Introduction to research

Definition of Research
Research is the process of finding solutions to a problem after a thorough study and analysis of
the situational factors. It comprises creative and systematic work undertaken to increase the stock
of knowledge, including knowledge of humans, culture and society, and the use of this stock of
knowledge to devise new applications.
It is used to establish or confirm facts, reaffirm the results of previous work, solve new or
existing problems, support theorems, or develop new theories. A research project may also be an
expansion on past work in the field. Research projects can be used to develop further knowledge
on a topic, or in the example of a school research project, they can be used to further a student's
research prowess to prepare them for future jobs or reports. To test the validity of instruments,
procedures, or experiments, research may replicate elements of prior projects or the project as a
whole.
Characteristics of Research

1. A systematic approach is followed in research. Rules and procedures are an integral part
of research that set the objective of a research process. Researchers need to practice
ethics and 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, actual observations in the natural
settings.
4. There is an in-depth analysis of all the data collected from research so that there are no
anomalies associated with it.
5. Research creates a path for generating new questions. More research opportunity can be
generated from existing 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 important character of research, the information that is obtained
while conducting the research should be accurate and true to its nature. For example,
research conducted in a controlled environment like a laboratory. Here accuracy is
measured of instruments used, calibrations, and the final result of the experiment.

Types of Research
Following are the types of research:

 Basic Research: Basic research is mostly conducted to enhance knowledge. It covers

fundamental aspects of research. The main motivation of this research is knowledge
expansion. It is a non-commercial research and does not facilitate in creating or inventing
anything. For example, an experiment is a good example of basic research.
 Applied Research: Applied research focuses on analyzing and solving real-life
problems. This type of research refers to the study that helps solve practical problems
using scientific methods. This research plays an important role in solving issues that
affect 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 the problem to find out relevant solutions.
The term “problem” refers to having issues or two thoughts while making any decisions.
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, economic conditions etc.
 Problem Solving Research: This type of research is conducted by companies to
understand and resolve their own problems. The problem-solving research uses applied
research to find solutions to the existing problems.

 Quantitative Research: This research is based on numeric figures or numbers.

Quantitative research aim to measure the quantity or amount and compares it with past
records and tries to project for future period. In social sciences, “quantitative research
refers to the systematic empirical investigation of quantitative properties and phenomena
and their relationships”. The objective of quantitative research is to develop and employ
mathematical models, theories or hypothesis pertaining to phenomena. The process of
measurement is central to quantitative research because it provides fundamental
connection between empirical observation and mathematical expression of quantitative
relationships. Statistics is the most widely used branch of mathematics in quantitative
research. Statistical methods are used extensively with in fields such as economics and
commerce. In sum, the research using the normative approach conducts why may be
called quantitative research as the inferences from it are largely based on quantitative
data. Moreover, objectivity is the primary guard so that others, if necessary may replicate
the research.
 Qualitative Research:  This process is about inquiry that helps in-depth understanding
of the problems or issues in their natural settings. This is a non- statistical research
method. 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 in a sample. Open-ended questions are asked in a manner that one question leads
to another. The purpose of asking open-ended questions is to gather as much information
as possible from the sample.

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

Action research

Action Research is a disciplined process of inquiry conducted by and for those taking the action.

The primary reason for engaging in action research is to assist the “actor” in improving and/or
refining his or her actions.

Action Research is either research initiated to solve an immediate problem or a reflective

process of progressive problem solving led by individuals working with others in teams or as
part of a "community of practice to improve the way they address issues and solve problems.
There are two types of action research: participatory and practical.

Action research is seen to differ from other research methodologies in three fundamental ways.
1. First, its primary goal is rooted in social change.
2. Second, participants in action research studies accept responsibility for helping solve
issues around a focus of inquiry.
3. Third, relationships between the researcher(s) and study participants are more complex,
often less hierarchical.
Most often, action research is viewed as an approach in which theory and practice are explored
by posing questions, collecting data, and testing hypotheses through several cycles of action. The
most common purpose of action research is to guide practitioners as they uncover answers to
complex problems in disciplines such as education, health sciences, sociology, or anthropology.
The goals of social change are as unique as participants', contexts, and areas of inquiry. Action
research has remained a durable methodology over time because its use is not limited to either
positivist or heuristic approaches to exploring phenomena. It is, as John Dewey points out,
an attitude of social inquiry rather than a specific research methodology.

References
1. What is research? Wikipedia the free encyclopedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Research)
on 23 December 2018.
2. What is research, Definition, methods, types and examples
(https://www.questionpro.com/blog/what-is-research/)
3. What is action research (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Action_research) on December 2018
4. what is research: (http://www.ascd.org/publications/books/100047/chapters/what-is-
action-research%c2%a2.aspx)