Definitions of Research

Research is defined as a careful, systematic study in a field of knowledge that is

undertaken to discover or establish facts or principles (Webster, 1984).
It is also defined as a systematic process of collecting and analyzing data to find
an answer to a question or a solution to a problem, to validate or test an existing theory.
(David, 2017)
Research is also defined as the scientific investigation of phenomena which
includes collection, presentation, analysis and interpretation of facts that lines an
individual’s speculation with reality. (Buensuseco, Dacanay, Manalo, San Gabriel, 2016)
For a simple and concise definition, remember that research is an organized and
systematic way of finding answers to questions.
It is organized because there is a structure or method in doing research. It is a
planned procedure, not a spontaneous one. It is focused and limited to a specific scope.
It is systematic because there is a definite set of procedures and steps which you
need to follow. There are certain things in the research process that has to be done in a
logical sequence in order to get the most accurate results.
Finding answers is the end of all research. It may be an answer to a hypothesis or
a set of simple questions that needs to be investigated, but in the end, a successful
researcher is able to give conclusive answers to the questions at the beginning of an
investigation.
Questions are essential to research on relevant, useful, important and
researchable questions. Without a question, research has no focus, drive or purpose.
How is research different from inquiry?
Inquiry is the learning process that motivates you to obtain knowledge or
information about people, places, things or events. You do this by investigating or asking
questions about something you are inquisitive about and examining such data carefully.
While research can certainly exist as a stand- alone process, inquiry should
ultimately drive students to think of research as a means through which they can seek
out new ideas, answer questions and investigate complex problems.
 Bearing in mind all this information, remember that academically speaking,
research is not just information gathering, or mere transportation of facts, as how the word
research is more often loosely used in conversational terms.