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What is Research? Definition, Types, Methods, and Examples

Academic research is a methodical way of exploring new ideas or understanding things we already know. It involves gathering and studying information to answer questions or test ideas and requires careful thinking and persistence to reach meaningful conclusions. Let’s try to understand what research is.   

Table of Contents

Why is research important?    

Whether it’s doing experiments, analyzing data, or studying old documents, research helps us learn more about the world. Without it, we rely on guesswork and hearsay, often leading to mistakes and misconceptions. By using systematic methods, research helps us see things clearly, free from biases. (1)   

What is the purpose of research?  

In the real world, academic research is also a key driver of innovation. It brings many benefits, such as creating valuable opportunities and fostering partnerships between academia and industry. By turning research into products and services, science makes meaningful improvements to people’s lives and boosts the economy. (2)(3)  

What are the characteristics of research?    

The research process collects accurate information systematically. Logic is used to analyze the collected data and find insights. Checking the collected data thoroughly ensures accuracy. Research also leads to new questions using existing data.   

Accuracy is key in research, which requires precise data collection and analysis. In scientific research, laboratories ensure accuracy by carefully calibrating instruments and controlling experiments. Every step is checked to maintain integrity, from instruments to final results. Accuracy gives reliable insights, which in turn help advance knowledge.   

Types of research    

The different forms of research serve distinct purposes in expanding knowledge and understanding:    

  • Exploratory research ventures into uncharted territories, exploring new questions or problem areas without aiming for conclusive answers. For instance, a study may delve into unexplored market segments to better understand consumer behaviour patterns.   
  • Descriptive research delves into current issues by collecting and analyzing data to describe the behaviour of a sample population. For instance, a survey may investigate millennials’ spending habits to gain insights into their purchasing behaviours.   
  • Explanatory research, also known as causal research, seeks to understand the impact of specific changes in existing procedures. An example might be a study examining how changes in drug dosage over some time improve patients’ health.   
  • Correlational research examines connections between two sets of data to uncover meaningful relationships. For instance, a study may analyze the relationship between advertising spending and sales revenue.   
  • Theoretical research deepens existing knowledge without attempting to solve specific problems. For example, a study may explore theoretical frameworks to understand the underlying principles of human behaviour.   
  • Applied research focuses on real-world issues and aims to provide practical solutions. An example could be a study investigating the effectiveness of a new teaching method in improving student performance in schools.  (4)

Types of research methods

  • Qualitative Method: Qualitative research gathers non-numerical data through interactions with participants. Methods include one-to-one interviews, focus groups, ethnographic studies, text analysis, and case studies. For example, a researcher interviews cancer patients to understand how different treatments impact their lives emotionally.    
  • Quantitative Method: Quantitative methods deal with numbers and measurable data to understand relationships between variables. They use systematic methods to investigate events and aim to explain or predict outcomes. For example, Researchers study how exercise affects heart health by measuring variables like heart rate and blood pressure in a large group before and after an exercise program. (5)  

Basic steps involved in the research process    

Here are the basic steps to help you understand the research process:   

  • Choose your topic: Decide the specific subject or area that you want to study and investigate. This decision is the foundation of your research journey.   
  • Find information: Look for information related to your research topic. You can search in journals, books, online, or ask experts for help.   
  • Assess your sources: Make sure the information you find is reliable and trustworthy. Check the author’s credentials and the publication date.   
  • Take notes: Write down important information from your sources that you can use in your research.   
  • Write your paper: Use your notes to write your research paper. Broadly, start with an introduction, then write the body of your paper, and finish with a conclusion.   
  • Cite your sources: Give credit to the sources you used by including citations in your paper.   
  • Proofread: Check your paper thoroughly for any errors in spelling, grammar, or punctuation before you submit it. (6)

How to ensure research accuracy?  

Ensuring accuracy in research is a mix of several essential steps:    

  • Clarify goals: Start by defining clear objectives for your research. Identify your research question, hypothesis, and variables of interest. This clarity will help guide your data collection and analysis methods, ensuring that your research stays focused and purposeful.   
  • Use reliable data: Select trustworthy sources for your information, whether they are primary data collected by you or secondary data obtained from other sources. For example, if you’re studying climate change, use data from reputable scientific organizations with transparent methodologies.   
  • Validate data: Validate your data to ensure it meets the standards of your research project. Check for errors, outliers, and inconsistencies at different stages, such as during data collection, entry, cleaning, or analysis.    
  • Document processes: Documenting your data collection and analysis processes is essential for transparency and reproducibility. Record details such as data collection methods, cleaning procedures, and analysis techniques used. This documentation not only helps you keep track of your research but also enables others to understand and replicate your work.   
  • Review results: Finally, review and verify your research findings to confirm their accuracy and reliability. Double-check your analyses, cross-reference your data, and seek feedback from peers or supervisors. (7) 

Research is crucial for better understanding our world and for social and economic growth. By following ethical guidelines and ensuring accuracy, researchers play a critical role in driving this progress, whether through exploring new topics or deepening existing knowledge.   

References:  

  • Why is Research Important – Introductory Psychology – Washington State University  
  • The Role Of Scientific Research In Driving Business Innovation – Forbes  
  • Innovation – Royal Society  
  • Types of Research – Definition & Methods – Bachelor Print  
  • What Is Qualitative vs. Quantitative Study? – National University  
  • Basic Steps in the Research Process – North Hennepin Community College  
  • Best Practices for Ensuring Data Accuracy in Research – LinkedIn  

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* Research Basics *

  • Introduction

So What Do We Mean By “Formal Research?”

  • Guide License
  • Types of Research
  • Secondary Research | Literature Review
  • Developing Your Topic
  • Using and Evaluating Sources
  • Ethics & Responsible Conduct of Research
  • More Information

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Research is formalized curiosity. It is poking and prying with a purpose. - Zora Neale Hurston

A good working definition of research might be:

Research is the deliberate, purposeful, and systematic gathering of data, information, facts, and/or opinions for the advancement of personal, societal, or overall human knowledge.

Based on this definition, we all do research all the time. Most of this research is casual research. Asking friends what they think of different restaurants, looking up reviews of various products online, learning more about celebrities; these are all research.

Formal research includes the type of research most people think of when they hear the term “research”: scientists in white coats working in a fully equipped laboratory. But formal research is a much broader category that just this. Most people will never do laboratory research after graduating from college, but almost everybody will have to do some sort of formal research at some point in their careers.

Casual research is inward facing: it’s done to satisfy our own curiosity or meet our own needs, whether that’s choosing a reliable car or figuring out what to watch on TV. Formal research is outward facing. While it may satisfy our own curiosity, it’s primarily intended to be shared in order to achieve some purpose. That purpose could be anything: finding a cure for cancer, securing funding for a new business, improving some process at your workplace, proving the latest theory in quantum physics, or even just getting a good grade in your Humanities 200 class.

What sets formal research apart from casual research is the documentation of where you gathered your information from. This is done in the form of “citations” and “bibliographies.” Citing sources is covered in the section "Citing Your Sources."

Formal research also follows certain common patterns depending on what the research is trying to show or prove. These are covered in the section “Types of Research.”

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Definition of research

 (Entry 1 of 2)

Definition of research  (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

intransitive verb

  • disquisition
  • examination
  • exploration
  • inquisition
  • investigation
  • delve (into)
  • inquire (into)
  • investigate
  • look (into)

Examples of research in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'research.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Middle French recerche , from recercher to go about seeking, from Old French recerchier , from re- + cerchier, sercher to search — more at search

1577, in the meaning defined at sense 3

1588, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing research

  • marketing research
  • market research
  • operations research
  • oppo research

research and development

  • research park
  • translational research

Dictionary Entries Near research

Cite this entry.

“Research.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/research. Accessed 13 Sep. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of research.

Kids Definition of research  (Entry 2 of 2)

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Britannica English: Translation of research for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about research

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Department of Health & Human Services

Module 1: Introduction: What is Research?

Module 1

Learning Objectives

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

  • Explain how the scientific method is used to develop new knowledge
  • Describe why it is important to follow a research plan

Text Box: The Scientific Method

The Scientific Method consists of observing the world around you and creating a  hypothesis  about relationships in the world. A hypothesis is an informed and educated prediction or explanation about something. Part of the research process involves testing the  hypothesis , and then examining the results of these tests as they relate to both the hypothesis and the world around you. When a researcher forms a hypothesis, this acts like a map through the research study. It tells the researcher which factors are important to study and how they might be related to each other or caused by a  manipulation  that the researcher introduces (e.g. a program, treatment or change in the environment). With this map, the researcher can interpret the information he/she collects and can make sound conclusions about the results.

Research can be done with human beings, animals, plants, other organisms and inorganic matter. When research is done with human beings and animals, it must follow specific rules about the treatment of humans and animals that have been created by the U.S. Federal Government. This ensures that humans and animals are treated with dignity and respect, and that the research causes minimal harm.

No matter what topic is being studied, the value of the research depends on how well it is designed and done. Therefore, one of the most important considerations in doing good research is to follow the design or plan that is developed by an experienced researcher who is called the  Principal Investigator  (PI). The PI is in charge of all aspects of the research and creates what is called a  protocol  (the research plan) that all people doing the research must follow. By doing so, the PI and the public can be sure that the results of the research are real and useful to other scientists.

Module 1: Discussion Questions

  • How is a hypothesis like a road map?
  • Who is ultimately responsible for the design and conduct of a research study?
  • How does following the research protocol contribute to informing public health practices?

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What is research?

  • Published: 16 December 2021
  • Volume 20 , pages 407–411, ( 2021 )

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research book meaning

  • Dong-Wook Song 1  

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There is nothing so practical as a good theory.                Kurt Lewin (1890–1947)

One of the duties to be conducted by an editor-in-chief is to make an editorial decision by accepting, requesting for revision(s) or rejecting a submitted manuscript after a round of reviewing processes or even before putting it into the reviewing procedure: that is desk rejection. See more about the decision-making process in the previous editorial (Song 2020b ). Authors of rejected manuscripts are likely to think of why their works are refused to be published at a peer-reviewed journal. In this editorial, your editor-in-chief attempts to express an overview of his perspective and/or philosophy on the related matter.

Research in definition

In his well-known book What is history? , Carr ( 1961 ) defines the history as a never-ending conversation between the past and the present. Similarly, the authors of The Craft of Research put their definition of the research as a conversation by helping you (as a researcher) and your community (i.e. learned societies) free us (i.e. general public) from ignorance, prejudice and the half-baked ideas that so many charlatans try to impose on us (Booth et al., p. 11). Furthermore, Huff ( 2009 ) starts her well-articulated book Designing Research for Publication with the chapter headed ‘Finding the Right Conversation’. The chapter is composed of such sub-headings as ‘scholarship as a social, sensemaking activity’, ‘identifying scholarly conversations’, ‘choosing your conversation’, ‘developing a scholarly identity that informs scholarly choices’ and ‘balancing attraction, agreement and disagreement’.

All the three books, being widely recognised and used for educating learned people like you, do commonly mention the term ‘conversation’ in a way to elucidating research. When googling further for more, you will find the following definition given by the Western Sydney University ( 2021 ):

“Research is defined as the creation of new knowledge and/or the use of existing knowledge in a new and creative way so as to generate new concepts, methodologies and understandings. This could include synthesis and analysis of previous research to the extent that it leads to new and creative outcomes.”

Putting all those explications into a single frame, one could interpret that the research (more preciously, academic or scientific research) has to do with (i) linking (that is a ‘conversation’) what has been done (the past) with what has to be done (the present and/or future) in a way to generate new knowledge and (ii) objectifying what you are doing in a way to contribute to your chosen field (or community).

The former is named a literature review, while the latter a methodology. While acknowledging that these two activities are deemed to need further discussion in a detailed manner, Footnote 1 the current editorial aims to proceed towards the definition and types of research in a context of maritime studies as an applied science.

Applied research in definition

In a simple but distinctive manner, Booth et al. ( 2016 , pp. 51–65) define pure (or basic) and applied research as “We call pure research when it addresses a conceptual problem that does not bear directly on any practical situation in the world….. [we] call applied research when it addresses a conceptual problem that does have practical consequences…… ‘[what] we should think ’ is concerned with the conceptual problem, while ‘what we should do ’ is with the practical problem.” [emphases inserted].

On the same matter, Flexner ( 1939 ) went even further by quoting the Nobel laureate George Porter saying the two types as applied and ‘ not-yet-applied ’ research: the latter being regarded as pure research (or blue sky research). In his context, findings from pure research are treated by general public as ‘useless knowledge’ until they become applied for human’s wellbeing (that is the useless knowledge has been eventually transformed into being useful). He did, however, make an emphasis on the fact that pure scientists, like Albert Einstein, had not considered the practicality nor applicability of their theory when launching their exploration; they did simply out of curiosities. Applied scientists are those who see a potential by examining theories developed by pure scientists and apply them to human’s welfares; those who developed GPS from the Einstein’s theory are those categorised ones in this context.

Turning on to the domain of social sciences, we are still able to observe the similar trajectory that has been developed. For example, Kurt Lewin (1890–1947), whose works in the field of applied psychology or organisation and management sciences are widely cited, did firmly claim that those working in practice-geared disciplines are to be a practical theorist . This assertion is vindicated by his most frequently cited sentence as quoted in the beginning of this editorial. His stand on the nature of applied research does clearly indicate that theories and/or concepts are a starting point for applied scientists to commence their journey of investigation.

Types of research

Having the aforementioned points in mind, this editorial makes an effort to classify the types of applied research using the following diagram. Footnote 2 In a simple way, we are to generate a concept on our way towards theory by carefully observing the practice: so-called theory-building. Consequently, the developed concepts/theories are to be tested in an incremental manner to better reflect the practice: named ‘theory-testing’. In this sense, we could illustrate the related mechanism between theory on one side and practice on the other in a either direct or indirect format (expressed in a dotted line in the figure). In other words, some theories remain in a stage where they have not yet applied or related to the practice, while others are practically attached to the world.

The spectrum spread across the line between theory and practice could be approximately pointed into four spots (I to IV) in terms of nature of applied research.

figure a

Type I is a theory-focused research, while Type IV is a practice-driven one. Most of the applied research could fall into somewhere between the two—Type II or Type III. Specifically speaking, the editorial defines the Type I to be ‘close-to-blue-sky-research’ as it conducts for the sake of developing, enhancing or improving related concept/theory. The Type II could be the one that performs theory-dominated and practice-considered research. Its example could include, amongst others, those researches in responding to the call for applications commissioned by research councils, non-profit-making foundations or similar institutes whose interests are in making the world a better place by enhancing knowledge beneficial to the wide public. Research is considered principally as public goods under this category. The editorial names it ‘responsive research’ . The Type III could be the one that conducts the research having specific beneficiaries in mind from the beginning. The editorial calls the Type III as ‘contracted research’ including consultancies. Finally, the Type IV would be the in-house research executed exclusively for their own interest, the outputs of which are often produced in a form of company or organisation reports. Some of those reports are at times used either partially or fully for the purpose of promoting companies/organisations in question. This Type IV can be termed ‘in-house research’ .

Expected types of papers

Having once again defined the discipline of maritime studies in a broad sense (see more at Song 2020a ) as an applied science, the WMU Journal of Maritime Affairs (JOMA) as a peer-reviewed ‘academic’ dissemination outlet would welcome the Type I and Type II papers with the expectations that the Typed-II-papers could be majority. At the same time, however, JOMA as an ‘industry’-geared outlet would also welcome the Type III papers, subject to those works to be objectified Footnote 3 prior to submission to the journal for consideration. The Typed-IV-papers could be treated as a special case under the title of views from industrial professionals: that is the issues of contemporary interest as indicated in the editorial (Song 2020a ). Those authoritative voices from the industry would be ‘invited’ to express their views for the case of this Type IV of papers.

Final words

Assuming that most of the present and prospective authors, readers, reviewers or other stakeholders for JOMA are an ‘academic’ applied researcher, the editorial would like to summarise what has been discussed in the section by quoting the following point made by Kurt Lewin (1890–1947) who claimed himself as a practical theorist.

“Theory should fulfil two main functions: first, it should account for what is known; second, it should point out the way to new knowledge. ….. [research] should therefore be undertaken with the purpose of testing theoretical concepts, instead of merely collecting and analysing elemental facts or classifying behaviour statistically.” (Marrow 1969 , p. 30)

Having attempted to discuss what might be sensitive, subjective or perspective-biased to some, as usual, your editor-in-chief looks forward to receiving comments and feedbacks from you as a current and future contributor to the discipline of maritime studies in general and JOMA in specific. We could then collectively develop our beloved maritime communities as a backbone to the global economies. Please drop him an email whenever you feel it could be helpful and useful to the common good of the journal and/or maritime communities.

Dong-Wook Song

Editor-in-Chief

[email protected]

These issues will be also discussed in the forthcoming editorials in due course.

The editorial does fully acknowledge and appreciate that expressing the complexity involved with dynamism between theory and practice as a dichotomised form would be too simplistic to be convincing. The current effort is, however, made to convey the editor’s perspective and philosophy towards maritime studies (as a branch of applied research) as simplest as possible.

The subject of ‘how to objectify’ will be another topic to be dealt with at the forthcoming editorial in due time.

Booth W, Colomb G, Williams J, Bizup J, FitzGerald W (2016) The craft of research, 4th edn. University of Chicago Press, London

Google Scholar  

Carr E (1961[2001]) What is history? Palgrave Macmillan, London

Flexner A (1939[2017]) The usefulness of useless knowledge. Princeton University Press, Oxford

Huff A (2009) Designing research for publication. Sage Publications, London

Marrow A (1969) The practical theorist: the life and work of Kurt Lewin. Basic Books, London

Song D-W (2020a) Editorial: looking back for the future. WMU J Marit Aff 19(1):1–3

Article   Google Scholar  

Song D-W (2020b) Editorial: decision-making process for journal articles. WMU J Marit Aff 19(2):159–162

Western Sydney University (2021) Definition of Research. https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/research/researchers/preparing_a_grant_application/dest_definition_of_research. Accessed on 15th November

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Song, DW. What is research?. WMU J Marit Affairs 20 , 407–411 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13437-021-00256-w

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Published : 16 December 2021

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DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/s13437-021-00256-w

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Meaning of research in English

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  • He has dedicated his life to scientific research.
  • He emphasized that all the people taking part in the research were volunteers .
  • The state of Michigan has endowed three institutes to do research for industry .
  • I'd like to see the research that these recommendations are founded on.
  • It took months of painstaking research to write the book .
  • absorptive capacity
  • dream something up
  • ergonomically
  • modularization
  • nanotechnology
  • testing ground
  • the mother of something idiom
  • think outside the box idiom
  • think something up
  • study What do you plan on studying at university?
  • major US She majored in philosophy at Harvard.
  • cram She's cramming for her history exam.
  • revise UK I'm revising for tomorrow's test.
  • review US We're going to review for the test tomorrow night.
  • research Scientists are researching possible new treatments for cancer.
  • The amount of time and money being spent on researching this disease is pitiful .
  • We are researching the reproduction of elephants .
  • She researched a wide variety of jobs before deciding on law .
  • He researches heart disease .
  • The internet has reduced the amount of time it takes to research these subjects .
  • adjudication
  • have the measure of someone/something idiom
  • interpretable
  • interpretive
  • reinspection
  • reinterpret
  • reinterpretation
  • reinvestigate
  • reinvestigation

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A Beginner's Guide to Starting the Research Process

Research process steps

When you have to write a thesis or dissertation , it can be hard to know where to begin, but there are some clear steps you can follow.

The research process often begins with a very broad idea for a topic you’d like to know more about. You do some preliminary research to identify a  problem . After refining your research questions , you can lay out the foundations of your research design , leading to a proposal that outlines your ideas and plans.

This article takes you through the first steps of the research process, helping you narrow down your ideas and build up a strong foundation for your research project.

Table of contents

Step 1: choose your topic, step 2: identify a problem, step 3: formulate research questions, step 4: create a research design, step 5: write a research proposal, other interesting articles.

First you have to come up with some ideas. Your thesis or dissertation topic can start out very broad. Think about the general area or field you’re interested in—maybe you already have specific research interests based on classes you’ve taken, or maybe you had to consider your topic when applying to graduate school and writing a statement of purpose .

Even if you already have a good sense of your topic, you’ll need to read widely to build background knowledge and begin narrowing down your ideas. Conduct an initial literature review to begin gathering relevant sources. As you read, take notes and try to identify problems, questions, debates, contradictions and gaps. Your aim is to narrow down from a broad area of interest to a specific niche.

Make sure to consider the practicalities: the requirements of your programme, the amount of time you have to complete the research, and how difficult it will be to access sources and data on the topic. Before moving onto the next stage, it’s a good idea to discuss the topic with your thesis supervisor.

>>Read more about narrowing down a research topic

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So you’ve settled on a topic and found a niche—but what exactly will your research investigate, and why does it matter? To give your project focus and purpose, you have to define a research problem .

The problem might be a practical issue—for example, a process or practice that isn’t working well, an area of concern in an organization’s performance, or a difficulty faced by a specific group of people in society.

Alternatively, you might choose to investigate a theoretical problem—for example, an underexplored phenomenon or relationship, a contradiction between different models or theories, or an unresolved debate among scholars.

To put the problem in context and set your objectives, you can write a problem statement . This describes who the problem affects, why research is needed, and how your research project will contribute to solving it.

>>Read more about defining a research problem

Next, based on the problem statement, you need to write one or more research questions . These target exactly what you want to find out. They might focus on describing, comparing, evaluating, or explaining the research problem.

A strong research question should be specific enough that you can answer it thoroughly using appropriate qualitative or quantitative research methods. It should also be complex enough to require in-depth investigation, analysis, and argument. Questions that can be answered with “yes/no” or with easily available facts are not complex enough for a thesis or dissertation.

In some types of research, at this stage you might also have to develop a conceptual framework and testable hypotheses .

>>See research question examples

The research design is a practical framework for answering your research questions. It involves making decisions about the type of data you need, the methods you’ll use to collect and analyze it, and the location and timescale of your research.

There are often many possible paths you can take to answering your questions. The decisions you make will partly be based on your priorities. For example, do you want to determine causes and effects, draw generalizable conclusions, or understand the details of a specific context?

You need to decide whether you will use primary or secondary data and qualitative or quantitative methods . You also need to determine the specific tools, procedures, and materials you’ll use to collect and analyze your data, as well as your criteria for selecting participants or sources.

>>Read more about creating a research design

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research book meaning

Finally, after completing these steps, you are ready to complete a research proposal . The proposal outlines the context, relevance, purpose, and plan of your research.

As well as outlining the background, problem statement, and research questions, the proposal should also include a literature review that shows how your project will fit into existing work on the topic. The research design section describes your approach and explains exactly what you will do.

You might have to get the proposal approved by your supervisor before you get started, and it will guide the process of writing your thesis or dissertation.

>>Read more about writing a research proposal

If you want to know more about the research process , methodology , research bias , or statistics , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

Methodology

  • Sampling methods
  • Simple random sampling
  • Stratified sampling
  • Cluster sampling
  • Likert scales
  • Reproducibility

 Statistics

  • Null hypothesis
  • Statistical power
  • Probability distribution
  • Effect size
  • Poisson distribution

Research bias

  • Optimism bias
  • Cognitive bias
  • Implicit bias
  • Hawthorne effect
  • Anchoring bias
  • Explicit bias

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INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH

  • In book: Basic Guidelines for Research: An Introductory Approach for All Disciplines (pp.1-22)
  • Edition: First
  • Publisher: Book Zone Publication, Chittagong-4203, Bangladesh

Syed Muhammad Sajjad Kabir at Curtin University

  • Curtin University

Abstract and Figures

Schematic Characteristics of Research.

Discover the world's research

  • 25+ million members
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Syed Muhammad Sajjad Kabir

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  • Recruit researchers
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  • Login Email Tip: Most researchers use their institutional email address as their ResearchGate login Password Forgot password? Keep me logged in Log in or Continue with Google Welcome back! Please log in. Email · Hint Tip: Most researchers use their institutional email address as their ResearchGate login Password Forgot password? Keep me logged in Log in or Continue with Google No account? Sign up

research book meaning

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CORE 1000: Meet me in St. Louis

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Library Class Activity

  • Library class activity for CORE 1000: Meet me in St. Louis

This course page was created for CORE 1000: Meet me in St. Louis with Professor Maureen Wangard. This is just a selection of sources that may be useful to you in this course. Contact your course librarian ( Rebecca Hyde ) with questions or to make an appointment for an in depth research consultation. For quick and/or general questions you can also use our 24/5 chat assistance to get help with your research!

Finding Scholarly Articles

  • Finding Articles
  • Mapping St. Louis
  • SLUth Tutorial
  • SLUth - Search Plus This link opens in a new window A multi-disciplinary "one-search" discovery search tool covering over 50 databases, the SLU Library Catalog, and journal content from multiple publishers.
  • America: History & Life This link opens in a new window Search the world's scholarly literature on the history of the United States and Canada. includes indexing for the Missouri Historical Review.
  • Social Explorer This link opens in a new window 1790-present. The tool provides easy mapping of demographic, socioeconomic, and housing data. Use this is find change over time, as well as easily create maps that can be exported for presentations, etc

Free Database/Resource

Finding Books

  • Find Books on St. Louis
  • How to Search for Books in Pius Lbrary

Use the Saint Louis University Libraries' Catalog to find books and eBook on your topic. Search your keywords below or click on one of the subject links to find all the books on that topic.

  • African Americans - Missouri - Saint Louis - History
  • Fur Traders - Missouri - Saint Louis - Biography
  • German Americans -- Missouri -- Saint Louis
  • Irish Americans -- Missouri -- Saint Louis
  • Louisiana Purchase Exposition (1904 : Saint Louis, Mo.)
  • Saint Louis (Mo.) - Biography
  • Saint Louis (Mo.) - History
  • Saint Louis (Mo.) - History - Pictorial works.
  • Saint Louis (Mo.) - Social life and customs
  • Saint Louis County (Mo.) - History
  • Women - Missouri - Saint Louis - Biography
  • Women - Missouri - Saint Louis - History

St. Louis History Resources

These primary sources will be helpful for your "Fictional St. Louis Citizen Website"

1874-2003. Search the historical St. Louis Post-Dispatch .

1949 - 2010. This St. Louis newspaper describes itself as the “voice of the area's African-American community.” It provides first-hand accounts and coverage of the politics, society, and events of the time.

  • St. Louis History Guide Find additional resources related to St. Louis history on this library guide.
  • Last Updated: Sep 12, 2024 12:55 PM
  • URL: https://libguides.slu.edu/meetme

IMAGES

  1. 3 ways to research your book

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  3. Research: Meaning, Definition, Importance & Types

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COMMENTS

  1. What Is Research, and Why Do People Do It?

    Abstractspiepr Abs1. Every day people do research as they gather information to learn about something of interest. In the scientific world, however, research means something different than simply gathering information. Scientific research is characterized by its careful planning and observing, by its relentless efforts to understand and explain ...

  2. PDF 1 What is Research?

    Introduction Social research is persuasive Social research is purposive Social research is positional Social research is political Traditions of enquiry: false dichotomies Ethics: pause for reflection. 4. 5. v be able to define 'research'. v be able to respond to the view that social research is persuasive, purposive, positional and political.

  3. (PDF) What is research? A conceptual understanding

    Research is a systematic endeavor to acquire understanding, broaden knowledge, or find answers to unanswered questions. It is a methodical and structured undertaking to investigate the natural and ...

  4. What is Research? Definition, Types, Methods, and Examples

    Definition, Types, Methods, and Examples. Academic research is a methodical way of exploring new ideas or understanding things we already know. It involves gathering and studying information to answer questions or test ideas and requires careful thinking and persistence to reach meaningful conclusions. Let's try to understand what research is.

  5. PDF An Introduction to Research

    Definition of Research One definition of research is provided in this text. Think about your own understand­ ing of what it means to do research. Explore other definitions of research in other texts or through the Internet. Modify the definition provided or create a new defini­ tion that reflects your understanding of the meaning of the term ...

  6. What Is Research and Why We Do It

    According to the OECD Frascati Manual [], research comprises "creative and systematic work undertaken in order to increase the stock of knowledge—including knowledge of humankind, culture and society—and to devise new applications of available knowledge."This book is mainly concerned with scientific and technological research, that is research that covers the whole spectrum—from ...

  7. Understanding and Evaluating Research: A Critical Guide

    Understanding and Evaluating Research: A Critical Guide shows students how to be critical consumers of research and to appreciate the power of methodology as it shapes the research question, the use of theory in the study, the methods used, and how the outcomes are reported. The book starts with what it means to be a critical and uncritical ...

  8. PDF What Is Research?

    tive inattention," which can be understood to mean ignoring infor-mation that wouldn't support your research or your wishes. Sometimes our everyday research is tied to "magical thinking," which can be defined as believing that "wishing makes it so" or, for example, that we can, through force of will, cause something to hap-pen.

  9. What Is Research?

    Research is the deliberate, purposeful, and systematic gathering of data, information, facts, and/or opinions for the advancement of personal, societal, or overall human knowledge. Based on this definition, we all do research all the time. Most of this research is casual research. Asking friends what they think of different restaurants, looking ...

  10. Research: Meaning and Purpose

    Research is the systematic scientific inquiry into a phenomenon. Research is an endeavour where a systematic investigation is undertaken to discover the truth regarding the question. There are two main building blocks of research, inquisitiveness, and dissatisfaction (Ghosh, 1985).

  11. (PDF) Understanding research methods: An overview of the essentials

    An abstract is a fundamental part of the published manuscript, book, proposal, thesis, case report, [3] or conference paper [1,2]. The abstract often starts with a short background, followed by ...

  12. (Pdf) Handbook of Research Methodology

    A research methodology is defined as the study of how scientific research is conducted. According to Mishra and Alok (2022), a research methodology outlines what research is about, how to proceed ...

  13. Research Definition & Meaning

    The meaning of RESEARCH is 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. How to use research in a sentence.

  14. PDF Why research is important

    The aim of this book is to de-mystify research, to puncture these myths and to position research as a friend, a familiar and well-understood dimension of everyday practice. In this chapter, a pragmatic definition of 01_McLeod_Ch-01.indd 1 12/11/2012 12:36:25 PM

  15. Research

    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.

  16. Module 1: Introduction: What is Research?

    The National Academy of Sciences states that the object of research is to "extend human knowledge of the physical, biological, or social world beyond what is already known.". Research is different than other forms of discovering knowledge (like reading a book) because it uses a systematic process called the Scientific Method.

  17. What is Research? Definition, Types, Methods and Process

    Research is defined as a meticulous and systematic inquiry process designed to explore and unravel specific subjects or issues with precision. This methodical approach encompasses the thorough collection, rigorous analysis, and insightful interpretation of information, aiming to delve deep into the nuances of a chosen field of study.

  18. What is research?

    When googling further for more, you will find the following definition given by the Western Sydney University (2021): "Research is defined as the creation of new knowledge and/or the use of existing knowledge in a new and creative way so as to generate new concepts, methodologies and understandings. This could include synthesis and analysis ...

  19. (PDF) What is research?

    Merriam-Webster on research, Full Definition of resea rch. 1: careful or diligent search. 2: studious inquiry or examination. especially: investigation or experimentation aimed at the discovery ...

  20. Types of Sources Explained

    Revised on May 31, 2023. Throughout the research process, you'll likely use various types of sources. The source types commonly used in academic writing include: Academic journals. Books. Websites. Newspapers. Encyclopedias. The type of source you look for will depend on the stage you are at in the writing process.

  21. RESEARCH

    RESEARCH definition: 1. a detailed study of a subject, especially in order to discover (new) information or reach a…. Learn more.

  22. A Beginner's Guide to Starting the Research Process

    Step 4: Create a research design. The research design is a practical framework for answering your research questions. It involves making decisions about the type of data you need, the methods you'll use to collect and analyze it, and the location and timescale of your research. There are often many possible paths you can take to answering ...

  23. (Pdf) Introduction to Research

    Research is a scientific approach of answering a research question, solving a problem or generating. new knowledge through a systematic and orderly collection, organization, and analysis of ...

  24. Research Guides: CORE 1000: Meet me in St. Louis: Home

    Contact your course librarian (Rebecca Hyde) with questions or to make an appointment for an in depth research consultation. For quick and/or general questions you can also use our 24/5 chat assistance to get help with your research ... This is a companion site to the book "Mapping Decline" by Colin Gordon. It includes pre-made maps showing ...