From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For other uses, see Research (disambiguation). "Researched" redirects here. For
the organisation, see ResearchED. "Researcher" redirects here. For other uses, see
Researcher (disambiguation).
Part of a series on
Research
show
Research design
show
Research strategy
show
Philosophical schools
show
Methodology
show
Methods
show
Tools and software
Philosophy portal
● V
● T
● E
Communication
Portal
History
General aspects
Communication theory
Information
Semiotics
Language
Logic
Sociology
Fields
Discourse analysis
Linguistics
Mass communication
Organizational communication
Pragmatics
Semiotics
Sociolinguistics
Disciplines
Public speaking
Discourse
Culture
Argumentation
Persuasion
Research
Rhetoric
Media
Categories
Outline
● V
● T
● E
Research is creative and systematic work undertaken to increase the stock of
[1]
knowledge. It involves the collection, organization, and analysis of evidence to
increase understanding of a topic, characterized by a particular attentiveness to
controlling sources of bias and error. These activities are characterized by
accounting and controlling for biases. A research project may be an expansion of
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.
The primary purposes of basic research (as opposed to applied research) are
documentation, discovery, interpretation, and the research and development (R&D)
of methods and systems for the advancement of human knowledge. Approaches to
research depend on epistemologies, which vary considerably both within and
between humanities and sciences. There are several forms of research: scientific,
humanities, artistic, economic, social, business, marketing, practitioner research, life,
technological, etc. The scientific study of research practices is known as
meta-research.
A researcher is a person who conducts research, especially in order to discover
[2]
new information or to reach a new understanding. In order to be a social
researcher or a social scientist, one should have enormous knowledge of subjects
related to social science that they are specialized in. Similarly, in order to be a
natural science researcher, the person should have knowledge of fields related to
natural science (physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy, zoology and so on).
Professional associations provide one pathway to mature in the research
[3]
profession.
Etymology
Aristotle, (384–322 BC), an Ancient Greek philosopher and pioneer in developing the
[4]
scientific method
The word research is derived from the Middle French "recherche", which means "to
go about seeking", the term itself being derived from the Old French term
"recerchier," a compound word from "re-" + "cerchier", or "sercher", meaning
[5] [5]
'search'. The earliest recorded use of the term was in 1577.
Definitions
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.
Research, in its simplest terms, is searching for knowledge and searching for truth.
In a formal sense, it is a systematic study of a problem attacked by a deliberately
chosen strategy, which starts with choosing an approach to preparing a blueprint
(design) and acting upon it in terms of designing research hypotheses, choosing
methods and techniques, selecting or developing data collection tools, processing
[6]
the data, interpretation, and ending with presenting solution(s) of the problem.
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,
[7][page
collect data to answer the question, and present an answer to the question.
needed]
The Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines research more generally to also
include studying already existing knowledge: "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
[5]
application of such new or revised theories or laws".