to research question and solution for the problem.
Scientific Research is a systematic and objective attempt to provide answers to certain questions. The purpose of scientific research is to discover and develop an organised body of knowledge. Therefore, scientific research may be defined as the systematic and empirical analysis and recording of controlled observation, which may lead to the development of theories, concepts, generalisations and principles, resulting in prediction and control of those activities that may have some cause-effect relationship. Some of the definitions of research in literature are given below which can help you to understand proper meaning and concept of research.
Practical feasibility refers to the extent to which a research study can be realistically implemented, given the constraints and resources available. It encompasses factors such as the practicality of the research design, the availability of resources, and the likelihood of successfully executing the study. Ensuring practical feasibility is crucial for good research as it helps in designing and conducting studies that are achievable and sustainable. Practical feasibility involves assessing whether a research study can be effectively carried out within the given constraints, such as time, budget, resources, and logistical considerations. It ensures that the research plan is realistic and can be implemented successfully.
Key Aspects of Practical Feasibility
- Research Design and Methodology: The design and methodology should be practical and executable within the study’s constraints. This includes selecting appropriate methods, procedures, and tools that can be realistically implemented. For example if a study requires extensive data collection, the methodology should consider the availability of participants, data collection tools, and time required.
- Resource Availability: Assess the availability of necessary resources, including funding, equipment, personnel, and facilities. Ensure that these resources are sufficient and accessible for the study. For example, a research project on new medical treatments should consider the availability of clinical trial facilities, funding for participant recruitment, and necessary medical equipment.
- Timeline and Schedule: Develop a realistic timeline and schedule for the research study, considering all phases of the research process, from planning and data collection to analysis and reporting. For example, a longitudinal study examining long-term effects may require a timeline that accommodates extended data collection periods and follow-up assessments.
- Ethical and Logistical Considerations: Address ethical and logistical challenges that may affect the feasibility of the study. This includes obtaining necessary approvals, managing participant recruitment, and ensuring compliance with ethical guidelines. For example, research involving vulnerable populations requires additional ethical considerations and approvals, which should be factored into the feasibility assessment.
- Potential Obstacles and Risks: Identify potential obstacles and risks that may impact the feasibility of the research. Develop strategies to mitigate these risks and address potential challenges. For example, a study relying on fieldwork in remote locations should plan for logistical challenges, such as transportation and communication issues.
Importance of Practical Feasibility
- Ensures Achievability: Practical feasibility ensures that the research objectives can be realistically achieved within the constraints of the study. It helps in designing a study that is achievable and manageable.
- Optimizes Resource Utilization: By assessing feasibility, researchers can make informed decisions about the allocation and use of resources, including time, funding, and personnel.
- Reduces Risk: Practical feasibility helps in identifying potential challenges and obstacles in advance, allowing researchers to address these issues proactively and minimize risks.
- Improves Study Design: Feasibility assessments contribute to the development of a well-structured and practical research design, including realistic timelines, achievable goals, and effective methodologies.
- Enhances Project Management: Feasibility considerations support effective project management by ensuring that the research plan is realistic and manageable, leading to smoother execution and completion.
How to Ensure Practical Feasibility in Research
- Conduct Feasibility Analysis: Perform a thorough feasibility analysis before finalizing the research design. Evaluate the practicality of the study objectives, methods, and resource requirements.
- Develop a Detailed Plan: Create a detailed research plan that includes a realistic timeline, budget, resource allocation, and risk management strategies.
- Seek Expert Advice: Consult with experts or stakeholders who can provide insights into the feasibility of the research design and implementation. Their input can help identify potential challenges and solutions.
- Pilot Testing: Conduct pilot studies or preliminary tests to assess the feasibility of research methods and procedures. Use the results to refine the research design and address any issues.
- Monitor and Adapt: Continuously monitor the progress of the research and adapt the plan as needed to address any unforeseen challenges or changes in circumstances.
- Ensure Ethical Compliance: Obtain necessary ethical approvals and ensure that the research adheres to ethical guidelines. Address any ethical considerations that may impact feasibility.
Examples of Practical Feasibility in Research
- Clinical Trials: A clinical trial on a new medication must consider the availability of participants, medical facilities, and funding for conducting the trial. The timeline for recruitment, treatment, and follow-up must be realistic.
- Field Research: An environmental study assessing the impact of pollution on wildlife requires practical considerations for fieldwork logistics, such as access to study sites, equipment for data collection, and collaboration with local agencies.
- Educational Research: A study evaluating a new teaching method in schools must account for the availability of participating schools, teachers, and students, as well as the time required for implementation and assessment.
- Social Research: Research on community health interventions should consider the availability of community resources, participant recruitment challenges, and the feasibility of implementing and evaluating the intervention.
Assessing Practical Feasibility in Research
- Review Research Design: Assess whether the research design and methodology are practical and achievable given the study’s constraints.
- Evaluate Resource Allocation: Examine the availability and adequacy of resources required for the research, including funding, equipment, and personnel.
- Check Timeline and Schedule: Review the timeline and schedule to ensure they are realistic and account for all phases of the research process.
- Consider Ethical and Logistical Issues: Evaluate ethical and logistical considerations and ensure that the research complies with ethical guidelines and addresses potential challenges.
- Identify Risks and Mitigation Strategies: Identify potential risks and obstacles and assess the strategies in place to mitigate these challenges.
Conclusion
Practical feasibility is a critical criterion for evaluating the quality of research. Research that is practically feasible often has direct implications or applications in real-world settings. Feasibility ensures that findings can be implemented or utilized effectively outside the theoretical framework. Feasibility takes into account the availability of necessary resources such as funding, equipment, and expertise. Research should be designed with a realistic understanding of the resources required for successful completion.
Practical feasibility includes addressing ethical concerns and logistical challenges. Research should be designed to adhere to ethical standards and practical constraints, such as participant recruitment, data collection, and analysis. Feasible research should consider how findings can be scaled up or sustained over time. This involves evaluating whether the research can be replicated or expanded upon in different contexts. Research that involves practical feasibility often engages relevant stakeholders, including practitioners, policymakers, and community members, ensuring that the research is grounded in real-world needs and conditions. The research should be able to achieve its objectives within a reasonable timeframe. Projects that are overly ambitious or time-consuming may struggle with feasibility, impacting their overall quality and impact.
In summary, practical feasibility is essential for good research because it ensures that the study is grounded in reality, with a clear path to implementation and impact. It reflects the research’s potential to be useful and sustainable in practical settings, addressing real-world needs and constraints.