Good Research Considers More Than One Aspect

UIM will be offering PhD and Masters in Comparative Science in selected areas.

Comparative science is an approach that will give in-depth anakysis of a topic by offering two or more viewpoints for researchers to explore.

Universiti Islam Malaysia (UIM) is a pioneer postgraduate university in using this research methodology with the integration of knowledge and wisdom.

UIM president Tan Sri Dr Mohd Yusof Noor said the higher-learning institution would offer the doctor of philosophy (PhD) and Masters programmes in Comparative Science in September.

Yusof said in using comparative science, students needed to conduct research to further probe into the variation in opinion on a particular subject by analysing and justifying the differences.

"For example, two medical practitioners may have contradicting viewson the cause of a symptom. One doctor may come to a conclusion that the illness is the result of exposureto a bacteria and other external factors, withoout the presence of a virus. Another doctor may say it is caused by a virus and other bacteria".

Yusof said it was not sufficient to state the differences of the diognoses, but researchers also needed to look into the justification of the facts.

He added that in empirical research, the element of wisdom was lacking as it was not considered or included in conducting most programmes.

He said another example was on the effects of the haze on the germination of seeds in agriculture.

"The researcher may explore on the other effects of the haze to find out if any positive aspects can arise from it."

Yusof said there was also wisdom to be gained by studying the cause of disease or the occurrence of natural disasters. He added that in UIM, the topics of research include Comparative Science in Laws, Management and Finance, and Heritage.

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