Definition of Research
RELATOR, RUE BERYL DS.
DEFINITION OF RESEARCH
Research has been defined in a number of different ways. * A broad definition of research is given by Martyn 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". * The primary purposes of basic research (as opposed to applied research) are documentation, discovery, interpretation, or the research and development of methods and systems for the advancement of human knowledge. Approaches to research depend on epistemologies, which vary considerably both within and between humanities and sciences. There are several forms of research: scientific, humanities, artistic, economic, social, business, marketing, practitioner research, etc.
TYPES OF RESEARCH * Historical Research – a systematic process of searching for information and fact to describe analyze or interpret the past. * Value – can provide prospective for decision making about current problems * Sources – most common sources are past records * Descriptive Research - describes, interprets, and clarifies what in the present * Often done with surveys * May be done by observation or an observational instrument * Developmental Research – is one common type
DEFINITION OF RESEARCH
Research has been defined in a number of different ways. * A broad definition of research is given by Martyn 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". * The primary purposes of basic research (as opposed to applied research) are documentation, discovery, interpretation, or the research and development of methods and systems for the advancement of human knowledge. Approaches to research depend on epistemologies, which vary considerably both within and between humanities and sciences. There are several forms of research: scientific, humanities, artistic, economic, social, business, marketing, practitioner research, etc.
TYPES OF RESEARCH * Historical Research – a systematic process of searching for information and fact to describe analyze or interpret the past. * Value – can provide prospective for decision making about current problems * Sources – most common sources are past records * Descriptive Research - describes, interprets, and clarifies what in the present * Often done with surveys * May be done by observation or an observational instrument * Developmental Research – is one common type