Research: Meaning, Characteristics and Purposes

Summary

In this engaging introduction to research, Ronnie M. Absolute Junior outlines the definition, goals, and characteristics of research for the 2020-2021 academic year. He emphasizes that research is a systematic and scientific process aimed at solving problems, discovering new facts, and improving the quality of human life. Key purposes include addressing existing challenges, enhancing techniques, and promoting health. The session concludes with essential characteristics of research, such as being empirical, analytical, and requiring courage, ultimately preparing students to embrace their roles as researchers.

Takeaways

• 📖 Research is a systematic and scientific process aimed at gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data to solve problems and improve human life.
• 🔍 There are various definitions of research, but they share common elements such as inquiry, problem-solving, and the collection of data.
• 🌍 The primary goal of research is to preserve and enhance the quality of human life through the discovery and application of knowledge.
• 🚀 Research helps discover new facts and phenomena, contributing to advancements like turning alcohol into a quality fuel.
• 💡 It plays a critical role in finding solutions to partially solved problems, such as cancer treatment, through continuous investigation.
• 🛠️ Research also focuses on improving existing techniques and developing new products, leading to innovations in technology and medicine.
• 🔬 Understanding previously unknown substances and elements has expanded scientific knowledge beyond the original 92 elements.
• 🧪 The empirical nature of research ensures that findings are based on observable data, leading to objective conclusions.
• 💬 Research fosters decision-making across various fields by providing evidence-based insights and guiding choices.
• 💪 The characteristics of research include being systematic, controlled, analytical, and requiring patience, effort, and courage.

Q & A

What is the primary definition of research according to the script?

Research is defined as a systematic and scientific process of gathering, analyzing, classifying, organizing, presenting, and interpreting data to solve problems, predict outcomes, discover truths, or verify existing knowledge.

What are the main goals of research discussed in the transcript?

The main goals of research include discovering new facts, solving partially addressed problems, improving existing techniques, discovering new substances, understanding the action pathways of known substances, generalizing scientific principles, informing decision-making, satisfying curiosity, expanding knowledge, promoting health, meeting basic needs, and enhancing communication.

How does research contribute to societal progress?

Research contributes to societal progress by advancing knowledge, improving technologies, enhancing health, and providing solutions to various problems, which collectively improve the quality of human life.

What does it mean for research to be 'systematic'?

For research to be 'systematic' means it follows an orderly and sequential procedure that leads to the discovery of truth or the solution of a problem.

What is the significance of hypotheses in research?

Hypotheses guide the investigation process, providing a foundation for testing in experimental studies and helping to frame specific questions in descriptive studies.

Why is it important for research to be objective?

It is important for research to be objective because findings and conclusions should be based on empirical data without any biases or alterations to ensure validity and reliability.

What role does effort play in the research process?

Effort is crucial in research as it involves significant work and time to gather and analyze data, which directly impacts the quality and credibility of the research findings.

What is meant by 'empirical' data in research?

Empirical data refers to information that is observable and measurable, which can be agreed upon by multiple observers, ensuring that findings are based on actual evidence rather than beliefs or assumptions.

How does research promote health and prolong life?

Research promotes health and prolongs life through advancements in medical, nutritional, and pharmaceutical studies, leading to the development of new treatments and health interventions.

What characteristics make research reliable and credible?

Characteristics that make research reliable and credible include being systematic, controlled, empirical, analytical, objective, hypothesis-driven, original, quantitative, accurate, patient, effortful, and courageous.