What is research?

A structured way of answering questions, a systematic method of inquiry.

Research is a careful inquiry or examination to discover new information or relationships and to expand
and verify existing knowledge… in other words it is just a way of finding out about a topic.

Two key components

Systematic in nature

Focuses on a question of interest

Hence

Research originates with a question or problem

“What is such-and-such a situation like?”

“Why does such-and-such a phenomenon occur?”

“What does it mean?”

With questions like these, research begins

Most if not all tertiary courses require that you do research. It must not be seen as a simple project.
Some institutions may require a research statement with your application.

What is a research statement?

This is a document that describes your research experiences, interest s and plans. Academic researchers
stress the point that a research statement cannot simply be answered by saying yes or no but is
supported by valid evidences. The purpose of a research statement is to identify your interests, to gain
knowledge of previous research you have done, your ability to write independently and to develop your
confidence in your own work.

Purpose of inquiry

The primary purpose of systematic/scientific inquiry is to explain phenomena – e.g. we can use scientific
inquiry to explain why some teachers are more effective than others,

clarifying or substantiating an existing theory,

clarifying contradictory findings,

correcting a faulty methodology,

correcting the inadequate or unsuitable use of statistical techniques,

2. Research requires clear articulation of a goal – critical.

The ultimate goal must be set forth clearly and precisely in a grammatically complete sentence.

It answers the question, “What problem do you intend to solve?” This is essential for the success of any
research undertaking; without it the research is on very shaky ground.

This leads us to look at ways of classifying research:

1. By purpose:

a. Pure research which seeks new knowledge and tests theory (it is its own purpose)

b. Applied research is aimed at solving particular problem.

2. By method and data produced:

a. Quantitative – methods which yield numerical data

b. Qualitative – in-depth analysis of complex situations using words

Research may also be defined as

i. Systematic enquiry associated with the scientific method of quantitative approaches

ii. Generation of new knowledge as in pure research

iii. problem -solving as in applied research or action research

3. Research requires a specific plan for proceeding.

The principles of validity and reliability are fundamental cornerstones of the scientific method.

What is Reliability? Repeated measurements give the same results

The idea behind reliability is that any significant results must be more than a one-off finding and be
inherently repeatable.

Other researchers must be able to perform exactly the same experiment, under the same conditions
and generate the same results. This will reinforce the findings and ensure that the wider scientific
community will accept the hypothesis. Reliability is a necessary ingredient for determining the overall
validity of a scientific experiment and enhancing the strength of the results.

What is Validity? Accurate inferences based on your research

For example, there must have been randomization of the sample groups and appropriate care and
diligence shown in the allocation of controls.

Remember that research is not a blind excursion into the unknown, in the hope that the data necessary
to answer the question will somehow show up… but a carefully planned attack, a search-and-discover
mission outlined in advance

Therefore…you must also identify how you propose to reach your goal.

In other words… have to plan and design your strategy.

4. Research usually divides the principal problem into more manageable sub-problems.

Start small; the researcher can more easily address the main problem.

Otherwise… the research project quickly becomes cumbersome and unwieldy

5. Research is guided by the specific research problem statement /question, or hypothesis and
variables.

Variables are the ‘what’ of research. A variable can take on different values

A problem statement is the question to be answered by your research.

Eg. To what extent/ do indiscriminate sexual practices contribute to the rise of AIDS cases in Jamaica?

Hypothesis: a logical supposition, a reasonable guess, an educated conjecture…in other words a possible
answer to your problem to be tested. It can be a negative or positive position on the issue.

Eg. ’ Indiscriminate sexual practices have contributed to the rise of AIDS cases in Jamaica.’ (positive)

‘Indiscriminate sexual practices have not resulted in an increase in the number of AIDS cases in
Jamaica’

6. Research requires the collection and interpretation of data in an attempt to resolve the problem
that initiated the research.

Research is designed to gather accurate information to explain concepts or events that are not well
understood. Gathering accurate information is a critical part of research. Information gathered for
research can be collected in many ways depending on the type of research design that is being used. The
method used to gather information depends on the questions that the research will attempt to answer.
 There are many ways to collect information in research. The method that is chosen by the researcher
depends on the research question that is being asked. Examples of information collection methods
include surveys, interviews, tests, physiological assessments, observations, existing record reviews and
biological samples.

A survey is a set of questions for research participants to answer. Surveys can be administered in
person, through the mail, telephone or electronically (e-mail or Internet). A survey can be administered
to an individual or in a group setting. Surveys are used to gain information about many individuals and
may include multiple/forced choice or open-ended questions (e.g., demographics , health, knowledge,
opinions, beliefs, attitudes or skills).

An interview is an interaction that involves the researcher and the participant(s) in which questions are
presented in person, over the telephone or even electronically (email or Internet). During an interview,
questions are asked to obtain detailed information from the participant about the topic under study.
The questions may be similar to those asked in a survey

After you have done all the work so far, the next step is to collect whatever data seem appropriate and
to organize them in meaningful ways so that they can be interpreted.