Definition and Goals of Research

Definition of Research

• Research is the systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources to establish facts and reach new conclusions, according to the Oxford Dictionary (2023).
• Research involves the purposive systematic scientific process of gathering, analyzing, classifying, organizing, presenting, and interpreting data, for problem-solving, invention, truth discovery, knowledge expansion/verification to improve human life.
• Research encompasses creating new knowledge, asking questions, reaching conclusions, sharing information, tackling issues, critical inquiry, and establishing the nature/conditions of a phenomenon
• Research is the systematic search for pertinent information on a specific topic or problem.

Goals and Purposes of Research

• Discovery of new facts about a known phenomenon can be a goal.
• Finding answers to partially solved problems.
• Improving existing techniques or develop new instruments or products is a research purpose.
• Discovery of previously unrecognized substances or elements.
• Discovering pathways of action of known substances and elements.
• It provides a basis for decision-making in business, industry, education, government, etc.
• A goal can be to satisfy curiosity.
• Acquiring a better and deeper understanding about a phenomenon is a purpose.
• Promoting health and prolonging life.

Steps in Writing a Research Paper

• Select a broad topic of interest initially.
• Develop a specific topic by narrowing the focus (who, what, where, when, why, how).
• Generate research questions related to the topic.
• Write the topic in question format.
• Decide on information sources.
• Read literature and refine the topic if needed.
• Select research questions to limit the research scope.
• Write a thesis statement to guide the paper.
• Justify the topic.
• Gather information related to the research questions and thesis.
• Compile an annotated bibliography.
• Differentiate between relevant and irrelevant details.
• Paraphrase and summarize information.
• Arrange information in the appropriate sequence.
• Use proper referencing.
• Document references accurately.
• Present the research paper.

Skills Developed During the Research Process

• Ability to find research resources like online databases, reference lists, writing centers and research librarian help.
• Ability to evaluate the credibility of research sources, especially online ones
• Ability to find scholarly articles from journals, news articles from foreign and domestic news sources.
• Ability to learn plagiarism avoidance strategies and academic honesty practices
• Knowledge of citation styles like APA/MLA and how to prepare a bibliography/reference list.
• Ability to write effective and well-organized research papers supported by information from credible sources.
• Ability to correctly document sources and incorporate information while adhering to academic honesty.
• Ability to write for an academic audience using appropriate format, organization, and vocabulary in English.
• Ability to revise writing based on peer and instructor feedback, and self-edit.

Selecting a Topic

• Brainstorm research topics of interest.
• Select one of the topics.
• Start reading literature related to the chosen topic.
• Get specific with the topic.
• Change the topic based on the amount of information reviewed.
• Define the topic as a question.
• Further research the topic.
• Create an outline.

Writing Research Questions

• It should be clear and focused.
• It should not be too broad or too narrow. It should'nt be easy to answer with yes or no.
• It should not be too difficult to answer.
• It should be researchable, using quality materials like academic books and refereed journals.
• It must be analytical rather than descriptive to analyze an issue or problem
• Conduct preliminary research by reading relevant academic sources to familiarize with key debates.
• Focus on main ideas/arguments (introduction and conclusion).
• Narrow down the topic after preliminary research focusing on specific issues/debates.
• Consider subtopics, specific issues, and key debates within the broader topic.
• Focus on a particular period, geographical location, organization, or group of people.
• The key points and arguments for the assignment will be "how" and "why" questions.
• Use words like critique, argue, examine, and evaluate.
• The question should contribute to solving the problem in the problem statement, fulfilling researchability, feasibility/specificity, and relevance/originality criteria.

Explore the definition of research as a systematic investigation. Understand its goals, including discovering new facts, solving problems, improving techniques, and developing new instruments. Learn about the purpose of research.