LECTURE 1: Introduction to Research

Research  is  an  often-misused  term,  its  usage  in  everyday  language  very different from the scientific meaning. In the field of science, it is important to move away from the looser meaning and use it only in its proper context. Scientific research adheres to a set of strict protocols and long established structures.

In everyday language often, will talk about conducting internet research or say that we are researching in the library. It is perfectly correct grammatically, but in science, it gives a misleading impression. The correct term used in science is that we are conducting a literature review.

 

What is research?

Research  can  be  defined  as  a  systematic  process  of  collecting  and  logically analyzing  information  (data)  for some  purpose. It can also be defined as the scientific process of investigation through systematic procedures.

Research can also be defined as a systematic inquiry that involves the careful consideration of study regarding a specific concern or research problem. It employs scientific methods to describe, explain, predict, and control observed phenomena.

1.      Investigation: Research involves a systematic exploration of a topic or problem to gain knowledge and understanding.

2.      Inquiry: It’s a process of asking questions, gathering data, and analyzing information to uncover new insights.

3.      Study: Research is an organized study aimed at discovering facts, principles, or patterns.

4.      Exploration: Researchers delve into uncharted territories to uncover hidden truths.

5.      Examination: It’s a critical examination of data, theories, or phenomena to draw meaningful conclusions

This process encompasses both inductive (analyzing observed events) and deductive (verifying observed events) approaches.

 Let’s delve deeper into its characteristics and purpose:

Characteristics of Research:

1. Systematic Approach: Researchers follow a structured process to capture accurate data.
2. Ethical Practice: Observations and conclusions adhere to ethical standards.
3. Inductive and Deductive Methods: Both logical reasoning and real-world observations are used.
4. In-Depth Analysis: All collected data is thoroughly examined to avoid anomalies.
5. Generates New Questions: Research opens pathways for further inquiry.
6. Utilizes Existing Data: Previous data informs new research opportunities.
7. Analytical and Ambiguity-Free: It aims for clarity by using all available data.
8. Accuracy: Precision is crucial, especially in controlled environments like laboratories.

Purpose of Research:

1. Exploratory: Conducted to explore new problem areas and lay the foundation for more conclusive studies.
2. Descriptive: Aims to describe and understand phenomena.
3. Explanatory: Seeks to explain relationships and causality.
4. Predictive: Predicts future outcomes based on patterns.
5. Control: Involves interventions to influence outcomes.

Remember, research fuels our quest for knowledge and drives progress!

Types of Research

Research encompasses various methodologies and approaches, each serving distinct purposes. Let’s explore some types of research:

1.      Theoretical Research:

• Also known as pure or basic research, it focuses on generating knowledge without immediate practical application.
• Researchers collect data to formulate new general concepts or answer theoretical questions.
• Examples include philosophical dissertations that explore existing data to generate novel approaches without practical implementation

2.      Applied Research:

• Aims to find strategies to address specific research problems.
• Draws on theory to generate practical scientific knowledge.
• Subdivided into:
• Technological applied research: Improves efficiency in specific productive sectors (e.g., engineering, computer science).
• Scientific applied research: Predicts behaviors relevant to goods and services (e.g., market research) based on measured variables.

3.      Exploratory Research:

• Conducted to explore new problem areas and lay the foundation for more conclusive studies.
• Helps identify research questions and hypotheses.
• Often involves qualitative methods and preliminary investigations.

4.      Descriptive Research:

• Focuses on describing and understanding phenomena.
• Provides detailed information about a specific topic.
• Commonly used in social sciences and observational studies.

5.      Quantitative Research:

• Employs mathematical and statistical methods.
• Involves numerical data collection and analysis.
• Aims to establish cause-and-effect relationships.

6.      Qualitative Research:

• Explores linguistic-semiotic aspects.
• Focuses on understanding meanings, experiences, and context.
• Utilizes methods like interviews, focus groups, and content analysis.

7.      Longitudinal Study:

• Monitors phenomena over time.
• Tracks changes and developments.
• Useful for studying trends and patterns.

8.      Cross-Sectional Study:

• Observes phenomena at a specific point in time.
• Provides a snapshot of a population or situation.

9.      Secondary Research:

• Relies on existing sources of information (e.g., literature reviews, databases).
• Analyzes data collected by others.

10.  Experimental Research:

• Manipulates variables in a controlled environment.
• Tests hypotheses through experiments.
• Common in natural sciences and psychology.

Remember, the choice of research type depends on the research question, context, and desired outcomes. Each type contributes to our collective understanding and advancement of knowledge!

THANKS FOR READING TO THE END HAVE A GOOD DAY!

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