Definition and Nature of Research

Definition of Research

• Research is a deliberate and organized investigation to find new knowledge, validate theories, solve problems, or apply knowledge in new ways
• It involves collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data
• Kerlinger (1973) defined research as a systematic, controlled, empirical, and critical investigation of hypothetical propositions about relationships among natural phenomena
• Creswell (2014) described it as a process used to collect and analyze data to better understand a topic or issue
• Research seeks to broaden human understanding through logical reasoning, empirical evidence, and methodical analysis

Nature of Research

• Research is defined by its scope, purpose, and approach
• These attributes distinguish research from casual observation
• Hallmark attributes include:
  • A systematic and methodical approach ensures reliability and validity through planning, objectives, questions and methodologies
  • Objectivity which means it's free from bias; conclusions are based on logical reasoning and empirical evidence
  • Data is collected through experiments, surveys, or case studies to support or refute hypotheses

Replicable and Verifiable

• The ability to be replicated by other researchers under similar conditions is key
• Findings can be validated and refined

Problem-Oriented and Purposeful

• Driven by a clear objective, it can aim to solve a specific problem or address a gap in knowledge
• Research in natural sciences, social sciences, or humanities seeks answers and insights that contribute to progress

Critical and Analytical

• It involves deep analysis and critical evaluation of existing knowledge, methodologies, and data
• Identifying gaps and formulating new perspectives
• Ensures research findings are meaningful and contribute to academic and practical advancements

Innovative and Progressive

• Research introduces new ideas, techniques, and solutions
• Scientific, technological, medical, and social developments are often the result of rigorous research
• Fosters innovation and contributes to societal progress

Ethical and Responsible

• Adherence to ethical guidelines is essential
• Must ensure honesty, integrity, and respect towards human and animal subjects
• Ethical practices include informed consent, confidentiality, avoidance of plagiarism, and responsible reporting

Quantitative and Qualitative

• Quantitative research uses numerical data, statistical analysis, and objective measurement
• Qualitative research focuses on understanding human behavior, perceptions, and experiences using interviews, case studies, and content analysis

Interdisciplinary and Dynamic

• Research integrates knowledge from various fields and evolves with time based on new challenges, methodologies, and discoveries
• Medical research incorporates insights from psychology, technology, and sociology

Structured and Systematic Approach

• Research follows a well-organized and sequential approach, not random or haphazard
• It involves identifying a problem, reviewing literature, forming hypotheses, designing methodology, and analyzing data

Objectivity and Impartiality

• Research should be objective and free from personal biases or subjective influences
• Use standardized data collection methods and statistical tools
• In medical research, drug trials must be conducted without favoritism; double-blind experiments help maintain objectivity

Empirical and Evidence-Based Nature

• Conclusions must be based on verifiable data through observation, experimentation, or systematic analysis
• Psychological studies on stress reduction must collect measurable data

Logical and Rational Thinking

• Grounded in logical reasoning and critical thinking
• Uses deductive (general to specific) or inductive (specific to broader generalizations) reasoning
• Study climate change starting with the general theory that increased greenhouse gases lead to global warming

Replicability and Verifiability

• Findings should be replicable and verifiable by other researchers under similar conditions
• If a study claims a diet leads to weight loss, other researchers should obtain similar results using the same methodology

Control and Precision in Data Collection

• Experiments isolate the effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable
• Drug efficacy studies control for factors like age, gender, lifestyle, and pre-existing conditions
• Using reliable IQ tests rather than vague assessments of "smartness"

Problem-Oriented and Purpose-Driven

• Every study has a clear purpose, such as solving a real-world problem or testing a hypothesis
• Research in medicine aims to develop new treatments while research in psychology seeks to understand human behavior

Critical and Ethical Thinking

• Requires a critical and analytical mindset
• Analyze the relationship between social media use and anxiety effectively
• Ethics ensures studies are conducted with integrity, transparency, and respect for participants

Adaptability and Flexibility

• Refine methodologies, adjust hypotheses or modify data collection strategies on emerging evidence
• During the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccine research adapted to new virus variants

Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches

• Quantitative involves numerical data, statistical analysis, and objective measurements
• Qualitative focuses on understanding human behavior through interviews, case studies, and testing analyses

Interdisciplinary and Collaborative

• Draws insights from multiple fields
• Neuroscience combines psychology, biology, and computer science
• Collaboration enhances research quality and expands its impact

Purpose of Research

• Advancing knowledge enriches existing theories and develops new concepts
• Solving real-world problems addresses societal, technological, economic, and environmental issues
• Developing Theories and Models helps formulate new paradigms
• Providing evidence-based insights that guide business strategies, public policies, and institutional reforms

Testing Hypotheses

• Through systematic experimentation and analysis, validating scientific laws
• Understanding natural and social phenomena, research uncovers relationships that shape human behavior

Nature of Research

• Characterized by a structured methodology, objectivity, and empirical foundation including:
  • A structured approach involving problem identification, literature review, hypothesis formulation, data collection, analysis, and interpretation
  • It must be free from personal biases
  • Logical reasoning-both inductive and deductive forms

Identifying the Research Problem

• Must be specific and clearly defined
• Must be researchable using available methodologies
• Should contribute to the field and address real-world concerns or gaps

Reviewing Literature

• Involves examining previous research relevant to the topic
• Identify Gaps and limitations in past studies
• Identify Theoretical frameworks and methodologies used
• Identify emerging trends and perspectives

Research Design and Methodology

• Experimental, Descriptive, or Correlational Methods Chosen is based on the research objective
• Sampling Techniques determine how participants or data sources are selected

Data Collection

• Common methods include: -Surveys and Questionnaires (for gathering large-scale responses) -Experiments (for controlled investigations) -Interviews and Focus Groups (for qualitative insights) -Observations and Case Studies (for in-depth analysis) -Secondary Data Analysis (for studying existing datasets)

Data Analysis and Interpretation

• Data is analyzed using statistical, qualitative, or mixed-methods techniques
• Statistical tools such as SPSS, R, and Python are commonly used for quantitative analysis

Types of Research

• Pure Research (Fundamental Research) aims to expand theoretical knowledge without immediate practical applications
• Applied Research seeks to solve specific problems by applying theoretical knowledge
• Descriptive research systematically presents characteristics and patterns
• Correlational research examines relationships between two or more variables without proving causation
• Explanatory Research investigates cause-and-effect relationships
• Exploratory Research conducted when little information is available on a topic
• Structured Research follows a predefined methodology
• Unstructured Research allows for flexibility in exploration