what research is?
what research is not?
Research is the systematic investigation of a subject or topic with the aim of discovering new knowledge, interpretations, or solutions to a problem. It involves a careful and organized approach to gathering information, analyzing data, and drawing conclusions.
To understand what research is, you can follow these steps:
1. Identify a research question or problem: Begin by clearly defining what you want to investigate or explore. This could be a specific topic, issue, or phenomenon that you want to understand better.
2. Conduct a literature review: Start by reviewing existing knowledge and scholarly work related to your research question. This involves reading books, articles, and other sources to gain an understanding of what has already been studied and discovered in your field.
3. Formulate a hypothesis or research aim: Develop a hypothesis, research objective, or research aim that clearly outlines what you expect to find or achieve through your research. This provides a direction for your investigation.
4. Design your research methodology: Determine the most appropriate research methods and techniques to answer your research question. This could involve collecting data through surveys, experiments, observations, interviews, or analyzing existing datasets.
5. Collect and analyze data: Collect data according to your chosen research methods and techniques. This might involve conducting experiments, administering surveys, or conducting interviews. Once you have collected the data, analyze it using appropriate statistical or qualitative analysis methods.
6. Interpret results and draw conclusions: Analyze the findings of your research and interpret the results in light of your research question. Draw meaningful conclusions, make connections to existing knowledge, and discuss the implications of your findings.
Research is not:
1. Opinion or personal belief: Research is based on evidence, facts, and data, not personal opinions or biases. It is conducted objectively, using systematic approaches to gather and analyze information.
2. Guessing or speculation: Research aims to provide reliable and valid conclusions based on evidence and rigorous analysis. It is not about making assumptions or guesses without proper investigation.
3. Plagiarism or copying: Research involves originality and integrity. It is not about copying someone else's work or ideas without giving proper credit. It is important to cite and reference all sources used in your research.
4. Unsubstantiated claims: Research requires evidence to support its claims. It is not about making unsupported or unsubstantiated statements.
5. Random or haphazard activities: Research is a structured and systematic process. It is not about randomly collecting information or conducting activities without clear objectives and methods.
Remember, research is a valuable tool for advancing knowledge, solving problems, and making informed decisions. It follows a systematic approach and relies on evidence and rigorous analysis to generate reliable and valid results.