Foundational Principles of Research

Questions and Answers

What does the word research mean?

to seek or search

What are some reasons for seeking knowledge through research?

For more explanations

For truth verification

To make discoveries

All of the above (correct)

Research can be defined as the manipulation of things, concepts, or symbols.

True

Which of the following is NOT a purpose of research?

Justify existing beliefs Signup and view all the answers

What is one use of research in decision-making?

To provide a basis for decision-making in various fields. Signup and view all the answers

Name a characteristic of research that involves following systematic steps.

Systematic Signup and view all the answers

Research is based on guesswork.

False Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean for research to be verifiable?

The correctness of results can be checked by other researchers Signup and view all the answers

What ensures that research is empirical?

Generalizations are based on hard evidence from real-life experiences or observations. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a rigorous characteristic of research?

Procedures are relevant, appropriate, and justified. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Foundational Principles of Research

The term "research" originates from the Old French "cerchier," which means to seek or search.
Three main reasons for conducting research: to seek explanations, verify truths, and make discoveries.
Research aims to ascertain the existence or occurrence of specific phenomena.

Definition of Research

Defined as the manipulation of things, concepts, or symbols to generalize knowledge.
Research enhances understanding of phenomena using empirical and systematic methods.
It encompasses continuous discovery and exploration of unknown facts, leading to new ideas and improvements.

Purposes of Research

Discover new facts about known phenomena (e.g., researching alcohol as a potential fuel).
Address unresolved problems with existing methods (e.g., ongoing research to eradicate cancer).
Improve existing techniques and develop innovative products or technologies.
Provide a foundational basis for decision-making across various fields, including business and government.
Satisfy researchers' curiosity, exemplified by Thomas Edison’s work on egg incubation.
Answer specific queries through scientific methods, such as determining life expectancy based on geography.
Gain a deeper understanding of phenomena, like investigating gender size differences.
Expand or verify existing knowledge, often through the replication of studies.

Characteristics of Research

Systematic: Involves interrelated steps or procedures in problem-solving.
Objective: Based on empirical data, avoiding guesswork in conclusions.
Comprehensive: Requires thorough examination and analysis of all aspects of a phenomenon.
Critical: Procedures must withstand scrutiny from other researchers.
Rigorous: Follows relevant, appropriate, and justified procedures strictly.
Valid: Conclusions are drawn from actual findings rather than assumptions.
Verifiable: Results can be checked by other researchers through replication of the study.
Empirical: Generalizations are rooted in hard evidence gathered from real-life experiences.

Description

This quiz covers the foundational principles of research, including its definition and purpose. Understand the etymology of the term 'research' and explore the reasons behind conducting research to seek explanations, verify truth, and make discoveries.