a variety of methodologic approaches exist for individuals interested in conducting

research. Selection of a research approach depends on a number of factors,

including the purpose of the research, the type of research questions to be
answered, and the availability of resources. Survey research is defined as “the
collection of information from a sample of individuals through their responses to
questions” (Check & Schutt, 2012, p. 160). This type of re-search allows for a
variety of methods to recruit participants, collect data, and utilize various methods
of instrumentation. Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g.,
using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies
(e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is
often used to describe and explore human behavior, surveys are therefore
frequently used in social and psychological re-search (Singleton & Straits, 2009).
Information has been obtained from individuals and groups through the use of
survey research for de-cades. It can range from asking a few targeted questions of
individuals on a street corner to obtain information related to behaviors and
preferences, to a more rigorous study using multiple valid and reliable instruments.
Common examples of less rigorous surveys include marketing or political surveys
of consumer patterns and public opinion polls. Survey research has historically
included large population-based data collection. The primary purpose of this type
of survey research was to obtain information describing characteristics of a large
sample of individuals of interest relatively quickly. Large census surveys obtaining
information reflecting demographic and personal characteristics and consumer
feed-back surveys are prime examples. These surveys were often provided through
the mail and were intended to describe demographic characteristics of individuals
or obtain opinions on which to base programs or products for a population or group
More recently, survey research has developed into a rigorous approach to research,
with scientifically tested strategies detailing who to include (representative
sample), what and how to distribute (survey method), and when to initiate the
survey and follow up with no responders (reducing non-response error), in order to
ensure a high-quality research process and outcome. Currently, the term “survey”
can reflect a range of research aims, sampling and recruitment strategies, data
collection instruments, and methods of survey administration. Given this range of
options in the conduct of survey research, it is imperative for the consumer/reader
of survey research to understand the potential for bias in survey research as well as
the tested techniques for reducing bias, in order to draw ap-propriate conclusions
about the information re-ported in this manner.
Research is a careful and detailed study into a specific problem, concern, or issue
using the scientific method. It's the adult form of the science fair projects back in
elementary school, where you try and learn something by performing an
experiment. This is best accomplished by turning the issue into a question, with the
intent of the research to answer the question.
Research can be about anything, and we hear about all different types of research
in the news. Cancer research has 'Breakthrough Cancer-Killing Treatment Has No
Side Effects in Mice,' and 'Baby Born with HIV Cured.' Each of these began with
an issue or a problem (such as cancer or HIV), and they had a question, like, 'Does
medication X reduce cancerous tissue or HIV infections?'
But all I've said so far is what research has done (sort of like saying baking leads to
apple pie; it doesn't really tell you anything other than the two are connected). To
begin researching something, you have to have a problem, concern, or issue that
has turned into a question. These can come from observing the world, prior
research, professional literature, or from peers. Research really begins with the
right question, because your question must be answerable. Questions like, 'How
can I cure cancer?' aren't really answerable with a study. It's too vague and not
testable.
Having a question creates an internal state of 'I need to know something.' To
continue the baking example, this internal state of wanting something is like
having a hankering for apple pie. Since you are reading this in a psychology
section, we will put a psychological slant on this, and hopefully lose some of the
baking metaphors.

A comprehensive search for information in order to provide a clear image to

understand social phenomenon is known as research. In technical terms, research is
the process of thoroughly defining a problem, developing a goal, gathering and
analyzing relevant data in order to determine the possible causes of the problem.
As a result, research activities consist of a continuous search for knowledge with
the aim of gaining a better understanding of the issue and making concrete
recommendations for its solution. To put it another way, research is the process of
gaining new knowledge. This knowledge may come through the creation of new
ideas or the advancement of established knowledge and theories, resulting in a
previously unknown understanding.
A comprehensive search for information in order to provide a clear image or an
effort to describe, explain, or investigate or a social inquiry to better understand
social phenomena in a systematic way is known as research. Using measurement
methods such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, ethnography, or detailed text
analysis, research is a systematic study of individuals, organizations, or social
phenomena.