Lifelong Learning in Asia and the Pacific

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76 Lifelo
long Learning in Asia and the Pacific
objective is to discover lower prices so that the family is able
to make do with its small income. Another notion of research
is that of a RE-searching of questions and answers. There can
be old questions with new answers or new questions with old
answers or new questions with also new answers. The objective
of research to my mind in this case is to continuously raise
questions and in a systematic manner attempt to answer these
questions through different methods.
Key components of research: In this systematic search, there
are three components: perspective/framework; methodology;
and research utilization. The perspective provides the overall
framework for the conduct of research and is therefore
determining the other two components. There is no one single
perspective but, in fact, different and sometimes competing
frameworks. In the social sciences for example, one talks of
positivism, hermeneutics/interpretative, critical and lately, postmodern.
The perspective also sets the reasons for the research
whether it be for prediction, for policy advocacy or for
improvement of programmes and projects.
Methodology involves the gathering of information, processing
of information to data, and finally providing the means to
analyze the data. There are again different methods and ways
of gathering information, from asking questions (which can
involve large surveys or small group workshops) to observing.
For me, for example, attending conferences like this meeting is
another important way of gathering information (in this case,
to find out the trends and issues in the region). Whether one
has used a quantitative or qualitative approach will determine
the ways of processing the information that has been culled
from diverse sources. Analysis of the data, while critical is one
of the less developed aspects of the research process. Some
consider description as analysis itself. Analysis goes beyond
description as it includes interpreting the data and elaborating
on a possible explanation for such reality. Finally research
utilization involves careful planning of how to make use of the
data and the consequent analysis. It means translating data
into concrete policy recommendations. Or breaking down
complex realities so that action plans could be culled from them.