What is Research?

Its use in all fields of science which makes it multifaceted and to define into a single definition. In the broadest sense of the word, research is any gathering of data, information and facts for the advancement of knowledge (Martyn, 2008) Research is an organized and systematic way of finding answers to questions. A careful investigation or inquiry especially through search for new facts in any branch of knowledge

What is Research?
the orderly investigation of a subject matter for the purpose of adding to knowledge it can mean re-search, implying that the subject matter is already known but, for one reason or another, needs to be studied again. Alternatively, it can be used without a hyphen, which typically means investigating a new problem or phenomenon (Ross, 2005: 1) a process of steps used to collect and analyze information to increase our understanding of a topic or issue (Creswell, 2012: 3)

Importance of Research
Research enriches knowledge

Research improves teaching practices

Research Informs Policy Debates

Steps in Traditional Research Process Scientific Method

Identifying a problem

Making a prediction (hypothesis)

Gather data relevant to the prediction

Analyzing the data (supports or rejects the prediction?)

Scientific Method

The Six Steps in the Research Process

Identifying a Research Problem

Reporting and Evaluating Research

Reviewing the Literature

Analyzing and Interpreting Data

Specifying a Purpose for Research

Collecting Data

The Research Process Cycle

Creswell (2012: 8)

Quantitative vs. Qualitative

Quantitative research: Structured research instruments Larger sample size Results easily replicated Information about how often or how many Less in-depth, flexible Statistical analysis Qualitative research: Less structured instruments Smaller sample size Results difficult to replicate Information about why and how More in-depth, flexible Analysis is subjective Can be used to determine the focus of follow-up, 9 quantitative inquiries

References
Creswell, J.W. (2012). Educational research: Planning, conducting, and evaluating quantitative and qualitative research (4th ed.). Boston: Pearson Education, Inc. Joppe, M. (2000). The Research Process. Retrieved February 8, 2004, from http://www.ryerson.ca/~mjoppe/rp.htm Reliability and Validity: What's the Difference? Retrieved July, 18, 2010, from http://www.socialresearchmethods.net /tutorial Ross, Kenneth N. (ed.) 2005. Educational Research: Some Basic Concepts and Terminology. Paris: International Institute for Educational Planning/ UNESCO. McKay, S.L. (2008). Researching second language classrooms. New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc.