RESEARCH ??

Research is a process of systematic inquiry that entails collection of data; documentation of critical information; and analysis and interpretation of that data/information, in accordance with suitable methodologies set by specific professional fields and academic disciplines.

Research is conducted to evaluate the validity of a hypothesis or an interpretive framework; to assemble a body of substantive knowledge and findings for sharing them in appropriate manners; and to generate questions for further inquires.

Research is conducted with a purpose to understand :

= What do organizations or businesses really want to find out?

= What are the processes that need to be followed to chase the idea?

= What are the arguments that need to be built around a concept ?

= What is the evidence that will be required for people to believe in the idea or concept?

BASIC TYPES OF RESEARCH

1. PRIMARY RESEARCH

2. SECONDARY RESEARCH

3. TERTIARY SOURCES

Primary Research is any type of research that you collect yourself. Examples includes Surveys, Interviews, Observations and Ethnographic research. A Good researcher knows how to use both primary and secondary sources in their writing and to integrate them in a cohesive fashion.

Secondary Research is a research method that involves using already existing data. Existing Data is summarized and collated to increase the overall effectiveness of research. Secondary research include textbooks, news articles and encyclopedias.

Tertiary sources of information are based on a collection of primary & secondary sources. Example of tertiary sources include Dictionaries, Guidebooks, Directories, Manuals and Indexes.

CHARACTERISTICS OF RESEARCH

* A Systematic approach must be followed for accurate data. Rules and procedures are an integral part of the process that set the objective. Researchers need to practice ethics and a code of conduct while making observations or drawings conclusions.

* Research is based on logical reasoning and involves both inductive and deductive methods.

* The data or knowledge that is derived in real time from actual observations in natural settings.

* There is an in-depth analysis of all data collected so that there are no anomalies associated with it.

* Research creates a path for generating new questions. Existing data helps create more opportunities for research.

* Research is analytical in nature. It makes use of all the available data so that there is no ambiguity in inference.

* Accuracy is one of the most important aspects of research. The information that is obtained should be accurate and true to its nature.

TYPES OF RESEARCH

1. BASIC RESEARCH = A basic research definition is data collected to enhance knowledge. It is a non-commercial research that doesn't facilitate in creating or inventing anything.

2. APPLIED RESEARCH = Applied research focuses on analyzing and solving real life problems. This type refers to the study that helps solve practical problems using scientific methods.

3. PROBLEM ORIENTED RESEARCH = As the name suggests, problem oriented research is conducted to understand the exact nature of a problem to find out relevant solutions.

4. PROBLEM SOLVING RESEARCH = This type of research is conducted by the companies for understand and resolve their own problems.

QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

Qualitative Research is a process that is about inquiry. It helps create in-depth understanding of problems or issues in their natural settings. This is non-statistical method.

Qualitative research is heavily dependent on the experience of the researchers. The sample size is usually restricted to 6 to 10 people. Open ended questions are asked in a manner that encourages answers that questions is to gather as much information as possible from the sample.

The following are the methods used for qualitative research