TOPIC 4

Definition of Research
Characteristics of Research
Research Process
Functions of Research

Definition of Research
Research is a process of steps used to collect and analyze information in order to increase
understanding of a topic or problem. In general, research involves three steps:
1. Ask questions.
2. Collect data to answer questions.
3. Present answers to questions.

Characteristics of Quantitative Research

The main features of quantitative research are:
 Describe the research problem by describing trends or the need to explain the
relationship between variables
 Make literature the main role by suggesting research questions to ask and justifying
the research problem, and creating a need to determine the direction (goal setting and
research questions or hypotheses) of the research
 Make objective statements, research questions and hypotheses that are specific,
narrow, measurable and observable
 Collect numerical data from a large number of people using a question and answer
instrument.
 Analyze trends, compare groups or related variables through statistical analysis, and
interpret results by comparing them with previous predictions and previous studies.
 Write research reports using a standard, fixed structure and evaluation criteria, and
take an objective and unbiased approach

Characteristics of Qualitative Research

In qualitative research, we focus on the main characteristics that differ from each stage of the
research process:
 Explore the problem and understand the center of the phenomenon in detail.
  Literature review is only a secondary role, but can explain the reasons for the
problem.
 State overall and broadly the aims of the study and participants 'experience problems.
 Collect word-based data from a small number of people to get participants' opinions.
 Use text analysis and more meaningful interpretation of results to analyze topic
descriptions and data.
 Prepare reports using a flexible structure and emerging evaluation standards, and
include reflective and subjective biases from the researchers.

Research Process
The process of research consists of six steps:
1. Identifying a research problem
• Specifying a problem
• Justifying it
• Suggesting the need to study it for audiences
2. Reviewing the literature
• Locating resources
• Selecting resources
• Summarizing resources
3. Specifying a purpose for research
• Identifying the purpose statement
• Narrowing the purpose statement to research questions or hypotheses
4. Collecting data
• Selecting individuals to study
• Obtaining permissions
• Gathering information
5. Analyzing and interpreting the data
• Breaking down the data
• Representing the data
• Explaining the data
6. Reporting and evaluating research
• Deciding on audiences
• Structuring the report
• Writing the report sensitively.
References
Creswell, John W. 2012. Educational Research. 4th Edition. Boston: Pearson
Education.