> Objectives of Research.

The objectives of research can vary depending on the nature and purpose of the study.
However, some common objectives of research include:

1. To explore and gain knowledge: Research aims to investigate and uncover new information,
ideas, or theories about a particular subject or phenomenon. It seeks to expand the existing
body of knowledge and contribute to the understanding of various topics.

2. To solve problems or address issues: Research is often conducted to find solutions to

practical problems or to address specific issues. It involves identifying the causes, factors, or
variables influencing a problem and developing strategies to mitigate or resolve them.

3. To test hypotheses: Research involves formulating hypotheses based on existing theories or

observations and testing them through empirical investigation. The objective is to either support
or reject the hypotheses and draw conclusions from the findings.

4. To validate existing knowledge: Research may aim to validate or replicate previous studies or
findings to ensure their accuracy and reliability. This process helps establish the credibility of
existing knowledge and builds a foundation for further advancements.

5. To improve existing practices or interventions: Research can be conducted to evaluate the

effectiveness or efficiency of existing practices, policies, or interventions. The objective is to
identify areas for improvement and propose evidence-based recommendations for enhancing
outcomes or processes.

6. To explore cause-and-effect relationships: Research often seeks to establish causal

relationships between variables or factors. By systematically studying the relationships between
different variables, researchers can determine the effects of certain factors on outcomes or
behavior.

7. To generate evidence for decision-making: Research provides evidence that informs

decision-making processes in various fields, such as policy-making, healthcare, business, and
education. The objective is to gather reliable data and information to support informed
decision-making and develop evidence-based practices.

8. To contribute to the advancement of a field: Research aims to push the boundaries of

knowledge within a specific field or discipline. By conducting original research, researchers aim
to make significant contributions, introduce new concepts or theories, and foster progress and
innovation.

9. To understand human behavior and experiences: Research in social sciences often focuses
on understanding human behavior, attitudes, motivations, and experiences. The objective is to
gain insights into individual and collective behavior, contributing to the development of
psychological, sociological, or anthropological knowledge.

10. To generate practical applications: Research can have practical applications by developing
new technologies, products, or methodologies. The objective is to apply scientific findings to
real-world contexts, creating innovations that improve people's lives or address societal
challenges.

It's important to note that research objectives can be specific and tailored to a particular study,
and multiple objectives can be pursued simultaneously to achieve a comprehensive
understanding of a subject or problem.

> Process of Research

The process of research typically involves a systematic and organized approach to investigate a
specific topic or problem. While the exact steps may vary depending on the field of study and
research design, the following are the general stages involved in the research process:

1. Identify the research topic: The first step is to select a research topic or problem to study. This
involves narrowing down the scope, defining the research questions or objectives, and
considering the significance and feasibility of the study.

2. Review existing literature: Conduct a comprehensive review of existing literature and

research related to the chosen topic. This helps to understand the current knowledge, identify
gaps or controversies, and develop a theoretical framework or conceptual basis for the study.

3. Formulate research objectives and hypotheses: Based on the research questions, establish
clear objectives and, if applicable, formulate hypotheses or research propositions that will guide
the investigation.

4. Design the research methodology: Determine the most appropriate research methodology or
approach to address the research objectives. This includes deciding on the research design
(e.g., experimental, observational, qualitative, quantitative), data collection methods (e.g.,
surveys, interviews, experiments, observations), and sampling techniques.

5. Collect data: Implement the chosen data collection methods to gather relevant information or
data. This may involve conducting surveys, interviews, experiments, observations, or analyzing
existing datasets. Ensure proper data quality controls and ethical considerations.

6. Analyze data: Once the data is collected, it needs to be organized, cleaned, and analyzed.
This involves applying statistical or qualitative analysis techniques to interpret the data and draw
meaningful conclusions. Statistical software or qualitative analysis tools can be used to assist in
this process.
7. Interpret and draw conclusions: Analyze the research findings in light of the research
objectives and hypotheses. Interpret the results, identify patterns, trends, or relationships, and
draw conclusions based on the evidence. Discuss the implications and significance of the
findings in relation to the existing literature and theoretical framework.

8. Communicate the results: Prepare a research report or paper that documents the research
process, findings, and conclusions. The report should follow the appropriate format and
structure for the field of study. It should be written clearly and accurately, with proper citations
and references.

9. Peer review and feedback: Submit the research report to peer-reviewed journals or present it
at conferences to receive feedback from experts in the field. Peer review helps to validate the
quality and rigor of the research, identify any weaknesses or areas for improvement, and ensure
the accuracy of the findings.

10. Disseminate and apply findings: Share the research findings through publications,
presentations, or other means to contribute to the body of knowledge in the field. Additionally,
consider the practical applications or policy implications of the findings and explore ways to
apply the research outcomes in relevant contexts.

It's important to note that research is an iterative process, and the steps outlined above are not
necessarily linear. Researchers often revisit and refine their research questions, methods, and
analysis based on the emerging findings and feedback received throughout the process.

Types of Research
There are various types of research that can be conducted, depending on the nature of the
study, the research objectives, and the methodology employed. Here are some common types
of research:

1. Basic research: Also known as fundamental or pure research, this type of research aims to
expand knowledge and understanding in a particular field without necessarily focusing on
immediate practical applications. It seeks to enhance theoretical frameworks, explore new
concepts, or validate existing theories.

2. Applied research: Applied research aims to solve specific practical problems or address
practical issues. It involves the application of existing knowledge or theories to develop practical
solutions, interventions, or technologies that can be implemented in real-world settings. Applied
research often bridges the gap between theory and practice.

3. Quantitative research: Quantitative research involves the collection and analysis of numerical
data to answer research questions and test hypotheses. It relies on statistical methods to
analyze data and draw conclusions. Surveys, experiments, and statistical analysis of existing
datasets are common approaches used in quantitative research.
4. Qualitative research: Qualitative research focuses on exploring and understanding subjective
experiences, meanings, and social phenomena. It involves collecting non-numerical data such
as interviews, observations, or textual analysis and uses interpretive methods to analyze and
interpret the data. Qualitative research aims to uncover in-depth insights, patterns, and
contextual understanding.

5. Mixed methods research: Mixed methods research combines both quantitative and qualitative
research methods. It involves collecting and analyzing both numerical and non-numerical data
to gain a comprehensive understanding of a research question. Researchers often integrate the
findings from both approaches to provide a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of
the phenomenon under study.

6. Action research: Action research is a collaborative and participatory approach that involves
researchers and practitioners working together to address specific problems or challenges in
real-world settings. It aims to bring about practical change and improvement by integrating
research, reflection, and action cycles.

7. Exploratory research: Exploratory research is conducted when there is limited existing

knowledge or understanding about a particular topic. It aims to explore and generate initial
insights, ideas, or hypotheses. Exploratory research often involves qualitative methods such as
interviews, focus groups, or case studies.

8. Descriptive research: Descriptive research aims to describe and document characteristics,

behaviors, or phenomena. It involves collecting data to provide an accurate and detailed picture
of the subject under study. Surveys, observations, and archival research are common methods
used in descriptive research.

9. Experimental research: Experimental research involves the manipulation of variables and the
control of conditions to establish cause-and-effect relationships. It aims to test hypotheses and
determine the effects of specific interventions or treatments. Experimental research often
involves the random assignment of participants into different groups and the use of control
groups.

10. Historical research: Historical research involves the investigation of past events, people, or
phenomena. It relies on analyzing historical records, documents, artifacts, or archival data to
understand and interpret historical contexts and patterns.

These are just a few examples of the types of research that can be conducted. Researchers
often choose the most appropriate type of research based on their research questions,
objectives, available resources, and the nature of the phenomenon they are studying.
> Note on Exploratory and Descriptive research
Exploratory Research:
Exploratory research is a type of research conducted when there is limited existing knowledge
or understanding about a particular topic. It aims to explore and generate initial insights, ideas,
or hypotheses. The primary goal of exploratory research is to gain a better understanding of the
research problem, identify potential variables or factors that may influence the phenomenon,
and develop a more focused and refined research question.

Exploratory research often involves qualitative methods such as interviews, focus groups, or
case studies. These methods allow researchers to gather rich, in-depth data and explore
various perspectives and experiences related to the topic. The data collected in exploratory
research is typically open-ended and flexible, enabling researchers to capture unexpected or
emergent themes and patterns.

One of the key advantages of exploratory research is its ability to generate new ideas, insights,
or hypotheses that can guide further research. It helps researchers familiarize themselves with
the research topic, identify gaps in existing knowledge, and refine the research questions or
objectives. Exploratory research is particularly useful in the early stages of a research project or
when studying relatively unexplored or complex phenomena.

Descriptive Research:
Descriptive research aims to describe and document characteristics, behaviors, or phenomena.
It involves collecting data to provide an accurate and detailed picture of the subject under study.
The primary objective of descriptive research is to answer questions about who, what, when,
where, and how regarding a specific topic.

Descriptive research often utilizes quantitative methods such as surveys, observational studies,
or analysis of existing datasets. Surveys allow researchers to collect data from a large sample of
participants and measure variables of interest. Observational studies involve systematically
observing and recording behaviors or events in a natural or controlled setting. Analysis of
existing datasets involves examining pre-existing data collected for other purposes, such as
census data, government records, or organizational data.

The data collected in descriptive research is typically numerical or categorical, allowing for
statistical analysis and the generation of summary statistics. Descriptive research provides a
snapshot or overview of the subject under investigation, identifying patterns, trends, and
relationships. It is useful for providing a baseline understanding of a phenomenon, describing
the prevalence or distribution of variables, and informing decision-making processes.

Descriptive research is often conducted in the early stages of research or when exploring a new
topic. It helps researchers gain a comprehensive understanding of the research problem and
provides a foundation for further investigation. Descriptive research is also valuable in fields
such as market research, social sciences, or epidemiology, where gathering accurate and
representative data is crucial for decision-making or policy development.