1. Definitions of research Research has been defined in a number of different ways.

A broad definition of research is given by Martin Shuttleworth - "In the broadest sense of the word, the definition of research includes any gathering of data, information and facts for the advancement of knowledge." Another definition of research is given by Creswell who states - "Research is a process of steps used to collect and analyze information to increase our understanding of a topic or issue". It consists of three steps: Pose a question, collect data to answer the question, and present an answer to the question. The Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines research in more detail as "a 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". As per Redmon and Mory: Systematized effort to gain new knowledge is known as research. U.S. National Library of Medicine: Critical and exhaustive investigation or experimentation, having for its aim the discovery of new facts and their correct interpretation, the revision of accepted conclusions, theories, or laws in the light of newly discovered facts, or the practical application of such new or revised conclusions, theories, or laws Research may be defined as a systematic approach/method consisting of enunciating the problem, formulating a hypothesis, collecting the facts or data, analyzing the facts and reaching certain conclusions, either in the form of solution towards the concerned problem or in certain generalizations for some theoretical formulation. Research may also be defined as a scientific study, which by means of logical and systematized techniques, aims to... a. Discover new facts or verify and test old facts b. Analyze their sequences, inter-relationships and explanations which are derived within an appropriate theoretical frame of reference c. Develop new scientific tools, concepts, and theories which would facilitate reliable and valid study of human behavior in decision making.

2. qualities of a good research * Furco (in Gelmon, Furco, Holland, & Bringle, 2005) notes that good quantitative research, (a) provides a theoretical frame (see Bringle, 2003), (b) uses scientific design (e.g., experimental method, such as analysis of covariance to control for pre-existing differences) to control for extraneous explanations and

allow causal inferences (see Bringle & Hatcher, 2000), (c) uses measurement techniques that possess demonstrable validity and reliability (see Bringle, et al., 2004), (d) uses appropriate statistical procedures for analysis, and (e) generalizes beyond the idiosyncratic case so that others can learn from the results (see Bringle & Hatcher, 2000). Bringle (in Gelmon et al., 2005) posited that convincing research, whether quantitative or qualitative, involves: -Guidance or grounding in theory -Clear constructs -Control for differences among groups (quantitative research) -Multiple indicators -Multiple methods -Converging results across different methods -Confidence in conclusions -Implications for teaching and learning in general

*Exhibit 1-8 Characteristics of Good Research Clearly defined purpose Detailed research process Thoroughly planned design High ethical standards Limitations addressed Adequate analysis Unambiguous presentation Conclusions justified Credentials

*A good research is

Systematic-presented or formulated as a coherent body of ideas or principles ; methodical in procedure or plan Logical- Characterized by clear, sound reasoning Empirical- Based on, concerned with, or verifiable by observation or experience rather than theory or pure logic. Reductive- Tending to present a subject or problem in a simplified form, esp. one viewed as crude. Replicable- Reproducibility is one of the main principles of the scientific method, and refers to the ability of a test or experiment to be accurate. Amoral- unconcerned with the rightness or wrongness of something. Creative- Relating to or involving the imagination or original ideas DevelopmentalParsimonious- Excessively sparing or frugal Testable- A procedure for critical evaluation; a means of determining the presence, quality, or truth of something; a trial: Unified-

*PRINCIPLES OF QUALITY RESEARCH WORK The following principles must be observed in order to ensure the quality research work a. Objectivity: The purpose of research should be clearly defined and common precept be used b. Usage of scientific procedure: The research procedure used should be described in sufficient detail to permit another researcher to repeat the research in a systematic manner. c. Continuity: The research should be carried out in such a manner that principle of continuity is ensured. d. Proper Planning: The design should be planned in a most scientific way and all aspect of resources, time frame, constraints and procedural aspects be taken into consideration. e. Integrity: The researcher should report with complete frankness, flaws in procedural design and evaluate their effect on the findings.

f. Adequacy of Data: The analysis of data should be sufficiently adequate to reveal it significance and the methods of analysis used should be appropriate. g. Reliability: The validity and reliability of data should be checked carefully h. Structure: It means that research is structured with specified sequence in accordance with the welldefined set of rules. Guessing and intuition in arriving at conclusions are rejected. i. Logic: This implies that research is guided by the rules of logical reasoning and logical process of induction and deduction are used. j. Empiricism: This implies that research is related basically to one or more aspects of a real situation and deals with concrete data that provides a basis for external validity of research results. k. Replicability: This principle allows research result to be verified by replicating the study and thereby building a sound basis for decision. l. Economics: Research should be completed within theallocated financial resources m. Time-frame: Frame research should be completed in the stipulated time frame.

3. types and classifications -Descriptive research concentrates on finding facts to ascertain the nature of something as it exists. -analytical research is concerned with determining validity of hypothesis based on analysis of facts collected. -Applied research is carried out to find answers to practical problems to be solved and as an aid in decision making in different areas including product design, process design and policy making. -Fundamental research is carried out as more to satisfy intellectual curiosity, than with the intention of using the research findings for any immediate practical application. -Quantitative research studies such aspects of the research subject which are not quantifiable, and hence not subject to measurement and quantitative analysis. -quantitative research make substantial use of measurements and quantitative analysis techniques. -Conceptual research is involves investigation of thoughts and ideas and developing new ideas or interpreting the old ones based on logical reasoning. -empirical research is based on firm verifiable data collected by either observation of facts under natural condition or obtained through experimentation.

-Exploratory research, which helps to identify and define a problem or question. -Constructive research, which tests theories and proposes solutions to a problem or question. -Empirical research, which tests the feasibility of a solution using empirical evidence. -Scientific method refers to a body of techniques for investigating phenomena, acquiring new knowledge, or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.[1] To be termed scientific, a method of inquiry must be based on empirical and measurable evidence subject to specific principles of reasoning.[2] The Oxford English Dictionary says that scientific method is: "a method or procedure that has characterized natural science since the 17th century, consisting in systematic observation, measurement, and experiment, and the formulation, testing, and modification of hypotheses."[3] The chief characteristic which distinguishes a scientific method of inquiry from other methods of acquiring knowledge is that scientists seek to let reality speak for itself, supporting a theory when a theory's predictions are confirmed and challenging a theory when its predictions prove false. -The historical method comprises the techniques and guidelines by which historians use historical sources and other evidence to research and then to write history. There are various history guidelines commonly used by historians in their work, under the headings of external criticism, internal criticism, and synthesis. This includes lower criticism and sensual criticism. Though items may vary depending on the subject matter and researcher, the following concepts are part of most formal historical research: Identification of origin date Evidence of localization Recognition of authorship Analysis of data Identification of integrity Attribution of credibility

4. importance of a problem *A research problem is the situation that causes the researcher to feel apprehensive, confused and ill at ease. It is the demarcation of a problem area within a certain context involving the WHO or WHAT, the WHERE, the WHEN and the WHY of the problem situation. There are many problem situations that may give rise to reseach. Three sources usually contribute to problem identification. Own experience or the experience of others may be a source of problem supply. A second source could be scientific literature. You may read about certain findings and notice that a

certain field was not covered. This could lead to a research problem. Theories could be a third source. Shortcomings in theories could be researched. Research can thus be aimed at clarifying or substantiating an existing theory, at clarifying contradictory findings, at correcting a faulty methodology, at correcting the inadequate or unsuitable use of statistical techniques, at reconciling conflicting opinions, or at solving existing practical problems.

5.requisites of a problem

6. define *data 1: factual information (as measurements or statistics) used as a basis for reasoning, discussion, or calculation <the data is plentiful and easily available H. A. Gleason, Jr.> <comprehensive data on economic growth have been published N. H. Jacoby> 2: information output by a sensing device or organ that includes both useful and irrelevant or redundant information and must be processed to be meaningful 3: Facts and statistics collected together for reference or analysis.

*samples 1: A small part or quantity intended to show what the whole is like.

2: Representative fraction of material tested or analyzed in order to determine the nature, composition, and percentage of specified constituents, and possibly their reactivity.(statistics) 3: selection of a certain collection from a larger collection. McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific & Technical Terms, 6E, Copyright 2003 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. 4: small specimens of material, or a single unit of many such items to be furnished, which is in conformity with the requirements for the specifications; furnished for review and approval; establishes standards by which work will be judged.

*population 1: the inhabitants of a given area, but perhaps most importantly, the human inhabitants of the earth (numbering about 6.2 billion in 2002), who by their increasing numbers and corresponding increasing needs can seriously affect the global ecosystem. 2: A population is all the organisms that both belong to the same species and live in the same geographical area.

*statistics 1: Statistics is the science of the collection, organization, and interpretation of data.[1][2] It deals with all aspects of this, including the planning of data collection in terms of the design of surveys and experiments.[1] 2: science of collecting and classifying a group of facts according to their relative number and determining certain values that represent characteristics of the group.