Aren’t Research Questions and Hypotheses Indispensable for Literature Research, too?

Abstract

Many English literature researchers in India commonly operate under the assumption that they lack a specific research methodology exclusive to literature studies, apart from what is outlined in the regularly updated MLA Handbook. Consequently, their dissertations often resemble lengthy college essays divided into five chapters, with limited emphasis on the Introduction and Conclusion chapters. The concluding section is routinely labeled as ‘Summation.’ These researchers typically overlook identifying knowledge gaps, even during the literature review phase, and often neglect the framing of research questions and formulation of hypotheses. There seems to be a prevailing belief that literary research is inherently distinct, exempting them from adopting methodologies employed in other disciplines. This paper explores the reasons behind the development of an anti-methodological stance among literature researchers, utilizing a structured questionnaire administered to PhD holders in literature. The findings suggest that this attitude stems from a steadfast adherence to the MLA Handbook, which prioritizes documentation procedures over methodological considerations. The paper recommends that literature scholars should embrace books and stylesheets designed for general research as the fundamental objectives of research in any discipline are the pursuit of truth and the appropriate means to achieve it.