INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH

Research comprises "creative work undertaken on a systematic basis in order 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."[1]It is used to establish or confirm facts,
reaffirm the results of previous work, solve new or existing problems, support theorems, or
develop new theories. A research project may also be an expansion on past work in the field.
Research projects can be used to develop further knowledge on a topic, or in the example of
a school research project, they can be used to further a student's research prowess to
prepare them for future jobs or reports. To test the validity of instruments, procedures, or
experiments, research may replicate elements of prior projects or the project as a whole.
The primary purposes of basic research (as opposed to applied research)
are documentation, discovery, interpretation, or the research and development (R&D) of
methods and systems for the advancement of human knowledge. Approaches to research
depend on epistemologies, which vary considerably both within and between humanities and
sciences. There are several forms of
research: scientific, humanities, artistic, economic, social, business, marketing, practitioner
research, life, technological, etc.

Etymology

Aristotle, (384322 BC), one of the early figures in the development of the scientific method.[2]

The word research is derived from the Middle French "recherche", which means "to go about
seeking", the term itself being derived from the Old French term "recerchier" a compound
word from "re-" + "cerchier", or "sercher", meaning 'search'.[3] The earliest recorded use of
the term was in 1577.[3]
Definitions
Research has been defined in a number of different ways.

A broad definition of research is given by Godwin Colibao: "In the broadest sense of the
word, the definition of research includes any gathering of data, information, and facts for
the advancement of knowledge."[4]

Another definition of research is given by John W. Creswell, who states that "[r]esearch is
a process of steps used to collect and analyze information to increase our understanding of a
topic or issue". It consists of three steps: pose a question, collect data to answer the
question, and present an answer to the question.[5]

The Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines research in more detail as "a studious inquiry
or examination; especially 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".

BROAD DEFINITION FOR THEORY

THEORY-It is applicable but not proven to be true

Applied science is a discipline of science that applies existing scientific knowledge to develop
more practical applications, like technology or inventions.

Within natural science, disciplines that are basic science, also called pure science,
develop information to predict and perhaps explainthus somehow understandphenomena in
the natural world. Applied science applies science to real world practice. This includes a broad
range of applied science related fields from Engineering, Business, Medicine to Early Childhood
Education.

Applied science can also apply formal science, such as statistics and probability theory, as
in epidemiology. Genetic epidemiology is an applied science applying both biological and
statistical methods.

Biology burst and eclectic field, composed of many branches and subdisciplines. However,
despite the broad scope of biology, there are certain general and unifying concepts within it
that govern all study and research, consolidating it into a single, coherent field. In general,
biology recognizes the cell as the basic unit of life, genes as the basic unit of heredity, and
evolution as the engine that propels the synthesis and creation of new species. It is also
understood today that all organisms survive by consuming and transforming energy and by
regulating their internal environment to maintain a stable and vital condition. Here are some
of biology's major branches:
 Anatomy study of form and function, in plants, animals, and other organisms, or
specifically in humans
Biochemistry study of the chemical reactions required for life to exist and function,
usually a focus on the cellular level

Bioengineering study of biology through the means of engineering with an emphasis on

applied knowledge and especially related to biotechnology

Bioinformatics interdisciplinary scientific field that develops methods for storing,

retrieving, organizing and analyzing biological data. A major activity in bioinformatics is
to develop software tools to generate useful biological knowledge.

Biolinguistics study of the biology and evolution of language

Biomechanics the study of the mechanics of living beings
Biomedical research study of health and disease
Biophysics study of biological processes by applying the theories and methods
traditionally used in the physical sciences
Biotechnology study of the manipulation of living matter, including genetic modification
and synthetic biology
Botany study of plants
Cell biology study of the cell as a complete unit, and the molecular and chemical
interactions that occur within a living cell
Developmental biology study of the processes through which an organism forms, from
zygote to full structure
Ecology study of the interactions of living organisms with one another and with the
non-living elements of their environment
Entomology study of insects
Epidemiology a major component of public health research, studying factors affecting
the health of populations
Ethology - the study of animal behaviour
Evolutionary biology study of the origin and descent of species over time
Genetics study of genes and heredity.
Hematology (also known as Haematology) study of blood and blood-forming organs.
Marine biology study of ocean ecosystems, plants, animals, and other living beings
Microbiology study of microscopic organisms (microorganisms) and their interactions
with other living organisms
 Molecular biology study of biology and biological functions at the molecular level, some
cross over with biochemistry
Neuroscience study of the nervous system
Physiology study of the functioning of living organisms and the organs and parts of
living organisms
Population biology study of groups of conspecific organisms
Sociobiology study of the biological bases of sociology
Structural biology a branch of molecular biology, biochemistry, and biophysics concerned
with the molecular structure of biological macromolecules
Synthetic biology - the design and construction of new biological entities such as
enzymes, genetic circuits and cells, or the redesign of existing biological systems (LY)
Systems biology - study of the integration and dependencies of various components
within a biological system, with particular focus upon the role of metabolic
pathways and cell-signaling strategies in physiology.
Toxicology - study of the effects of chemicals on living organisms
Zoology study of animals, including classification, physiology, development, and
behavior.