A look in to Research

Nature and purpose of research

Research is done in any field of education or industry and it is done for many reasons primarily research studies are conducted for the reasons such as to :

• To gain new knowledge on topics
• To challenge old belief that may have changed over time
• To make new publications or to introduce new theories and findings

Research is the systematic process of an investigation . it is not simply reading into a particular topic but it is more concerned about reflecting on your findings and formulating new theories and exploring different and analytically views on that topic . (University System of Georgia, 2014)

It can also be said that research is a systematic inquiry which involves inductive and deductive methods to predict and control the observed phenomenon. (Pennsylvania State University, 2010)

Deductive reasoning is to provide a guarantee of the truth of the conclusion taking into account that the argument’s assumptions are true. This is to think from a general assumption to a specific application. (Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, 2014)

An inductive reasoning to establish or increase the probability of its conclusion. This is to think form a specific to general point of view by using the sample of the population . (Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, 2014)

Research can be done in many ways. A few types of research methods that we learned in class are:

• Scientific method
• Theoretical research
• Quantitative research
• Qualitative research

Scientific Method

This consist of a series of steps that should be followed in a systematic order:

1. Identifying the problem- to specify a problem statement
2. Formulating a hypothesis- building up a hypothesis
3. Developing a Research Plan- figuring out the methodologies , procedures to investigate and analysis methods.
4. Collecting and analyzing the data
5. Interpreting results and forming conclusions

One feature that can be seen in this method is that after step 5 there are tendencies to return to step one with the aim for advancing the research problem.

Theoretical/ Basic Research

This is based on belief or assumption about how things relate to each other . it is used to  establish the cause-effect relationship with goal of explaining and predicting the observed phenomenon. The Goal is to discover new knowledge & develop new theories.

Quantitative Research

This type of research is based on the collection and analysis of numerical data. Observation is done through statistical findings.

Some characteristics:

·         Questions clearly stated.

·         Hypotheses are made.

·         Well-developed procedures.

·         Controls for extraneous factors.

·         Use of Large samples.

·         Statistical analyses are carried out.

Qualitative research

This is based on extensive observations and in depth interviews. Purely the investigation is carried out through the use of non-numerical data and usually conducted in natural settings / less controlled environments .