Research in layman’s term is to test and try or to probe. Formally, research is a structured inquiring that utilizes acceptable scientific methodology to solve problems and create new knowledge that is generally applicable.
Characteristics of Research
- Controlled. It minimizes effects of other factors affecting research.
- Rigorous. Procedures are followed are relevant, appropriate, and justified.
- Critical. Process of investigation must be fool proof and free from drawbacks. The process must be able to withstand critical scrutiny.
- Valid and verifiable. Findings are correct and can be verified by you and others.
- Empirical. Conclusions are based upon hard evidence collected from real life experiences.
- Systematic. Follows a certain logical sequence.
Types of Research
From the perspective of application
- Pure. Involved in developing and testing theories and hypothesis or may or may not have practical application at the present time or in the future.
- Applied. Research techniques, procedures, and methods. These are applied to various aspects of situations, issues, problems or phenomenon.
From the perspective of objective
- Descriptive. Attempts to describe a situation, problem, phenomenon, service, or program.
- Correlational. To discover or establish the existence of a relationship between two or more aspects of a situation or phenomenon.
- Exploratory. Also called as a feasibility study or pilot study. Carried out to investigate the possibilities of understanding a particular research study.
- Explanatory. Attempts to clarify why and how there is a relationship between two aspects of a situation or phenomenon.
From the perspective of type of info sought
- Qualitative. Purer or descriptive. The purpose of the study is to describe a situation phenomenon, problem, or event.
- Quantitative. Analysis is geared to ascertain the magnitude of the variation.
