Why originality in research is very essential

Originality and critical analysis. Originality in an academic context. See our webpage for further information on Critical thinking The next section describes the strategies and models used in research. Close Font Resize. Keyboard navigation. Readable Font. It can merely be new to the research situation or the discipline. Even well-known and already published data can lead to 'originality' if tested in new situations.

It is both feasible and acceptable for researchers to make something original and significant with secondary data, i.

This route to originality is often overlooked by research students. Things may go so badly wrong on the expedition that it has to be abandoned with seemingly nothing achieved. Yet, the illnesses of the team could be used to testify to the diseases that are rampant in the area. Or the torrential storms that washed away the collections of specimens could be monitored for interpretation in terms of what is already known about storms in that type of terrain.

Neither of these would have been the purpose of the expedition, but they would be none the less valuable and count as original and significant outcomes. Similarly, the student may be able to capitalise on things that seem to go wrong. Important equipment may not work; crucial resources may not be available; people may not agree to be interviewed; funding may be withdrawn; or there may be other serious and unforeseen obstacles. Just as in the analogy, a little creative thinking can rescue the situation, which is the primary reason for the third role in which students need to operate.

There are almost always by-products during any research, perhaps the development of a certain piece of equipment or some interesting secondary findings in the literature. These can be moved into the mainstream, focused on or developed further.

When the thesis or dissertation is written, the research problem , theme or focus merely needs to be reformulated to reflect the new nature of the work. There is nothing at all dishonest about this.

Whatever happens on the expedition, the explorer should, provided that he did not give up and return home early, have some interesting stories to tell. Chapter 3 Originality and Contribution Search form. Show page numbers Download PDF. Search form icon-arrow-top icon-arrow-top. Page Site Advanced. Conclusion: Originality in the PhD is a subjective concept and is not the only consideration for examiners.

Of comparable importance is the assessment of the student's ability to demonstrate independence of thought and increasing maturity so they can become independent researchers. It is intended to help guide and reassure current and potential PhD students.