MODULE OUTLINE

Module 1: Introduction to research

Module Overview

In this module the following topics will be discussed:

General Definition of Research

The purposed of Research

Characteristics of Research

This module will be delivered in two sessions having two hours each. Live discussions will be
conducted and students activities will be given during the sessions. Assignment may be given
and submitted thru the Class portal on the date and time designated by the faculty.

Module Learning Outcomes

At the end of the presentation, the students are expected to:

Explain the meaning of research

Distinguish the three main purpose of research

Describe the eight characteristics of reserach

Discussion

What is Research?

Simply put, research is the process of discovering new knowledge. This knowledge can
be either the development of new concepts or the advancement of existing knowledge
and theories, leading to a new understanding that was not previously known.

While research can be carried out by anyone and in any field, most research is usually
done to broaden knowledge in the physical, biological, and social worlds. This can range
from learning why certain materials behave the way they do, to asking why certain
people are more resilient than others when faced with the same challenges.

The use of ‘systematic investigation’ in the formal definition represents how research is
normally conducted – a hypothesis is formed, appropriate research methods are designed,
 data is collected and analysed, and research results are summarised into one or more
‘research conclusions’. These research conclusions are then shared with the rest of the
scientific community to add to the existing knowledge and serve as evidence to form
additional questions that can be investigated. It is this cyclical process that enables
scientific research to make continuous progress over the years; the true purpose of
research.

What is the Purpose of Research

From weather forecasts to the discovery of antibiotics, researchers are constantly trying to find
new ways to understand the world and how things work – with the ultimate goal of improving
our lives.

The purpose of research is therefore to find out what is known, what is not and what we can
develop further. In this way, scientists can develop new theories, ideas and products that shape
our society and our everyday lives.

The purpose of research is to further understand the world and to learn how this knowledge can
be applied to better everyday life. It is an integral part of problem solving.

Although research can take many forms, there are three main purposes of research:

1. Exploratory: Exploratory research is the first research to be conducted around a problem

that has not yet been clearly defined. Exploration research therefore aims to gain a better
understanding of the exact nature of the problem and not to provide a conclusive answer
to the problem itself. This enables us to conduct more in-depth research later on.

2. Descriptive: Descriptive research expands knowledge of a research problem or

phenomenon by describing it according to its characteristics and population. Descriptive
research focuses on the ‘how’ and ‘what’, but not on the ‘why’.

3. Explanatory: Explanatory research, also referred to as casual research, is conducted to

determine how variables interact, i.e. to identify cause-and-effect relationships.
Explanatory research deals with the ‘why’ of research questions and is therefore often
based on experiments.

Characteristics of Research

There are 8 core characteristics that all research projects should have. These are:

 Empirical – based on proven scientific methods derived from real-life observations and
experiments.
  Logical – follows sequential procedures based on valid principles.

 Cyclic – research begins with a question and ends with a question, i.e. research should
lead to a new line of questioning.

 Controlled – vigorous measures put into place to keep all variables constant, except those
under investigation.

 Hypothesis-based – the research design generates data that sufficiently meets the research
objectives and can prove or disprove the hypothesis. It makes the research study
repeatable and gives credibility to the results.

 Analytical – data is generated, recorded and analysed using proven techniques to ensure
high accuracy and repeatability while minimising potential errors and anomalies.

 Objective – sound judgement is used by the researcher to ensure that the research
findings are valid.

 Statistical treatment – statistical treatment is used to transform the available data into

something more meaningful from which knowledge can be gained.

Types of Research

Research can be divided into two main types: basic research (also known as pure research) and

applied research.

Basic Research

Basic research, also known as pure research, is an original investigation into the reasons behind a

process, phenomenon or particular event. It focuses on generating knowledge around existing

basic principles.

Basic research is generally considered ‘non-commercial research’ because it does not focus on

solving practical problems, and has no immediate benefit or ways it can be applied.
For example, a researcher may try to investigate the molecular structure of a material for the

purpose of understanding it’s behaviour better as it is not yet well understood.

While basic research may not have direct applications, it usually provides new insights that can

later be used in applied research.

Applied Research

Applied research investigates well-known theories and principles in order to enhance knowledge

around a practical aim. Because of this, applied research focuses on solving real-life problems by

deriving knowledge which has an immediate application.

For example, a person may undertake applied research to investigate whether they can modify

the molecular structure of a material for the purpose of making it strong enough to be used in

aircraft construction.

Methods of Research

Research methods for data collection fall into one of two categories: inductive methods or

deductive methods.

Inductive research methods focus on the analysis of an observation and are usually associated

with qualitative research. Deductive research methods focus on the verification of an observation

and are typically associated with quantitative research.

Qualitative Research

Qualitative research is a method that enables non-numerical data collection through open-ended

methods such as interviews, case studies and focus groups.

It enables researchers to collect data on personal experiences, feelings or behaviours, as well as

the reasons behind them. Because of this, qualitative research is often used in fields such as

social science, psychology and philosophy and other areas where it is useful to know the

connection between what has occurred and why it has occurred.

Quantitative Research

Quantitative research is a method that collects and analyses numerical data through statistical

analysis.

It allows us to quantify variables, uncover relationships, and make generalisations across a larger

population. As a result, quantitative research is often used in the natural and physical sciences

such as engineering, biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, finance, and medical

research, etc.
What does Research Involve?

Research often follows a systematic approach known as a Scientific Method, which is carried out

using an hourglass model.

A research project first starts with a problem statement, or rather, the research purpose for

engaging in the study. This can take the form of the ‘scope of the study’ or ‘aims and objectives’

of your research topic.

Subsequently, a literature review is carried out and a hypothesis is formed. The researcher then

creates a research methodology and collects the data.

The data is then analysed using various statistical methods and the null hypothesis is either

accepted or rejected.

In both cases, the study and its conclusion are officially written up as a report or research paper,

and the researcher may also recommend lines of further questioning. The report or research

paper is then shared with the wider research community, and the cycle begins all over again.

Although these steps outline the overall research process, keep in mind that research projects are

highly dynamic and are therefore considered an iterative process with continued refinements and

not a series of fixed stages.

Guides for Student Learning Activities:

The student must be able to explain what is research and its importance in our everyday
life

The student must be bale to identify the different activities involved in the conduct of
research

Summary
 Summary

The purpose of research is to enhance society by advancing knowledge through the development
of scientific theories, concepts and ideas. A research purpose is met through forming hypotheses,
collecting data, analysing results, forming conclusions, implementing findings into real-life
applications and forming new research questions.

References

https://www.discoverphds.com/blog/what-is-research-purpose-of-research

https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/research/researchers/preparing_a_grant_application/
dest_definition_of_research

https://www.questionpro.com/blog/what-is-research/