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Defining 20research

The document defines research as a systematic inquiry aimed at uncovering insights or confirming knowledge, emphasizing its characteristics such as being empirical, rigorous, and credible. It outlines the objectives of research, which can be exploratory, explanatory, or descriptive, and highlights the importance of SMART criteria for setting clear goals. Additionally, it lists essential qualities of good researchers, including interest, motivation, inquisitiveness, and commitment, which contribute to successful research outcomes.

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Oussama Koriche
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13 views4 pages

Defining 20research

The document defines research as a systematic inquiry aimed at uncovering insights or confirming knowledge, emphasizing its characteristics such as being empirical, rigorous, and credible. It outlines the objectives of research, which can be exploratory, explanatory, or descriptive, and highlights the importance of SMART criteria for setting clear goals. Additionally, it lists essential qualities of good researchers, including interest, motivation, inquisitiveness, and commitment, which contribute to successful research outcomes.

Uploaded by

Oussama Koriche
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Defining Research, Its Characteristics, and Its Objectives + The Characteristics of Good

Researchers

1- Definitions of Research
According to Thyer (2001), "the word research is composed of two syllables, re and
search. re is a prefix meaning again, anew, or over again; search is a verb meaning to examine
closely and carefully, to test and try, or to probe. Together, they form a noun describing a
careful, systematic, and patient study and investigation in some field of knowledge,
undertaken to establish facts or principles.
According to Clifford Woody, "research comprises defining and redefining problems,
formulating hypothesis or suggested solutions collecting, organizing and evaluating data,
making deductions and reaching conclusions; to determine whether they fit the formulating
hypothesis."
Simply, research is a methodical and thorough inquiry focused on uncovering new
insights or confirming existing knowledge. It includes identifying and refining problems,
developing hypotheses, and gathering, organizing, and assessing data. This process allows
researchers to closely analyze facts and principles to reach conclusions and see if they
correspond with their original hypotheses. In essence, research involves a comprehensive
exploration of a topic to enhance understanding and contribute to a particular area of
knowledge.

2- Its Characteristics

Characteristics of research determine whether a research is free of biases, prejudices, and


subjective errors or not. The terms are very commonly used in research and the success of any
research depends on these terms. They can be summarized as:

1. Generalized. 4. Empirical. 7. Validity. 10. Credibility.

2. Controlled. 5. Systematic. 8. Employs hypothesis. 11. Critical

3. Rigorous. 6. Reliability. 9. Analytical & Accuracy.

Generalized: Research findings should apply to the entire population by studying


representative samples, ensuring that insights reflect broader trends.

Controlled: Studies should minimize the influence of external factors to accurately explore
the relationship between variables, although some societal studies may be less controllable.

Rigorous: Research procedures must be relevant, appropriate, and justified, with varying
degrees of rigor depending on the field of study.

Empirical: Research should be based on real-life observations and data, following scientific
methods to ensure accuracy and coherence in conclusions.
Systematic: The research process must be organized and logical, optimizing resource use to
achieve desired outcomes.

Reliability: Research results should be consistent and dependable, yielding similar outcomes
when repeated under the same conditions.

Validity & Verifiability: Research conclusions must accurately reflect reality, with
measurement tools effectively assessing what they claim to measure, and findings should be
verifiable by others.

Employs Hypothesis: Research begins with a hypothesis, an educated guess about


relationships between variables, guiding the investigation and analysis.

Analytical & Accurate: Research should focus on understanding phenomena, ensuring that
data collected is reasonable and free of errors for effective analysis.

Credibility: The trustworthiness of research findings is enhanced by using reliable sources


and primary data, while excessive reliance on secondary data can diminish credibility.

Critical: The research process must withstand scrutiny, ensuring that methods and procedures
are robust and free from flaws.

3- Its Objectives

Objectives are the goals set out to attain in a study.


 They inform a reader what you want to attain through the study.
 It is extremely important to word them clearly and specifically.

• Research objectives can be classified into various categories depending on their


emphasis and purpose within a study. Below are some common types of research objectives:
1- Exploratory Objectives
Exploratory objectives are used when researchers seek to gain a better understanding of a
topic, especially when there is limited existing knowledge. They often involve preliminary
investigations. Example: “To investigate the possible determinants impacting consumer
inclinations towards sustainable products.”
2- Explanatory Objectives
Explanatory objectives are designed to identify the relationships between variables and
explain the causes or reasons behind certain phenomena. Example: “To examine the causal
relationship between smoking habits and the development of lung cancer.”
3- Descriptive Objectives
These objectives aim to provide a detailed and accurate description of a phenomenon, event,
or subject. They focus on answering questions about what, who, where, and when. Example:
“To delineate the demographic attributes of the study’s participants.”

• Characteristics of Objectives:
The objectives should be SMART.:
Specific: Objectives should be clear and specific, detailing exactly what is to be achieved.
This helps to focus efforts and clearly define the goal.

Measurable: Objectives need to include what you would do/measure in terms of studying an
issue. This allows for tracking advancements and determining when the goal has been met.

Achievable: Objectives should be realistic and attainable, considering available resources and
constraints. This ensures that the goals are challenging yet possible to achieve.

Relevant: Objectives must align with broader goals and be meaningful to the overall mission.
They should matter to the participants involved and contribute to the desired outcomes.

Time-bound: Objectives should have a clear deadline or timeframe for completion. This
creates a sense of urgency and helps prioritize tasks to meet the goal within the specified
period.

4- The Characteristics of Good Researchers

Here are ten qualities of a good researcher:


INTEREST Interest is essential for initiating research. A genuine desire to explore
questions and engage in the research process is crucial..

Motivation builds on interest by providing the reasons and drive to pursue


MOTIVATION research. It encourages researchers to advance their initial curiosity and
sustain their efforts throughout the research process.

An inquisitive mind is vital for research. Curiosity drives researchers to


INQUISITIVENESS ask questions and seek knowledge beyond their current understanding,
facilitating progress in their research endeavors.

Commitment is necessary for developing and executing a research plan. It


COMMITMENT involves perseverance from the conception of the idea through data
collection and analysis, ensuring the project is completed successfully.

Researchers must be willing to sacrifice time and effort in other areas to


SACRIFICE focus on their research. This personal sacrifice is essential for creating an
environment conducive to progress and advancement in their studies.

Excellence is required at every stage of research, from developing ideas


EXCELLENCE and hypotheses to data collection and analysis. Striving for high standards
ensures the quality and impact of the research.

Knowledge is foundational to research, as it drives innovation and


KNOWLEDGE discovery. A solid understanding of the subject matter is necessary for
advancing research ideas and achieving meaningful results.
Recognition involves being aware of the research process and its
evaluation. It helps researchers assess their progress and identify
RECOGNITION important developments, which is critical for successful research
outcomes.
A scholarly approach is essential for presenting and publishing research
SCHOLARLY findings. This includes careful data analysis, literature review, and
APPROACH manuscript preparation, ensuring the research is communicated
effectively.
Integration of all the aforementioned qualities is crucial for developing a
successful research project. Collaboration with others and synthesizing
INTEGRATION various aspects of the research process enhance the overall quality and
impact of the research

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