Definition

Research
Research essentially is a problem-solving process,
a systematic, intensive study directed towards full
scientific knowledge of subject studies.
– Ruth M. French, 1968
Research is the process of systematically obtaining
accurate answers to significant and pertinent
questions by the use of the scientific method of
gathering and interpreting information.
– Clover and Balsley, 1979
Research may be defined as the systematic and
objective analysis and recording of controlled
observation that may lead to the development
of generalizations, principles, theories,
resulting in prediction and possible ultimate
control of events.
– J. W. Best, 1969
Research may be defined as planned,
systematic search for information for the
purpose of increasing the total body of man’s
knowledge. It involves looking for information
which at the time is not available or for which
that has no generally accepted evidence.
– Archold Lancaster, 1982
 Nursing Research
Nursing research is defined as a formal,
systematic, rigorous and intensive process
used for solution to nursing problems or to
discover and interpret new facts and trends in
the clinical practice, nursing education and
nursing administration.
– Waltz and Bausell, 2001
Nursing research is defined as a systematic
search for knowledge about issues of
importance to nursing
– Polit and Hungler, 2001
Nursing research is a scientific process that
validates and refines existing knowledge and
generates new knowledge, which directly and
indirectly influences nursing practice.
– Burns and Grove, 2005
Nursing research is a scientific, systematic and
orderly process to find out solutions for
problems concerned with nursing or
generating and refining the nursing knowledge
to improve quality of nursing care, nursing
education, and nursing administration.
– S.K. Sharma, 2005