10 Postulates of Functional Research

Always remember "THE TRUTH AND NOTHING 
BUT THE TRUTH"
Dr Abe V Rotor

 Living with Nature School on Blog

Search on, search on,

The mysterious and the unknown, 

Aim at man's welfare, 

Far away from warfare,

And find time to contemplate 

Over a half full plate.

- AVR, Research Institute, UST Journal of Graduate Research, Vot. 24 No. 2

Participants in an ecology seminar and faculty members

in Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas, with author, 2010.

Apparently this verse points out the aim of research, the deliverance of man from two major disasters which characterize his own historical past: war and hunger - which, still hang today more than ever like Damocles sword.

Research is a tool of peace; it is also a way to prosperity, an answer I can offer to the question, "What is the ultimate aim of research?"

To appreciate this thesis, we should first understand certain qualities of research. Research is categorized into two stages: basic research, that which establishes or confirms a fundamental knowledge or principle, like nitrogen fixation: and applied research, that which is functional and is of practical value, like employing Rhizobia to increase crop yield and improve soil condition.

Functional research makes use of the result of basic research. The unity of the two is a horse-and-carriage relationship. It is like saying, "useless each without the other." But for a country which can hardly afford the high cost of research, where productivity of farms is low, where half of the population is below poverty line, destruction of environment rampant, to mention a few dilemma, research in its functional aim is undoubtedly the priority. It is this area of research which this paper is concerned about.

10 POSTULATES OF FUNCTIONAL RESEARCH

1. Teach the young the DISCIPLINE OF RESEARCH

Start research education early. Research is not just a tool of the thesis student and the scientist. Even in the grades, pupils should be challenged to do research. It is a healthy way to search original knowledge.

2. Research on CURRENT AND RELEVANT ISSUES

Keep abreast with issues of the day, but keep close to those which have direct effect to the community, to solving contemporary problems, to tapping new opportunities to improve life.

3. INTEGRATE THE NATURAL AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

Pollution is both a scientific and social problem and must be viewed on both perspectives. So with issues concerning health and livelihood

4. LINK RESEARCH WITH ENTERPRISE

If a rice technology gives a high yield of 5 MT/ha, does it also mean to be economically viable on the part of the farmer? It is doubtful, of course, if the cost of production outstrips profit. What if the farmer gets only 50 percent batting average with the new technology?

5. Strive to make RESEARCH PAY FOR ITSELF. Make RESEARCH AS AN INVESTMENT

There is no free lunch in research. Someone, somehow, must have to pay forr the cost. That is why research must look into the opportunity to generate income at one time or the other. It must be part of the enterprise, integrated in its structure and programs. Thus, it is investment itself.

6. Make RESEARCH INTERESTING/ENTERTAINING

Research should not be drudgery. It should be a source of joy and excitement, as any discovery is.

7. Dig out the files and PUT RESEARCH INTO USE

Many researches gather dust in institutions and schools. Dig out those relevant ones and put them to use. Research is a perishable commodity; make use of them before they get spoiled.

8. Aim at the "GREATEST GOOD OF THE GREATEST NUMBER"

In short, target the grassroots, the masses, and the improvement of their lot.

9. Always remember "THE TRUTH AND NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH"

Do not just be truthful; you must prove your research to be true. Truth may be based on formula or historical data, above all, moral truth

10. Do not forget that there is always the element of PROVIDENCE

Serendipity is not just accident. Luck is often disguised grace coming from the Almighty. Pray, it works. ~