The word research is derived from which Middle French term?
recherche
Meaning ‘to go about seeking’.
Research is defined as the creation of new knowledge or the new and creative use of existing knowledge to generate _______.
new concepts
It is a systematic investigation designed to contribute to generalisable knowledge.
What is the primary objective of research?
To extend human knowledge of the physical, biological, or social world
Beyond what is already known.
List the objectives of research.
- Exploratory research
- Descriptive research
- Diagnostic research
- Causal research
Each type serves a different purpose in research.
Good research must be systematic, meaning it is structured through specified steps according to a well-defined set of _______.
rules
It must also be logical and replicable.
The Scientific Method consists of which steps?
- Observing the world
- Creating a hypothesis
- Testing the hypothesis
- Examining and interpreting results
- Making conclusions
It is the systematic process underlying research.
A research approach is the overall plan for conducting research, guiding the choice of methods, data collection, and _______.
analysis
It is the main ‘lens’ through which the study is viewed.
What are the three main approaches to research?
- Quantitative
- Qualitative
- Mixed-Methods
Each approach has its own methodology and focus.
The Quantitative Research Approach seeks causal determination, prediction, and the generalisation of findings using _______.
statistical measures
It tests objective theories by examining numerical relationships among variables.
Key characteristics of the Quantitative Research Approach include a large sample size and the use of _______.
structured instruments
Such as closed-question surveys or experiments.
The Qualitative Research Approach focuses on exploring and understanding the meaning individuals ascribe to a _______.
social problem
It produces non-numerical data and seeks an in-depth understanding of subjective experiences.
Key characteristics of the Qualitative Research Approach include a small sample size and the use of _______.
unstructured instruments
Such as in-depth interviews and focus groups.
The Mixed-Methods Research Approach combines and integrates both qualitative and _______ data.
quantitative
This approach aims for a more complete understanding of the research problem.
The purpose of the Mixed-Methods Research Approach is to gain a more complete, holistic understanding of the _______.
research problem
For example, using surveys and interviews together.
