The Nature
of Research Method
The strict definition of scientific research is performing a methodical study in order to prove a hypothesis or answer a specific question. Finding a definitive answer is the central goal of any experimental process.
Research must be systematic and follow a series of steps and a rigid standard protocol. These rules are broadly similar but may vary slightly between the different fields of science.
Scientific research must be organized and undergo planning, including performing literature reviews of past research and evaluating what questions need to be answered.
Any type of ‘real’ research, whether scientific, economic or historical, requires some kind of interpretation and an opinion from the researcher. This opinion is the underlying principle, or question, that establishes the nature and type of experiment.
The strict definition of scientific research is performing a methodical study in order to prove a hypothesis or answer a specific question. Finding a definitive answer is the central goal of any experimental process.
Research must be systematic and follow a series of steps and a rigid standard protocol. These rules are broadly similar but may vary slightly between the different fields of science.
Scientific research must be organized and undergo planning, including performing literature reviews of past research and evaluating what questions need to be answered.
Any type of ‘real’ research, whether scientific, economic or historical, requires some kind of interpretation and an opinion from the researcher. This opinion is the underlying principle, or question, that establishes the nature and type of experiment.
The scientific
definition of research generally states that a variable must be manipulated, although case studies
and purely observational
science do not always comply with this norm.
Research can be a way of life; it is
the basis for many of the important decisions in our lives. Without it, we are
deluged with information, subjected to the claims of advertisers, or influenced
by hearsay in making sense of the world around us. This informal, experiential
research helps us decipher the flood of information we encounter daily.
Formal academic research differs
from experiential research and may be more investigative in nature. For
example, it may require us to learn about an area in which we have little
knowledge or inclination to learn. It may be library-oriented or
field-oriented, depending on the nature of the research.
Academic research, like the everyday research we do, is associated with curiosity and intellectual discovery. The writing associated with academic research is demanding and challenging, with a methodology and discipline all its own. Although many of the concepts and processes of research are generic, academic research is discipline-specific and demands a more rigorous methodology. This chapter presents the methodology of academic research, many of the generic processes of research writing, and suggestions for applying the concepts to various disciplines. The chapter ends with a brief look at the structure of a research paper.
Academic research, like the everyday research we do, is associated with curiosity and intellectual discovery. The writing associated with academic research is demanding and challenging, with a methodology and discipline all its own. Although many of the concepts and processes of research are generic, academic research is discipline-specific and demands a more rigorous methodology. This chapter presents the methodology of academic research, many of the generic processes of research writing, and suggestions for applying the concepts to various disciplines. The chapter ends with a brief look at the structure of a research paper.
- Research is a natural day-to-day activity for the purpose of gathering information.
- Academic research is much like ordinary research, but it is more disciplined in its methodology.
