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LESSON 1

What is research?

This lesson introduces the concept of research, examining its purpose and defining characteristics. We will discuss how research is a structured, systematic process designed to generate new knowledge or address specific problems, distinguished by accuracy, objectivity, and rigor. By the end of this lesson, you will gain a clear understanding of what research involves and how it stands apart from general inquiry.

Lesson objectives

At the end of the lesson, you should be able to:

Lesson content

Research is a process of steps used to collect and analyze information in order to increase the understanding in regards of a certain topic or issue (Creswell, 2014). It is an organized and systematic way of finding answers to questions. In addition, it is a way of establishing knowledge thru empiricism.

According to Hampspire College, research is conducted to…

Inquiry or research

In research, the term “inquiry” is often used interchangeably with “research” by many scholars. While both involve the pursuit of knowledge, understanding the distinction between them is important for clarity in academic work.

Difference Between Inquiry and Research

InquiryResearch
Inquiry is a term that is synonymous with the word ‘investigation’. When you inquire or investigate, you tend to ask questions to probe or examine something to request for truth, information, or knowledge.Research is systematic and objective creation of knowledge systematic, objective (no bias, all angles presented), knowledge creation.
It aims to explore, understand, and satisfy curiosity.It aims to answer specific questions and contribute to a field of knowledge.
Generally informal, lacks strict structure.Highly structured with defined steps and procedures.
Driven by curiosity and desire to investigate.Driven by specific questions central to the study.
The importance of research

Research plays a vital role across all disciplines—engineering, medicine, arts, education, and more—and benefits people from diverse backgrounds and professions. Its importance includes:

  1. Research ensures that practices and methodologies are grounded in evidence, safeguarding stakeholders and systems. For instance, new drugs undergo research to verify their efficacy before use.
  2. Continuous research leads to advancements and increased productivity, improving systems and knowledge over time.
  3. It aids in developing tools like psychological tests and assessments to measure effectiveness in various fields.
  4. Research addresses workplace and societal challenges, from employee tardiness to implementing programs like “clean and green” initiatives.
  5. Sound decisions rely on data-backed evidence, preventing costly mistakes and enabling informed choices.
  6. Research evaluates and refines teaching approaches, enhancing students' knowledge and skills.
  7. It contributes to the personal and professional development of practitioners, enabling them to excel in their fields.
Characteristics of research
  1. Empirical. Research is based on direct experience or observation by the researcher.
  2. Logical. Research is based on valid procedures and principles.
  3. Cyclical. Research is a cyclical process because it starts with a problem and ends with a problem.
  4. Analytical. Research utilizes proven analytical procedures in gathering the data, whether historical, descriptive, and experimental and case study.
  5. Critical. Research exhibits careful and precise judgment.
  6. Methodical. Research is conducted in a methodical manner without bias using systematic method and procedures.
  7. Replicability. The research design and procedures are replicated or repeated to enable the researcher to arrive at valid and conclusive results.
Two approaches of research: qualitative research and quantitative research

Research is a systematic process aimed at answering questions and gaining new insights. It is generally divided into two main approaches: qualitative research and quantitative research. Each has its own methods and is suited to different types of research questions. In the following sections, we will briefly explore the key differences between these two approaches and their applications in various fields.

QualitativeQuantitative
ObjectiveTo understand & interpret social interactions.To test hypotheses, look at cause & effect, & make predictions.
Group studiedSmaller & not randomly selected.Larger & randomly selected.
VariablesStudy of the whole, not variables.Specific variables studied.
Type of data collectedWords, images, or objects.Numbers and statistics.
Form of data collectedQualitative data such as open-ended responses, interviews, participant observations, field notes, & reflections.Quantitative data based on precise measurements using structured & validated, data-collection instruments.
Type of data analysisIdentify patterns, features, themes. Identify statistical relationships.Identify statistical relationships.
Objectivity and subjectivitySubjectivity is expected.Objectivity is critical.
Role of researcherResearcher & their biases may be known to participants in the study, & participant characteristics may be known to the researcher.Researcher & their biases are not known to the participants in the study, & participant characteristics are deliberately hidden from the researcher (double-blind studies).
ResultsParticular or specialized findings that are less generalizable.Generalizable findings that can be applied to other populations.
Scientific methodExploratory or bottom-up: the researcher generates a new hypothesis and theory from the data collected.Confirmatory or top-down: the researcher tests the hypothesis and theory with the data.
View of human behaviorDynamic, situational, social, & personal.Regular & predictable.
FocusWide-angle lens; examines the breadth & depth of phenomena.Narrow-angle lens; tests a specific hypothesis.