What is Research ? - Nature, Definition and Concept of Research - Practical Research Guide

Summary

This video provides an in-depth exploration of research, detailing its definition, purpose, and various types. It emphasizes the systematic nature of scientific research, which utilizes the scientific method to establish facts and principles. Key characteristics of good research include clarity of purpose, operational definitions, and rigorous data analysis. The video outlines different types of research—exploratory, descriptive, diagnostic, and experimental—highlighting the cyclical process from problem identification to conclusion. Overall, it underscores the importance of verifiable and replicable findings in contributing to the advancement of knowledge.

Takeaways

• 📚 Research involves systematic and careful investigation to establish facts and principles.
• 🔍 The term 'research' combines 're' (again) and 'search' (to examine closely).
• 🧪 Scientific research employs the scientific method to ensure objectivity and validity.
• 💡 Psychological or academic research analyzes controlled observations to develop theories and concepts.
• 📝 A good research study must have a clearly defined purpose and operational definitions of concepts.
• 🔗 Research procedures should be precisely planned to enable replication and further advancement.
• 📊 Data analysis must be adequate and appropriate to reveal significant results.
• 🔄 Research is a cyclical process that begins and ends with a problem.
• 🌍 The conclusions drawn from research should be based on evidence and verified by others.
• 🎯 Different types of research (exploratory, descriptive, diagnostic, and experimental) serve various objectives.

Q & A

What is the basic definition of research?

Research is a careful, systematic study and investigation in a field of knowledge, undertaken to establish facts or principles.

What do the prefixes 're-' and 'search' mean in the context of research?

'Re-' means again or anew, while 'search' refers to examining closely and carefully. Together, they describe the act of investigating something thoroughly.

How is scientific research defined?

Scientific research is a systematic and objective attempt to provide answers to specific scientific questions, using the principles and practices of the scientific method.

What are the main purposes of scientific research?

The main purposes are to discover new knowledge, develop an organized body of knowledge, and apply rigorous scientific norms and statistical methods for data collection and analysis.

What are the four main types of research mentioned in the script?

The four main types of research are exploratory, descriptive, diagnostic, and experimental research.

What characteristics define good research?

Good research should have a clearly defined purpose, operationally defined concepts, a well-planned procedure, objective data collection, adequate analysis, and transparency in reporting.

What steps are involved in the research process?

The research process involves stating a problem, formulating a hypothesis, collecting data, analyzing the data, and reaching conclusions.

How does logical reasoning contribute to research?

Logical reasoning guides research by using inductive and deductive methods to make conclusions based on evidence, enhancing decision-making.

Why is research considered a cyclical process?

Research is cyclical because it starts with a problem and ends with a problem, allowing for the formulation of generalizations or theories based on findings.

What does it mean for research to be replicable and transmittable?

Replicability means that the designs and results of research can be repeated by others, while transmittability allows others to assess the validity of the findings.