EXPANDED DEFINITION ACTIVITY 2
Name: _________________________________________ Date: February 12, 2026
Read and understand the following article about “Research” then do the given activities.
Research
Research is "creative and systematic work undertaken to increase the stock of knowledge". It
involves the collection, organization, and analysis of information to increase understanding of a topic
or issue. A research project may be an expansion on past work in the field. To test the validity of
instruments, procedures, or experiments, research may replicate elements of prior projects or the
project as a whole.
Research has been defined in a number of different ways, and while there are similarities,
there does not appear to be a single, all-encompassing definition that is embraced by all who
engage in it.
One definition of research is used by the OECD, "Any creative systematic activity undertaken
in order to increase the stock of knowledge, including knowledge of man, culture and society, and the
use of this knowledge to devise new applications."
Another definition of research is given by John W. 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.
The Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines research in more details as "studious inquiry or
examination; especially investigation or experimentation aimed at the discovery and interpretation of
facts, revision of accepted theories or laws in the light of new facts, or practical application of such
new or revised theories or laws".
Forms of Research
Scientific research is a systematic way of gathering data and harnessing curiosity. This
research provides scientific information and theories for the explanation of the nature and the
properties of the world. It makes practical applications possible. Scientific research is funded by
public authorities, by charitable organizations and by private groups, including many companies.
Scientific research can be subdivided into different classifications according to their academic and
application disciplines.
Artistic research, also seen as 'practice-based research', can take form when creative works
are considered both the research and the object of research itself. It is the debatable body of thought
which offers an alternative to purely scientific methods in research in its search for knowledge and
truth.
Historical research. The historical method comprises the techniques and guidelines by which
historians use historical sources and other evidence to research and then to write history. There are
various history guidelines that are commonly used by historians in their work, under the headings of
external criticism, internal criticism, and synthesis. This includes lower criticism and sensual criticism.
Though items may vary depending on the subject matter and researcher, the following concepts are
part of most formal historical research: Identification of origin date; Evidence of localization;
Recognition of authorship; Analysis of data; Identification of integrity; and Attribution of credibility.
Documentary research is the use of outside sources, documents, to support the viewpoint or
argument of an academic work. The process of documentary research often involves some or all of
conceptualizing, using and assessing documents. The analysis of the documents in documentary
research would be either quantitative or qualitative analysis (or both). The key issues surrounding
types of documents and our ability to use them as reliable sources of evidence on the social world
must be considered by all who use documents in their research.
Steps in conducting research
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
Determining specific research questions
Specification of a conceptual framework, sometimes including a set of
hypotheses
Choice of a methodology (for data collection)
Data collection
Verifying data
Analyzing and interpreting the data
Reporting and evaluating research
Communicating the research findings and, possibly, recommendations
Activity
With the article as your reference and the rubric as your guide, give the expanded definition
of
“Research” by:
1. Giving an Example
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2. Describing a Process
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EXPANDED DEFINITION RUBRIC (12 POINTS)
3 2 1
Details are placed in a logical Details are placed in a logical
Some details are not in a
order and the way they are order, but the way in which they
logical or expected order, and
presented effectively keeps the are presented/introduced
this distracts the reader. Some
Sequencing interest of the reader. A variety of sometimes makes the writing less
transitions work well; but
thoughtful transitions are used. interesting. Transitions clearly
connections between other
They clearly show how ideas are show how ideas are connected,
ideas are fuzzy.
connected. but there is little variety.
Supporting details and
Relevant, telling, quality details Supporting details and information
Support for information are relevant, but
give the reader important are relevant, but one key issue or
Topic several key issues or portions
information. portion is unsupported.
are unsupported.
Clear and well-defined expanded An expanded definition has been An expanded definition is
Definition definition; does an exemplary job created; does a good job of created. The author attempts
of supporting thesis. supporting thesis. to support a thesis.
Writer makes no error that Writer makes one to three errors Writer makes four or more
Conventions distracts the reader from the that distract the reader from the errors that distract the reader
content. content. from the content.