BUSINESS RESEARCH (1.

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PREPARED BY:
DR. A. Lenin Jothi

DEFINING RESEARCH
Research is the outcome of human desire to probe deeper

understanding into an existing phenomena or find out the

possibility of occurrence of a new phenomena. Research is the
starting point in any discipline. It is the key to the success and
growth of any discipline.
Generally the research is considered as an endeavour to arrive at
answers to intellectual and practical problems through the
application of scientific methods to the knowable universe. It is
the movement from the known to the unknown .
The word research is derived from the French word recherche.
Its literal meaning is to investigate thoroughly. Research is
therefore, a systematic effort to gain any new knowledge and also
to accept, reject or modify existing knowledge . research is
defined by different authors.

Some popular definitions

The word research is composed of two syllables, re

and search. The dictionary defines as prefix
meaning again, anew or over again and the latter as
a verb meaning to examine closely and carefully, to
test and try, or to probe. Together they form a noun
describing a careful and systematic, patient study
and investigation in some field of knowledge,
undertaken to establish facts or principles
(Grinnell, 1943)
Kerlinger (1986) states that scientific research is a
systematic, controlled, empirical and critical
investigation of propositions about the presumed
relationships about various phenomena

Characteristics of Good
Research
Controlled: the concept of control implies that, in exploring causality in
relation to two variables, you set up your study in a way that minimizes the

effects of other factors affecting the relationship.

Rigorous: you must be scrupulous in ensuring that the procedures followed to

find answers to questions are relevant, appropriate and justified.
Systematic: it means that research is structured with specified steps to be
taken in a specified sequence in accordance with the well defined set of rules.
Valid and verifiable: this concept implies that whatever you conclude on the
basis of your findings is correct and can be verified by you and others.
Empirical: this means that any conclusions drawn are based upon hard
evidence gathered from information collected from real- life experiences or

observations.

Critical: critical scrutiny of the procedures used and the methods employed is
crucial to a research enquiry.
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