Research is a very general term for an activity that involves finding out, in a more or less systematic way, things

you
did not know.

Research is a systematic and logical study of an issue or problem or phenomenon through scientific method. An
analysis of

Research methods are the techniques you use to do research. They represent the tools of the trade, and provide you
with ways to collect, sort and analyze information so that you can come to some conclusions.

Characteristics of Research

1. Research is a systematic and critical investigation into a phenomenon (i.e observatios are done
systematically one at a time starting with description, explanation and finally prediction)
2. It is not a mere compilation, but a purposive investigation; it aims at describing, interpreting and explaining
a phenomenon.
3. It adopts scientific method.
4. It is objective and logical, applying possible tests to validate the measuring tools and the conclusions
reached.
5. It is based upon observable experience or empirical evidence.
6. Research is directed towards finding answers to pertinent questions and solutions to problems.
7. It emphasises the development of generalization, principles or theories.
8. The purpose of research is not to arrive at an answer which is personally pleasing to the researcher, but
rather one which will stand up the test of criticism.

Objectives of Research

The objectives of research are varied. They are:

1. Research extends knowledge of human beings, social life and environment. Scientists and researchers build
up the wealth of knowledge through their research findings. They search answers for various types of
questions: What, Where, When, How and Why of various phenomena, and enlighten us. The bodies of
knowledge have been developed by research in general and pure of fundamental research in particular.
2. Research brings to light information that might never be discovered fully during the ordinary course of life.
For example, marketing research could result in discoveryof new uses for an old product.
3. Research establishes generalizations and general laws and contributes to theory building in various fields of
knowledge. Our knowledge of separately known events is connected together to draw generalizations and
general laws. Law of gravitation, Law of Demand, and principles of organization such as unity of command
and scalar principle, the theory of consumer behaviour and motivation theories are some examples for such
generalizations, laws and theories.
4. Research verifies and tests existing facts and theory and these help in improving our knowledge and ability
to handle situations, and events.
5. General laws developed through research may enable us to make reliable predictions of events yet to
happen.
6. Research aims to analyse inter-relationships between variables and to derive causal explanations: and thus
enable us to have a better understanding of the world in which we live.
7. Applied research aims at finding solutions to problems..socioeconomic problem (e.g., social unrest,
unemployment, poverty) health problems, human relations problems in organizations and so on.
8. Research also aims at developing new tools, concepts, and theories for a better study of unknown
phenomena.
9. Research aids planning and thus contributes to national development.

Research Process
Research process consists of series of actions or steps necessary to effectively carry our research and the desired
sequencing of these steps.

1. formulating the research problem;

2. extensive literature survey;
3. developing the hypothesis;
4. preparing the research design;
5. determining sample design;
6. collecting the data;
7. execution of the project;
8. analysis of data;
9. hypothesis testing;
10. generalizations and interpretation,
11. Preparation of the report or presentation of the results, i.e., formal write-up of conclusions reached.

WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH RESEARCH

Some of the ways it can be used one to:

Categorise.This involves forming a typologyof objects, events or concepts, i.e. a set of names or boxes
into which these can be sorted. This can be useful in explaining which things belong together and how.
Describe. Descriptive research relies on observation as a means of collecting data. It attempts to examine
situations in order to establish what is the norm, i.e. what can be predicted to happen again under the same
circumstances.
Explain. This is a descriptive type of research specifically designed to deal with complex issues. It aims to
move beyond just getting the facts in order to make sense of the myriad other elements involved, such as
human, political, social, cultural and contextual.
Evaluate. This involves making judgements about the quality of objects or events. Quality can be measured
either in an abso-lute sense or on a comparative basis. To be useful, the methods of evaluation must be
relevant to the context and intentions of the research.
Compare. Two or more contrasting cases can be examined to highlight differences and similarities between
them, leading to a better understanding of phenomena.
Correlate. The relationships between two phenomena are inves-tigated to see whether and how they
influence each other. The relationship might be just a loose link at one extreme or a direct link when one
phenomenon causes another. These are measured as levels of association.
Predict. This can sometimes be done in research areas where correlations are already known. Predictionsof
possible future behaviour or events are made on the basis that if there has been a strong relationship
between two or more characteristics or events in the past, then these should exist in similar circumstances
in the future, leading to predictable outcomes.
Control. Once you understand an event or situation, you may be able to find ways to control it. For this you
need to know what the cause and effect relationships are and that you are capable of exerting control over
the vital ingredients. All of technology relies on this ability to control.

You can combine two or more of these objectives in a research project, with sometimes one objective needing to be
successfully achieved before starting the next, for example you usually need to be able to explain how something
happens before you can work out how to control it.