This is one of our several publications on
research method and research methodology. In this
paper, we support the idea of a structured and formal
approach to scientific research. However, there may be
many different exceptions to this as all types of research
problems may not lend themselves to research in the
form of pre-determined steps. Thus, the first preference
would be to follow a standard and a highly structured
and formalized scientific method wherever this is
possible. In case this is not possible, the second
preference would be to follow a self or scholar defined
scientific method, but the latter is usually equally
rigorous as well, with pre-defined and pre-determined
steps. The third and last preference: is to follow a free-
form approach where the steps are not pre-defined to a
high degree. In such as case, the researcher refines the
method as the research evolves and progresses and the
time goes by. However, we can only support a structured
and a graduated approach to free-form method, and the
reliability of output must also be always borne in mind.
As such, this is expected to be a vastly superior approach
to a completely free-form method, and could lead to a
vastly superior research output. The method followed
must preferably be documented, but this may not always
be possible or necessary. At the very least, the essential
characteristics of good science such as objectivity,
reliability, accuracy, comprehensiveness, rigour, and
precision besides may others must be adhered to. We are
aware that the quality of research output in developing
countries is low. Therefore, this paper also keeps in mind
our philosophy of the globalization of science, and the
enhanced quality and quantity of scientific output in all
contexts and situations.