SCHOLARLY METHOD Meaning and
Definition
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The "scholarly method" refers to a systematic approach employed by scholars, researchers, and academics to investigate, analyze, and produce knowledge within a particular field of study. It embodies a set of rigorous and thoughtful practices aimed at ensuring the credibility and reliability of scholarly work.
At its core, the scholarly method relies on critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, meticulous observation, and logical reasoning. It typically involves formulating research questions or hypotheses, conducting thorough literature reviews to survey existing knowledge, collecting and analyzing relevant data or evidence, and drawing reasoned conclusions based on these findings. The scholarly method also emphasizes the importance of documenting sources, maintaining transparency, and following ethical guidelines in the pursuit of knowledge.
Furthermore, the scholarly method places great emphasis on academic rigor and peer review. Scholars engage in a process of challenging and evaluating each other's work, prompting a continuous cycle of refinement, critique, and improvement. Through this critical exchange, the scholarly method seeks to foster growth and innovation in knowledge production.
Ultimately, the scholarly method aims to contribute to the broader understanding and advancement of a particular field. It helps to ensure that research and analysis are conducted with precision, integrity, and intellectual rigor, playing a crucial role in the development of new theories, empirical evidence, and intellectual debates. By adhering to the scholarly method, scholars strive to produce work that is both trustworthy and contributes to the ongoing scholarly discourse.
Etymology of SCHOLARLY METHOD
The term "scholarly method" is derived from combining the words "scholar" and "method".
- "Scholar" originates from the Old English word "scolere", which referred to someone who attended school or was engaged in learning. It later evolved into Middle English as "scolar" and eventually "scholar" in modern English. The root of this word can be traced back to the Latin word "schola", meaning "school".
- "Method" comes from the Latin word "methodus", which derives from the Greek word "methodos". In Greek, "meta" means "alongside" and "odos" means "path". Thus, "methodos" can be interpreted as "following a path" or "pursuing a way".
