What is Research?
• Research is the process of gathering and analyzing information
to discover new knowledge or to apply existing knowledge in
new ways. It can also involve revising theories or laws.
• studious inquiry or examination. especially : investigation or
experimentation aimed at the discovery and interpretation of
facts, revision of accepted theories or laws in the light of new
facts, or practical application of such new or revised theories or
laws.
• Research is a systematic process of gathering and analyzing
information to increase understanding of a topic. It can involve
asking questions, collecting evidence, and analyzing
data. Research can be used to learn new things, solve
problems, and make better decisions.
• Basic research is defined as “a systematic study directed
toward greater knowledge or understanding of the fundamental
aspects of phenomena and of observable facts without specific
applications towards processes or products in mind.”
Importance of Research
• Research is important because it helps us learn new things, solve
problems, and make informed decisions. It also helps us understand
the world better.
• How research is important
• Builds knowledge: Research helps us build knowledge and
promote learning.
• Helps solve problems: Research helps us understand issues and
solve problems more effectively.
• Helps make informed decisions: Research helps us make
decisions based on evidence and analysis, rather than assumptions
and guesses.
• Helps businesses succeed: Research data can help businesses
develop strategies for pricing, distribution, logistics, and advertising.
• Helps encourage curiosity: Research is fueled by curiosity, which
helps us discover new things.
Types of Research
• Quantitative research
• Involves collecting numerical data to quantify phenomena and
draw conclusions
• Is often used in economics, medicine, and engineering
• Emphasizes objectivity and the ability to generalize findings
• Qualitative research
• Involves collecting non-numerical data to identify themes,
patterns, and meanings
• Methods include interviews, focus groups, ethnography, and
case studies
Sample of quantitative research
• Quantitative research is a method of collecting and analyzing
numerical data to draw conclusions. Examples of quantitative
research include surveys, experiments, and causal-comparative
research.
Sample of qualitative research
• Quantitative research is a method of collecting and analyzing
numerical data to draw conclusions. Examples of quantitative
research include surveys, experiments, and causal-comparative
research.
• Correlational research
• Involves measuring two or more variables to see how related
they are to one another
• If two variables are correlated, one variable can be used to
predict the value of the other
• Experimental research
• Involves establishing cause-effect relationships among
variables
Sample of correlational research
• Correlational research is a method of study that looks for
relationships between variables. Here are some examples of
correlational research:
•Academic performance and career success
A study that looks at the relationship between how well a student performs in school
and how successful they are
In their career
•Reading and test scores
A study that looks at how many books a student reads and how well they perform on
a test
•Technology use and mental health
A study that looks at how technology use is related to mental health
•Academic success and self-esteem
A study that looks at how academic success is related to a person's self-esteem
•Greenhouse gas emissions and global warming
A study that looks at how greenhouse gas emissions are related to global warming
Sample of experimental research
• Experimental research is a type of research that involves testing a
hypothesis by comparing the results of an experimental group to a control
group. Here are some examples of experimental research:
• Clinical trials
• Researchers test new medications or treatments by randomly assigning
patients to a treatment group and a control group. The treatment group
receives the new medication, while the control group receives a placebo or
a different drug.
• Marketing campaigns
• Companies test different versions of advertisements to determine which
one is most effective. The company tracks the performance of each
advertisement to see which one leads to more engagement and
purchases.
•Studying the effects of sleep on perceived health
Researchers test the perceived health of participants by presenting them with photographs
of faces that have been sleep deprived or not. Observers rate the faces on health, attractiveness, and tiredness.
CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD RESEARCHER
Good researchers have many characteristics,
including curiosity, critical thinking, and attention to
detail. They are also often collaborative, creative, and
objective.
Curiosity
•Good researchers are always asking questions and looking for answers.
Objectivity
•They are driven to learn more about their field and others.
•Good researchers can form opinions based on facts, rather than their own
Critical thinking
• beliefs or feelings.
•Good researchers can evaluate information, identify biases, and draw
•They can avoid biases and make decisions that are not influenced by personal be
• logical conclusions.
•They can question assumptions and create evidence-based research.
Attention to detail
•Good researchers are meticulous in their work.
•They pay attention to every detail, from the design of an experiment
•to the analysis of data.
Other characteristics
•Collaboration: Good researchers work well in teams.
•Creativity: Good researchers can come up with new and useful ideas.
•Perseverance: Good researchers can overcome challenges and setbacks.
•Integrity: Good researchers are honest, transparent, and accountable.
•Adaptability: Good researchers can adapt to new challenges
•and opportunities.
7 Major characteristics of Research
• he seven major characteristics of research are:
• Empirical: Based on observation and experience, rather than theory
or speculation
• Logical: Uses valid procedures and proven analytical methods
• Cyclical: Involves a systematic process of exploring an issue,
collecting evidence, and drawing conclusions
• Analytical: Involves careful data collection, analysis, and
interpretation
• Critical: Involves careful judgment
• Methodical: Involves using proven procedures and a defined set of
steps and procedures
• Replicable: Involves being able to repeat experiments and get
consistent results
Other characteristics of research include:
• Ethical
• Involves considering ethical considerations and being free of
personal influence and bias
• Controlled
• Involves conducting research under conditions that can be
replicated to ensure consistency and accuracy
• Systematic
• Involves using a structured process to determine data collection
techniques, sampling, and analysis methods
•