Nature of Inquiry and Research

The nature of inquiry and research involves systematic and thorough investigation to generate new
knowledge and understanding. It is a process of collecting relevant data and applying methods to
construct theories that contribute to epistemic or alethic achievements . Good research is regulated,
thorough, systematic, accurate, and verifiable, and it starts with a problem and ends with a problem, often
leading to new research topics . Research is distinguished from general activities that seek information or
knowledge by its focus on generating new knowledge that adds to the world bank of knowledge .
Research experiences can enhance teachers' understanding of scientific inquiry and the nature of science,
leading to more inquiry-based teaching approaches . The spirit of inquiry within research encourages
curiosity, wonder, and a commitment to lifelong learning . Overall, research and inquiry are essential
drivers for economic development, technological advancements, and the promotion of knowledge and
understanding .

Research

Research is a systematic investigation to generate new knowledge or deepen understanding of a topic. It

involves the use of specific methodologies and the exploration of various themes [1]. Research can take
different forms, such as practical research, design science research, or experimental research [2] [3] [4].
Artists can also engage in research through their artistic practices, incorporating elements of historical
research and academic research within their work [5]. Research experiments can be conducted to study
and understand various phenomena, such as the efficiency of control systems for gas engines , the
crushing process of tiny particle samples , or the behavior of materials during sample crushing.

The Importance of Research

 Gather relevant information

 Improve quality of life

 Understand history

 Attain personal and professional development

Characteristics of Research

 Empirical. Research is based on direct experience or observation by the researcher.

 Logical. Research is based on valid procedures and principles.

 Cyclical. Research is a cyclical process because it starts with a problem and ends with a problem.

 Analytical. Research utilizes proven analytical procedures in gathering the data, whether
historical, descriptive, experimental and case study.

 Critical. Research exhibits careful and precise judgment.

 Methodical. Research is conducted in a methodical manner without bias using systematic

method and procedures.
  Replicability. The research design and procedures are replicated or repeated to enable the
researcher to arrive at valid and conclusive results.

The two major classes of research are:

Qualitative Research – subjective, seeks a human’s experience as a narrative. Qualitative Research:

Qualitative research is rooted in research that originated in anthropology, sociology, and psychology.
Qualitative research is not experimental, it seeks to understand the lived experiences in humans and
seeks to understanding meaning, and it is subjective in nature. The overarching goal of qualitative
research is theory-generating. It is an inductive process (inductive reasoning). Most often, qualitative
research features an interview style. This allows the researcher to ask open-ended questions and the
participants share their experiences and/or explanation of particular meanings in life.

Qualitative research differs from quantitative research in that:

 It is completely subjective.

 It utilizes an inductive (versus deductive) approach.

 It does not utilize a hypothesis.

 It generates a theory from the data to explain the social phenomenon that the researchers were
interested in.

 The researcher is involved with the participants for data collection.

 The data is analyzed with a thematic nature. That is, themes from the collected narratives are
analyzed to see trends or themes in what the participants shared.

 The results are not generalizable to the population.

Quantitative Research – objective, seeks to statistically make inferences about a sample to generalize to
the larger population. Quantitative Research: In quantitative research, the goal is to utilize the statistical
data to generalize results to the population studied. Some key features include utilizing the statistics to
help answer the clinical question and determine whether the hypothesis is indeed statistically supported.

There are two main types of quantitative research:

 Experimental: In experimental research, the researcher introduces an intervention or treatment.

 Non-Experimental: In non-experimental research, the researcher does not introduce an

intervention or treatment, but instead acts as a bystander. Meaning, they collect data without
introducing a treatment.
Quantitative research differs from qualitative research in that:

 It is completely objective.

 It utilizes a deductive (versus inductive) approach.

 It utilizes a hypothesis(es).

 It tests a theory.

 The researcher is usually not directly involved with the participants for data collection in order to
minimize bias.

 The data is analyzed statistically in order to generalize results to the larger population.

Research Process:

1. Select a General Problem

2. Review the literature of the problem

3. Select a specific research problem, question, or hypothesis

4. Collect data

5. Analyze and present or display data

6. Interpret the findings and state cohesion as generalization regarding the problem.
Steps in designing a Research Project

1. Choose a topic - the subjects from which you might develop a research study must be beneficial
in everyday life.

2. Identify the goals and objectives of the research or study - the researchers purpose should be
perfectly clear in his or her thoughts since this will lead to clarify in the design and good response
from the respondents.

3. Describe a specific setting - it briefly outlines the location of the research.

4. Consider the data sources - the researcher should explicitly describe the numerous sources of
data or information. Interview, surveys and observations are examples of primary data sources
that the researcher collects and processes directly.

5. Use techniques of data collection - some specific procedures such as interviews, questionnaires
and surveys, observations, documents and records, and so on, are required for the gathering of
required information.

In conducting a Research Always remember the SMART

What Does SMART MEAN?

Specific (S) -specific research question is clear and concise, leaving no room for ambiguity. It focuses on
a single topic or issue, making it easier to address.

Measurable (M) -Measurable research questions allow for the collection of data and evidence that can be
quantified. This enables researchers to gauge the progress and success of their study.

Achievable (A) -An achievable research question considers the practicality of research methods and
resources. It should be within reach and not overly ambitious.

Relevant (R) -A relevant research question aligns with the goals and objectives of the study. It should
address a significant issue within the field of research.

Time-bound (T) -A time-bound research question includes a clear timeframe for when the study will take
place and when results can be expected.

Formulating a SMART research question can help inform your research plan and methodology. Take a
look at this research plan generator to see for yourself how you can quickly and easily generate a solid
research plan once you have defined a succinct research question.

Finding a good Research topic

1. Start with a topic

2. Identify the problem

3. Consider your passion or interest

4. Make sure you have enough resources for your topic.

 5. Pick a topic that is timely and relevant.

6. Check references from the library.

7. Be ready with your personal resources.

8. Master the skill of finding the right research topic.

Research topics to be avoided

1. Controversial Topics- these are topics that depend gretly on the writer's opinion, which may tend
to biased or prejudicial. Facts cannot support topics like these.

2. Highly Technical Subjects - for a beginner, researching on topics that require an advanced study,
technical knowledge, and vast experience is a very difficult task.

3. Hard-to-Investigate Subjects -there are no available reading materials about it and if such
materials are not up to-date.

4. Too Broad Subjects - topics that are too broad will prevent you from giving a concentrated or an
in-depth analysis of the subject matter of the paper.

5. Too Narrow Subjects -theses subjects are so limited or specific that an extensive or thorough
searching or reading for information about these is necessary.

6. Vague Subjects -prevents you from having a clear focus on your paper.

Characteristics of a good research title

1. Keep it simple, brief and attractive - a titles principal role is to offer a concise overview of the
papers content. As a result, keep the title concise or to the point .

2. Use appropriate descriptive words - a good research title should include importance terms from
the publication and describe the nature of the investigation. Consider the phrases that people
might use to find the study and incorporate them in the title.

3. Avoid abbreviations and jargons - in the title, well-known acronyms such as AIDS, HIV, and so on
may be used, however lessser-known or specialized acronyms and jargons that readers may be
not be familiar with should be avoided.

4. It is a good idea to create a 'working' research title first- this title helps to focus the research and
writing, although it may be modified if necessary. The final title should be a statement or a
question that shows the subject and scope of the study while generating the readers interests
and passion for the topic.