I'Ji-'O] EDITORIAL. 303 



searcli. Tliey are secured because of the end in view, and their 

 determination is dominated by the purpose and the use they Avill 

 serve in solvinfi^ tlie questions at issue. Investig^ation has sometimes 

 l)e<run and ended with superficial facts and observations, the real 

 meaning or significance of which has neither been disclosed nor 

 adequately sought. 



A research x^roject is constructive in design; it auns to advance 

 knowledge by considered steps, building up on what others have 

 learned and profiting by their experience and results. It is sometimes 

 necessary to verify the findings of others if there is reason to doubt 

 them, but the purpose is to use the information in establishing a firmer 

 foundation. The effort is not a mere repetition or imitation, but 

 embodies something original in method or interpretation. It is not 

 merely a demonstration that someone else was right or wrong. 

 Originality in research implies going outside of what is known or 

 practiced, and injecting something new in purpose or procedure. The 

 scientific method of advancing knowledge is the substitution of de- 

 tailed and verifiable results for broad, unproved generalities de- 

 rived from practice or from inadequate experiment and speculation. 



Original research concerns itself primarily with the things which 

 are essential to the solution of the problem in question, rather than 

 Avith matters which are trivial or commonplace in themselves. It is 

 the basic fact that is being sought. Some points which are ap- 

 l)arently small or insignificant often need to be studied because of 

 their important bearings on the question at issue, while others which 

 might be included are inconsequential and unimportant as far as the 

 main purpose is concerned, and do not affect the safety of genei'aliza- 

 tion. Once the central idea has been established, it may not l^e the 

 part of research to pursue the subject in all its minor aspects or man- 

 ifestations, for the making of such tests is largely a routine matter 

 not calling for special ability, which may be left to others or to special 

 occasion. The drawing of such lines calls for discrimination in out- 

 lining and conducting projects to maintain their fundamental and 

 constructive character, and prevent drifting into relatively unimpor- 

 tant sidelines. 



It will be evident therefore that a research project should be pro- 

 gressive in its conception and its conduct, proceeding in a systematic 

 and orderly way from one essential point to another. It is not a 

 conventionalized effort and it does not adhere to a stereotyped plan, 

 but the method and plan will be progressive although the idtiniate 

 object remain permanent. These develop with the investigation, and 

 the leader is constantly on the alert for new points of attack or means 

 of securing enlightening suggestions. Tlie watchword in research 

 is advancement, and that is what determines its success. 



