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Definitions of Research
– Research is the systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions.
– Research is a systematic inquiry to describe, explain, predict, and control the observed phenomenon.
– Research is a detailed study of a subject, especially in order to discover (new) information or reach a (new) understanding
– Research is creative and systematic work undertaken to increase the stock of knowledge, including knowledge of humans, culture and society, and the use of this stock of knowledge to devise new applications.
– Research is 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
– Research is a careful and detailed study into a specific problem, concern, or issue using the scientific method.
– 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.
– Research is careful and organized study or gathering of information about a specific topic.
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Characteristics of Research
Research is a process of collecting, analyzing and interpreting information to answer questions. But to qualify as research, the process must have certain characteristics:
1. Empirical – research is based on direct experience or observation by the researcher.
2. Logical – research is based on valid procedures and principles.
3. Cyclical – research starts with a problem and ends with a problem.
4. Analytical – research utilizes proven analytical procedures in gathering data, whether historical, descriptive, experimental, and case study.
5. Critical – research exhibits careful and precise judgment.
6. Methodical – research is conducted in a methodical manner without bias using systematic method and procedures.
7. Replicability – research design and procedures are repeated to enable the researcher to arrive at valid and conclusive results.
Topic 1: Introduction to Research – Geography Notes Form 4
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RESEARCH DATA
Is a body of information about a particular problem. These are information obtained during the research and they are used to explain the phenomena.
Types/Sources of Data in Research
1. Primary source/data is the original data collected directly from the field, they are obtained through interviews, questionnaires, observation and focus group discussion.
2. Secondary sources/data is the data collected from documents. Example; through books, journals, economics, survey, census report, official report
Objectives of Research
1. To describe about certain phenomena
2. To search for a new knowledge/insights.
3. To develop theory about certain social economic phenomena.
4. To test hypothesis so as to find out their reliability.
5. To be familiar with a certain phenomena
6. To find solution to the existing problems.
7. To make evaluation of a certain issue.
Importance of Research in Daily Life
1. Research is the Way to Prove Lies and to Support Truths
2. Research develop or generate new knowledge e.g the information produced by research can be applied in many ways.
3. It helps to improve human activities for the betterment of people e.g A society can develop irrigation scheme when finds show that there is food shortage.
4. Research can be used to develop new theories and laws.
5. Research enable in finding solutions about the special programmes e.g HIV, hunger, etc.
6. It helps to improve various sectors as related to daily life e.g Agriculture, industries, etc.
7. It provides reliable and needed information to data bank.
TYPES OF RESEARCH
a) According to their aims/purpose
1. Basic/Pure Research. Is a type of research which is conducted to collect data to advance or develop a certain scientific knowledge. It is always done through the verification of theories especially in laboratory.
2. Applied Research. Is the research which seeks the specific knowledge necessary to find solution to solve certain in the society.
3. Evaluative Research. It a type of research which is conducted purposely to measure or asses the achievement of a certain scientific practice.
4. Analytical Research. Is a type of research that uses facts already available and analyses these facts to make a critical evaluation of the material.
5. Fundamental Research Is a type of research which studies life process that is universal in their application to scientific knowledge.
b) According to the type of data to be collected.
1. Quantitative research It focuses on the measurement of quantity. It is applicable on phenomena that can be expressed in terms of quantity like population data. It tries to answer the question how much? How many?
2. Qualitative research. It concerned with qualitative phenomena. It is applicable to phenomena that can be expressed in terms of qualitative. The data gathering are purely in form of description. It is alternatively called Descriptive research.
c) Other types of Research
1. Empirical research – relies on intensive interpretation of data and come up with conclusion which is capable of being verified through observation/experiment.
2. Conceptual research – is related to some abstract ideas. It is used to develop new concept.
3. Exploratory research -Is conducted when a researcher explores things like gold, iron, diamond, and other mates related to mining.
4. Explanatory research – Is a research that explain about a certain phenomena
