What is Research

Summary

Research often begins with curiosity, a desire for knowledge, or a drive to solve societal problems. It involves systematically investigating a question to create or discover new knowledge. This process can include synthesizing existing information, testing hypotheses, and contributing new ideas or solutions to the field. Research improves understanding, revises theories, and generates future inquiries. Ultimately, it’s an original contribution that builds on previous scholars' work, helping us see further by standing on the shoulders of giants.

Takeaways

• 😀 Research often starts without knowing the 'how' or 'why', driven by curiosity, academic pursuits, or a desire to solve societal problems.
• 😀 Regardless of motivation, it's crucial to step back and consider the broader purpose of research.
• 😀 Research begins with a question that aims to discover or create new knowledge.
• 😀 It involves the synthesis and analysis of existing knowledge to generate new concepts, methodologies, or understandings.
• 😀 Research can help understand phenomena, improve solutions, revise theories, or generate future questions.
• 😀 It is a purposeful and systematic investigation designed to find answers relevant to the world we live in.
• 😀 Research increases knowledge through observation, experimentation, data collection, and analysis, following proper methodologies and guidelines.
• 😀 Critical analysis ensures the reliability and validity of research findings.
• 😀 The evaluation of hypotheses or frameworks is done with support from existing literature.
• 😀 Research contributes to the community by offering generalizable insights, developing ideas, applying new theories, solving problems, or improving understanding.
• 😀 Ultimately, research builds upon the work of previous scholars, allowing us to 'see further by standing on the shoulders of giants.'

Q & A

What motivates individuals to engage in research?

Motivations for engaging in research can vary. They may stem from curiosity, academic pursuits for knowledge and recognition, or a deeper desire to contribute to society or solve larger problems.

What is the starting point of any research?

The starting point of any research is always a question, which is used to discover or create new knowledge.

How does research contribute to knowledge?

Research contributes to knowledge by synthesizing and analyzing existing knowledge in new and creative ways to generate new concepts, methodologies, or understandings.

What are the different purposes of research?

Research can be used to understand phenomena, improve existing solutions, revise accepted theories in light of new facts, or generate questions for future inquiry.

What is the process of research?

The process of research involves a purposeful and systematic investigation aimed at answering a question. This is done through observation, experimentation, gathering and analyzing information, or collecting data in line with established methodologies and guidelines.

Why is critical analysis important in research?

Critical analysis is important in research to ensure the reliability and validity of the results, ensuring that the findings are accurate and trustworthy.

How is a hypothesis evaluated in research?

A hypothesis is evaluated by comparing it against existing literature and supporting it with evidence. This helps determine whether the hypothesis holds up against the current body of knowledge.

What is the goal of research findings?

The goal of research findings is to contribute generalizable insights to the research community, which can include developing new ideas, applying new theories, solving problems, or improving understanding within the larger body of existing research knowledge.

How does research build upon previous work?

Research builds upon previous work by offering original contributions, interpretations, or views that expand on the work of scholars who have come before us, helping to further advance knowledge in the field.

What does the phrase 'standing on the shoulders of giants' mean in the context of research?

'Standing on the shoulders of giants' refers to the idea that our research allows us to see further and gain deeper insights by building upon the foundational work of previous scholars and researchers.