Taetae

Research

Research: Definition

A careful consideration of study regarding a particular concern or problem using scientific methods.

OR

According to the American sociologist Earl Robert Babbie, “Research is a systematic inquiry to describe, explain, predict, and control the observed phenomenon. Research involves inductive and deductive methods.”

Kerlinger (1986) provides us with a more formal definition: “Scientific research is systematic, controlled, empirical, and critical investigation of hypothetical propositions about the presumed relations among natural phenomena”

Another definition of research is given by Creswell who states that – “Research is a process of steps used to collect and analyze information to increase our understanding of a topic or issue”. It consists of three steps: Pose a question, collect data to answer the question, and present an answer to the question

The principal objective or purpose of research in any field is to add to what is known about the phenomenon under the investigation through the application of scientific methods.

The three major purposes of any research are *exploring, explaining, and describing* any problem/event under study

Whatever types of research have been conducted, they all have one thing in common: the scientific method.

Good research has the following characteristics:

1. It is systematic - Research is structured with specific steps that must be completed in a specific order in accordance with a well-defined set of rules.

The systematic nature of the research does not preclude creative thinking, but it does preclude the use of guessing and intuition in reaching conclusions.

2. It is logical : The rules of logical reasoning guide research, and the logical processes of induction and deduction are extremely useful in conducting research.

The basic understanding of induction(bottom-up approach) is "Parts to Whole" or "Specific to General".

The opposite is true for Deduction (top-down approach) too, which is "Whole to Parts" or "General to Specific"

3. It is empirical: Research is primarily concerned with one or more aspects of a real-world situation and deals with concrete data that serves as a foundation for the external validity of research findings.

4. It is replicable : Research findings must be validated by replicating the study, resulting in a solid foundation for decision-making.