How does the new and existing knowledge can contribute to the research process? Explain with relevant points.
Answer:-
Existing Knowledge:
1. Foundation: Existing knowledge forms the foundation upon which new research is built. It comprises established theories, principles, methodologies, and findings within a specific field.
2. Contextual Understanding: Existing knowledge provides researchers with a contextual understanding of the subject matter. It allows them to situate their work within the broader body of literature and identify gaps or areas for further exploration.
3. Identification of Problems: By examining existing knowledge, researchers can identify existing problems or challenges within their field. This understanding helps in formulating research questions and hypotheses that address significant issues.
4. Literature Review: Literature review involves surveying existing knowledge through textbooks, research papers, and other scholarly sources. It provides insights into the historical development and current state of research in the field.
5. Assumptions and Mechanisms: A thorough literature review enables researchers to delve into the underlying assumptions, mechanisms, and theories proposed in previous studies. This understanding helps in synthesizing information and forming a coherent theoretical framework.
New Knowledge:
1. Original Contribution: New knowledge represents novel findings, insights, or interpretations that extend or challenge existing understanding within a field. It contributes to advancing the boundaries of knowledge and addressing gaps identified in the literature.
2. Interpretation and Perspective: The interpretation of new knowledge can vary based on the researcher’s background, perspectives, and prior knowledge. It may evoke different responses, ranging from indifference to excitement, depending on the individual’s understanding and context.
3. Synthesis and Integration: New knowledge often emerges through the synthesis and integration of existing information with fresh insights or empirical evidence. It builds upon the foundation laid by previous research while introducing innovative perspectives or methodologies.
4. Literature Gap Identification: Researchers can identify new knowledge by pinpointing gaps or limitations in the existing literature. This involves demonstrating areas where current knowledge falls short or lacks sufficient empirical support, highlighting the need for further investigation.
5. Contribution to Advancement: New knowledge contributes to the advancement of the field by enhancing understanding, generating new hypotheses, informing practice, or guiding future research directions.