what is research , definition , importance and scope

Research 

The word research is derived from the Middle French "recherche", which means "to go about seeking"

Definition : 

The systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions.

Systematic investigative process employed to increase or revise current knowledge by discovering new facts. It is divided into two general categories: 

 Basic research

 Applied research

(1) Basic research is inquiry aimed at increasing scientific knowledge, and (2) Applied research is effort aimed at using basic research for solving problems or developing new processes, products, or techniques.

Research has been defined in a number of different ways.

A broad definition of research is given by Martyn Shuttleworth - "In the broadest sense of the word, the definition of research includes any gathering of data, information and facts for the advancement of knowledge."

W,S Monores defines that - 

A method of studying problem whose solution are to be derived partly or wholly from fact. 

Another definition of research is given by Creswell who states that -

 "Research is a process of steps used to collect and analyze information to increase our understanding of a topic or issue". It consists of three steps: Pose a question, collect data to answer the question, and present an answer to the question.

Important of Research 

We do lot of things in our day to day life, and most of them are based on our common sense, or based on what we have learnt through personal experience or from others. Sometimes it is not the best approach and there are contrary theories about what works out best in a given situation. Hence, research is much needed.

 Through research findings, psychologists are able to explain individuals’ behaviors, including how people think and act in certain ways. This helps to determine disorders and their impact on the person and society, thus developing appropriate treatments to improve the individual’s quality of life.

In business, market research helps companies to make projections and formulate appropriate strategies to ensure survival. Businesses conduct surveys to understand the needs of the community and consumption habits.

Research has led to the introduction of new medical treatments and cures that have helped counter several diseases, thus increasing human life expectancy. It is now possible to live 10 years longer than in the 1960s and 20 years longer than in the 1930s. Causes of early deaths and crippling vitamin deficiencies have also been identified by progress made in the medical field through research.

Steps in conducting research/ Research Process 

Research is often conducted using the hourglass model structure of research. The hourglass model starts with a broad spectrum for research, focusing in on the required information through the method of the project (like the neck of the hourglass), then expands the research in the form of discussion and results. The major steps in conducting research are:

• Identification of research problem
• Literature review
• Specifying the purpose of research
• Determine specific research questions
• Specification of a Conceptual framework - Usually a set of hypotheses [9]
• Choice of a methodology (for data collection)
• Data collection
• Verify Data
• Analyzing and interpreting the data
• Reporting and evaluating research
• Communicating the research findings and, possibly, recommendations

The steps generally represent the overall process; however, they should be viewed as an ever-changing iterative process rather than a fixed set of steps.

 Most research begins with a general statement of the problem, or rather, the purpose for engaging in the study. The literature review identifies flaws or holes in previous research which provides justification for the study. Often, a literature review is conducted in a given subject area before a research question is identified. A gap in the current literature, as identified by a researcher, then engenders a research question. The research question may be parallel to the hypothesis. The hypothesis is the supposition to be tested. The researcher(s) collects data to test the hypothesis. The researcher(s) then analyzes and interprets the data via a variety of statistical methods, engaging in what is known as empirical research. The results of the data analysis in confirming or failing to reject the Null hypothesis are then reported and evaluated. At the end, the researcher may discuss avenues for further research. 

L.R Gay divided research into two major categories 

Research by purpose 

1.  Basic research is inquiry aimed at increasing scientific knowledge, 
2.  Applied research is effort aimed at using basic research for solving problems or developing new processes, products, or techniques. testing theories . 
3. Evaluation Research The purpose of evaluation research is to facilitate decision making regarding the relative worth of two or more alternative actions
4. Research And Development - R&D - it consists of investigative activities that a business chooses to conduct with the intention of making a discovery that can either lead to the development of new products or procedures, or to improvement of existing products or procedures. Research and development is one of the means by which business can experience future growth by developing new products or processes to improve and expand their operations.

Research by method

1.  Historical research generates descriptions, and sometimes attempted explanations, of conditions, situations, and events that have occurred in the past.
2.  Descriptive research provides information about conditions, situations, and events that occur in the present. It is also called statistical research. The main goal of this type of research is to describe the data and characteristics about what is being studied. The idea behind this type of research is to study frequencies, averages, and other statistical calculations. Although this research is highly accurate, it does not gather the causes behind a situation.
3. Experimental research is used in settings where variables defining one or more ‘causes’ can be manipulated in a systematic fashion in order to discern ‘effects’ on other variables.