What does research mean?

Copyright, 1996 © Dale Carnegie & Associates, Inc.

Definitions
 It is a permanent search of truth
 Going deep into something; getting to the
roots
 Following a method (steps given in a
certain order),
 So that it is systematic (logical, coherent)
Characteristics
 Some characteristics of research

 It is cyclic
 It may start at any point
 It is a continual process
 You may have to change your strategy at any
point
 And you will finally come to a new starting
point
Steps in the
research process
 Which are the basic steps of
the research process?

1* Choice of topic.
2* Heuristics (search of information)
3* Hermeneutics (analysis and
interpretation)
4* Synthesis and writing
Choosing a topic
 Do you know the language used in the sources?
 Is bibliography available?
 Do you have any previous, related knowledge?
 Is there any original twist to the topic?
 Is the time you have enough?
 Will the results be useful to the community?
 Are you interested in the topic?
THE TOPIC SHOULD BE:
 narrowed down (very wide, general topics
should be avoided).
 relevant (from a theoretical or practical point of
view)
 original
 interesting (researcher: curious, passionate)
 realizable
Bibliography about research
 Blaxter, Loraine, et al. (2004). Cómo se hace una
investigación. Barcelona: Gedisa
 Castel, Víctor, et al. (comp.) (2004) Investigaciones en
ciencias humanas y sociales: del ABC disciplinar a la
reflexión metodológica. Mendoza: Editorial de la FFyL
 Gotthelf, René; Vicente, Sonia. (1996). Tiempo de
investigar. Metodología y técnicas del trabajo
universitario. Mendoza: EDIUNC
 Peretó Rivas. (2003) Investigación en humanidades.
Mendoza: Editorial de la FFyL
 Walker, Melissa (2002). Cómo escribir trabajos de
investigación. Barcelona: Gedisa