Phenomenographic Study of the Conception of Research from the viewpoint of University of Kurdistan Faculty members

When a researcher is involved in the research process what he does and reports depends on the underlying concepts of the research.In this article the implications of academic research from the perspective of faculty members were studied. An interpretive paradigm and qualitative research approach was used. As the researchers desired to study and classify different perceptions and experiences of teachers, so phenomenography method was applied. Purposive sampling method was utilized with the maximum variation. Accordingly, 30 teachers in different academic disciplines were interviewed with a semi-structured technique. Five qualitatively different approach emerged from the experience of academics as follows: research as professional responsibility, work of art, a journey into the unknown, puzzle and judgment. The openness attitude in research is the basis for understanding and meaningful appreciation of others. For example, variations achieved in the conception research may be a means to understand the problems or failure to complete courses of study due to the lack of suitability concepts provided by supervisors and students. Recognizing the diversity of experience in the research, the present study provides the basis for the understanding of some phenomena related to the research in higher education system which had thus far been partly understood. Since any form of diversity involves a different type of research orientation in relation to the products involved, the framework of this study provides a useful tool to assess the research performance of faculty members.