What is Research?

Searching it again and again means Re-search. Research is defined as human

activity based on intellectual application in the investigation of matter. The primary
purpose for applied research is discovering, interpreting, and the development of
methods and systems for the advancement of human knowledge on a wide variety of
scientific matters of our world and the universe. Research can use the scientific method,
but need not do so. Research is an art of scientific investigation. It is regarded as a
systematic effort to gain new knowledge. The dictionary meaning of research is “a
careful investigation or enquiry especially through search for new facts in any branch of
knowledge”. Definition of Research Research comprises defining and redefining
problems, formulating hypothesis or suggested solutions; collecting, organizing and
evaluating data; making deductions and reaching conclusions; and at last carefully
testing the conclusions to determine whether they fit the formulating hypothesis.
M Stephenson and D Slesinger defined research in the Encyclopedia of Social
Sciences as “The manupulation of things, concepts or symbols for the purpose of
gerneralizing to extend, correct or verify knowledge, whether that knowledge aids in
construction of theory or in the practice of an art.”
“Research is an organized and systematic way of finding answers to questions”
Systemactic because there is a definite set of procedures and steps which you will
follow. There are certain things in the research process which are always done in order
to get the most accurate results.

What makes a good research?

1. A systematic approach must be followed for accurate data. Rules and procedures are
an integral part of the process that set the objective. Researchers need to practice
ethics and a code of conduct while making observations or drawing conclusions.
2. Research is based on logical reasoning and involves both inductive and deductive
methods.
3. The data or knowledge that is derived is in real time from actual observations in
natural settings.
4. There is an in-depth analysis of all data collected so that there are no anomalies
associated with it.
5. Research creates a path for generating new questions. Existing data helps create
more opportunities for research.
6. Research is analytical in nature. It makes use of all the available data so that there is
no ambiguity in inference.
7. Accuracy is one of the most important aspects of research. The information that is
obtained should be accurate and true to its nature. For example, laboratories provide
a controlled environment to collect data. Accuracy is measured in the instruments
used, the calibrations of instruments or tools, and the final result of the experiment.
What are the types of Research?
 Basic research: A basic research definition is data collected to enhance
knowledge. The main motivation is knowledge expansion. It is a non-commercial
research that doesn’t facilitate in creating or inventing anything. For example: an
experiment to determine a simple fact.
 Applied research: Applied research focuses on analyzing and solving real-life
problems. This type refers to the study that helps solve practical problems using
scientific methods. Studies play an important role in solving issues that impact
the overall well-being of humans. For example: finding a specific cure for a
disease.
 Problem oriented research: As the name suggests, problem-oriented research
is conducted to understand the exact nature of a problem to find out relevant
solutions. The term “problem” refers to multiple choices or issues when analyzing
a situation.
o For example, revenue of a car company has decreased by 12% in
the last year. The following could be the probable causes: there is
no optimum production, poor quality of a product, no advertising, or
economic conditions.
 Problem solving research: This type of research is conducted by companies to
understand and resolve their own problems. The problem-solving method uses
applied research to find solutions to the existing problems.
 Qualitative research: Qualitative research is a process that is about inquiry. It
helps create in-depth understanding of problems or issues in their natural
settings. This is a non-statistical method.
o Qualitative research is heavily dependent on the experience of the
researchers and the questions used to probe the sample.
The sample size is usually restricted to 6-10 people. Open-ended
questions are asked in a manner that encourages answers that
lead to another question or group of questions. The purpose of
asking open-ended questions is to gather as much information as
possible from the sample.
The following are the methods used for qualitative research:
1. One-to-one interview
2. Focus groups
3. Ethnographic research
4. Content/Text Analysis
5. Case study research
 Quantitative research: Qualitative research is a structured way of collecting
data and analyzing it to draw conclusions. Unlike qualitative methods, this
 method uses a computational and statistical process to collect and analyze data.
Quantitative data is all about numbers.
o Quantitative research involves a larger population — more people
mean more data. With more data to analyze, you can obtain more
accurate results. This method uses close-ended questions because
the researchers are typically looking to gather statistical data.
o Online surveys, questionnaires, and polls are preferable data
collection tools used in quantitative research. There are various
methods of deploying surveys or questionnaires.
o Online surveys allow survey creators to reach large amounts of
people or smaller focus groups for different types of research that
meet different goals. Survey respondents can receive surveys on
mobile phones, in emails, or can simply use the internet to access
surveys.

References (Online):

https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/74214/10/12-%20chapter-3.pdf

https://www.questionpro.com/blog/what-is-research/

Submitted by:

Margie R. Garcia BSED- English 2

Subject’s Descriptive Title:

Language Education Research