Test as Tool for Effective Research in the Humanities

Abstract

Research, the painstaking gathering and verification of evidence that builds into ideas that should lead to the resolution of given problems, is one scholarly endeavour that has impacted greatly on the quality of man's life. As a result, considerable resources are devoted to research in different disciplines and at various levels of education across the world years in years out. In spite of the importance of research, it would seem that man has not applied it rigorously enough for problem solving, especially in the humanities, which include the arts, social sciences, law and education. It is possible for research in these academic areas to be strengthened with more purposeful use of tests, which are carefully designed instruments for gathering information that could lead to balanced judgements regarding knowledge dissemination and application. Thus, this paper is an attempt to advocate more appropriate use of test in the conduct of research in the humanities. In so doing, the paper explores the meaning, nature and scope of test and suggests ways of more effectively suiting it to research.

Keywords

• test
• research
• humanities