What is Research?
Research is a process in which one discovers new knowledge. This process requires data collection, documentation, and analysis of the data or information. This is done with the help of preferable methodologies selected by academic disciplines and professionals.
Research is mostly done to widen knowledge in the biological, physical, and social worlds. The interesting research findings motivate the researchers to dig deeper and reveal various other findings that could revolutionize their research fields.
Researchers write research papers to spread their knowledge and also help other researchers. A research paper is a published piece of work that consists of a literature review, methodology, and results of particular research.
Creating a research paper outline before starting the research paper can help you organize your contents properly in the paper.
What is Research by Purpose?
The three main purposes of research are:
1. Exploratory
This research is conducted around an issue that has not been clearly described. Therefore, exploration research aims to understand the problem in detail and not just give a direct answer. Rather, it aims to study the nature of the problem and then conduct detailed research in the future. For example, an investigation of the social media’s role in perceiving self-image.
2. Descriptive
This research describes the research problem according to its population and characteristics. The focus of descriptive research is on ‘what’ and ‘how,’ not ‘why.’
3. Explanatory
This type of research, also known as causal research, determines the interaction between variables. For example, this helps identify the relationship between cause and effect. Explanatory research, unlike descriptive research, has to deal with the ‘why’ of research questions and is usually experiment-based. For example, a study that is performed to check how rebranding influences customers’ loyalty.
Researchers use different research methodologies to acquire new information and knowledge.
Types of Research
There are two main types of research:
1. Basic Research
This is pure research that aims to improve scientific theories to predict and better understand natural phenomena.
It is related to basic principles. However, basic research is not commercial as it does not solve any practical problems. Moreover, it does not provide any instant ways that a researcher can apply.
For example, a molecular biologist will research and investigate the structure of an unknown molecule to understand it better. Although basic research does not have direct applications, it usually gives new information that is useful in applied research.
2. Applied Research
The purpose of applied research is to investigate well-known principles and theories. This research focuses on finding the solutions to real-life problems by using the knowledge obtained through basic research.
For example, a molecular biologist may use the knowledge of a molecular structure to change its structure. This is done to improve people’s lives.
- Qualitative Research
This type of research enables the collection of non-numerical data with the help of open-ended methods. These include case studies, focus groups, and interviews. In addition, it allows researchers to collect data on specific feelings, behaviors, or experiences.
For example, qualitative research was conducted to examine how sleep deprivation changes the mood.
- Quantitative Research
This type of research gathers and analyzes the numerical data with the help of statistical analysis. It allows researchers to identify relationships, quantify variables, and generalize a larger population.
For example, performing a simulation of traffic flow in an area to collect quantitative data.
- Mixed-Method
Mixed research involves using both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies within the same research. It is usually used in nursing and healthcare to answer complex questions and issues.
Types of Research Methodology
Following are different types of research methodologies that you can use to perform research as per your requirement:
1. Experiments
Researchers perform experiments by completing multiple tests to measure certain variables. For example, neuroscientists might perform tests to measure the cognitive abilities of a certain number of people. The results are usually measured verbally or on paper by computer.
2. Correlational Research
This is a non-experimental research method. However, it uses statistical analysis to study the relationship between two variables.
The examples of correlational research are:
- How do bonuses impact employees’ productivity?
- Technology’s impact on the employment
- Study the correlation between heart attacks and unhealthy lifestyles.
3. Action Research
This creates knowledge on inquiries carried within practical contexts. This methodology aims to grasp something through actions that lead to professional or personal development.
4, Literature Reviews
A literature review aims to gather the existing debates and research relevant to a specific topic. Then it is presented as a written report. Researchers who conduct literature reviews help build their and others’ knowledge in the relevant field.
5. Surveys
This type of research methodology is one of the ways to perform market research. It involves the collection of information from large groups of people. This information is collected with the help of telephoning or interviews. The two types of surveys used are “one-shot survey” and “before and after survey.”
6. Questionnaires
A questionnaire is an effective research methodology to acquire information from a large set of people. This is done because these people cannot participate in experiments or attend interviews. As a result, the participants can present their feelings or views without considering the researcher’s reaction.
7. Interviews
Interviews, mostly carried out in person, can also be administered through telephones or advanced communication software. The most commonly used software are Skype, Teams, Google, and WhatsApp. In addition, interviews can be conducted at the interviewee’s home or at a neutral place where the interviewee is comfortable.
8. Case Studies
This type of research methodology involves an in-depth study of any case. It might involve a person or a small group. Researchers use multiple methods or research designs for data collection and analysis. However, case studies involve interviews and observation and might involve public or personal records and other people.
Benefits of Using Different Research Methodologies
Here are some advantages of using research methodologies:
- Critical analysis of a topic analyses and verifies the research. This allows the researcher to analyze the experiment more accurately.
- Quantitative methods attain results in the form of numerical data that aid in the research.
- Results can be developed with the help of numbers, without explaining in detail.
Mixed methods help researchers avoid any possible limitations of one approach to defining results. In addition, the triangulation of methods helps provide ways to test can provide opportunities for testing other data interpretations. It also helps examine the data that shaped the results to a greater extent. - Authentic research assists researchers in defining the research area and further developing their insight.
Tips for Conducting Authentic Research
Following are some tips that would help you conduct accurate research:
Figure out the major issues, trends, and opportunities. A sentence describing each element will help you identify the research to be done.
- Keep a record of the main findings.
- List all the findings.
- List the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) to conduct an analysis.
- Prepare recommendations and conclusions about your study.
- Implement your strategies.
- Identify the loopholes in the information and inquire if necessary.
- Review the results and opt for effective methods to dissect and analyze the results.
Survey your objectives before making any decisions about your research. Remember how the process you have finished and the information you have accumulated assist with responding to your inquiries. Inquire as to whether your investigation revealed the recommendations and conclusions.
Writing a research paper can be challenging if you do not have enough information about different research methodologies. Once you have understood the types of research and their purposes, you can begin with your research. You can write a good research paper if you have done research the right way.
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