Understanding Research Methods

• Research involves exploring, analyzing, and interpreting information systematically to enhance knowledge, address issues, or formulate theories; the term comes from the French word 'recherche,' meaning "to search again."
• Research follows a structured process for consistency and reliability.
• It targets particular objectives or inquiries.
• It depends on observable and measurable data to back up results.
• Results are verifiable and replicable under similar conditions.
• Maintains integrity, transparency, and accountability throughout.
• Basic research expands knowledge without immediate application, like studying cell behavior.
• Applied research seeks practical solutions, such as creating a vaccine.
• Exploratory research investigates unknown areas and poses new questions.
• Descriptive research provides detailed information on a topic.
• Research objectives guide the researcher toward desired outcomes that depend on the field and nature of the research.
• Research enhances understanding of phenomena.
• Research identifies real-world issues and viable solutions as seen in studying low literacy rates and suggesting strategies for improvement.
• It validates/challenges existing theories.
• The development of new frameworks or models is done by researchers to explain various aspects of complex events.
• It anticipates future developments or trends.
• Research provides data-driven insights for informed decision-making.
• Predicting consumer behavior in the tech industry over the next decade is an example of forecasting and predicting trends.
• Motivation drives researchers to pursue their work with commitment.
• Intrinsic motivation stems from personal curiosity or passion
• Extrinsic motivation arises from external rewards like recognition or financial incentives
• Desire for knowledge, the urge to solve societal problems, professional growth, recognition, economic incentives and collaborative opportunities are factors that motivate research.
• Setting clear goals, seeking support and embracing challenges helps sustain motivation in research
• Maintaining balance prevents burnout.
• Research involves inquiry, purpose, and persistence.
• A well-defined problem or question guides the process.
• Tools, materials, data, and support are necessary.
• Researchers need sufficient subject matter expertise.
• Research grows knowledge and addresses real-world problems.
• Research adds new insights, helps solve practical problems, and leads to new inventions.
• It provides evidence for better decisions in business and government
• It provides the foundation for advancements in various areas.
• Identifying a relevant topic or issue is the first step in the research process.
• Examining existing research helps identify gaps and provide context.
• A clear, testable statement is then developed based on the research problem.
• Methods and techniques for data collection and analysis are chosen.
• Information is gathered through surveys, experiments, interviews, or other methods.
• Collected data is analyzed using statistical or qualitative methods.
• Conclusions are drawn based on the analysis.
• Findings are communicated through reports or presentations.
• Research methods are specific techniques for gathering/analysis, including the use of surveys and experiments.
• Qualitative methods focus on non-numeric data in contrast quantitative methods deal with numerical data.
• Research methodology provides the overall framework, the rationale for choosing specific methods, the theory behind these methods, and how they help achieving research objectives.
• Methodology informs the underlying principles of the research.

Descriptive vs Analytical Research

• Descriptive research focuses on describing phenomena without analyzing causes, and uses factual reporting to answer "what," "where," "when," and "who."
• Analytical research analyzes the "why" and "how" of phenomena, aiming to identify patterns and relationships to delve deeper into the underlying reasons by employing statistical reasoning.

Fundamental vs Applied Research

• Fundamental research aims to expand knowledge without practical application to enhance understanding.
• Applied research seeks actionable solutions to specific problems and is practical and goal oriented.

Quantitative vs Qualitative Research

• Quantitative research involves numerical data and statistical methods to quantify relationships through objective methodologies.
• Qualitative research explores subjective experiences and behaviors to gain an in-depth understanding through interpretive approaches.

Conceptual vs Empirical Research

• Conceptual research creates or refines abstract ideas and theories by relying on existing literature and logical reasoning.
• Empirical research tests theories through observed and measured phenomena, using data-driven and real-world evidence.
• Research can be categorized by focus, purpose, methodology, and examples.
• Effective research follows a structured plan to ensure consistency.
• It relies on measurable evidence.
• It is based on reasoning and critical thinking.
• Results are reproducible by others using the same methodology.
• It answers specific research questions.
• It adheres to ethical standards, like informed consent and adjusts to new discoveries.
• Clear problem definition, research objectives, literature review, feasibility, ethical considerations, research design, team and expertise are prerequisites for research
• Research helps advance knowledge, solve problems and improve quality of life.
• It expands knowledge boundaries and provides solutions to real-world challenges.
• It enables policymakers and businesses to make better decisions, leading to improvements in society and the economy.
• Research consists of identifying a problem, reviewing relevant literature, formulating hypotheses, developing a research design, collecting and analyzing data, drawing conclusion, giving a summarization of research conducted, report writing, and dissemination of results.
• Research methods are the specific techniques used to collect and analyze data, focused on the "how" of data collection.
• Research methodology is the strategy that guides the process, addressing the philosophical underpinnings and encompassing the entire research process, or the "why" behind choosing certain methods.
• Research methods are the tools or techniques for data collection verses research methodology being the strategy or framework for conducting research.