What is research?

Before delving into what makes for a good research, I think it is necessary to first understand what research is. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the word 'research' has its roots in the Middle French word 'recherche', which means 'to go about seeking'. The term 'recherche' itself is derived from the Old French term 'recerchier', compounded from 're' and 'cerchier', or 'sercher', which means 'to search'.
 
Although research sounds detached and academical, people rely on some form of research to solve smaller issues on a day-to-day basis. Such research, however, might not necessarily be as elaborate as formal scientific/economic/market research. Note that this blog is primarily concerned with formal research.

Definition of research

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines research 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.

The University of Queensland defines research as:

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. This could include synthesis and analysis of previous research to the extent that it leads to new and creative outcomes.

This definition of research is consistent with a broad notion of research and experimental development (R&D) as comprising of creative work undertaken on a systematic basis in order to increase the stock of knowledge, including knowledge of humanity, culture and society, and the use of this stock of knowledge to devise new applications.

This definition of research encompasses pure and strategic basic research, applied research and experimental development. Applied research is original investigation undertaken to acquire new knowledge but directed towards a specific, practical aim or objective (including a client-driven purpose).

In Practical Research: Planning and Design, Eighth Edition, authors Leedy and Ormrod described research as:

Research is the systematic process of collecting and analyzing information to increase our understanding of the phenomenon under study. It is the function of the researcher to contribute to the understanding of the phenomenon and to communicate that understanding to others.

Further, the OECD defines research and experimental development (R&D) as comprising of:

... creative work undertaken on a systematic basis in order to increase the stock of knowledge, including knowledge of man, culture and society, and the use of this stock of knowledge to devise new applications.

There are many other definitions of 'research' which I came across, and if I could summarise all of them in a nutshell, based on my preliminary findings, I would liken 'research' to a continuous learning journey for the researcher, which can potentially present him/her with further insights, leading to improvements and ultimately, the advancement of knowledge not just for the researcher but mankind.

What research is not? 

I also found that learning what research is not has helped me to gain a deeper understanding of the concept. Essentially, research:

• is not a 'copy' and 'paste' of information/data/facts from one place to another, but should involve some extensive interpretation of these information/data/facts. Compilation of facts, coupled with convincing references, do not constitute genuine research. The process of interpreting and drawing conclusions based on gathered information/data/facts are an essential component of research.

• is not information retrieval, but knowledge creation. Gathering published information is straightforward, but research normally attempts to answer questions/issues that do not yet have clear and tidy answers/solutions to them. The YouTube video below draws a clear distinction between information retrieval and research. In particular, it highlights that information retrieval is not research because it is based on existing knowledge, while research is the pursuit of new knowledge. Researchers work at the frontier of knowledge by utilising existing knowledge and expanding on them, thereby creating new knowledge. 

Why do we research?

John Armstrong, a philosopher at the University of Melbourne, suggests that there are two main motives underlying research - first, the intellectual desire of wanting to know and understand everything around us; second, the need to solve issues or problems. Linking these two motives back to our daily lives, I think formal research is required because despite possessing common sense, and having gone through certain experience and observation, we may not have considered external factors or alternatives to a certain problem or issue. Essentially, no matter how knowledgeable a person is, there are definitely some gaps in one's understanding and reality.

What research is?

Having a brief idea of what research does not entail and why do people research, I guess understanding what constitutes research has now become clearer. To summarise this blog post based on the information I have gathered, research has the following characteristics:

• it requires interpretation of information/data/facts.
• it usually stems from intellectual curiosity or a problem/issue, and is naturally guided by an explicit and specific research question, problem or hypothesis. 
• it has some underlying assumptions before being carried out.

Again in Practical Research: Planning and Design, Eighth Edition, authors Leedy and Ormrod lists eight characteristics of research, many of which involve the research process and methodology, which have not been mentioned in this blog post, but will be touched upon in the coming weeks.

In the next blog post, I will be reflecting on the ‘rules of the game’ for good research, and discussing the key question - ‘what is good research’. In the next few weeks, I will also be exploring a particular academic discipline which falls under my research interests. I will then proceed to reflect on good research practice, based on academic papers which I have obtained within this field. I would really appreciate if readers can provide me with suggestions, feedback and comments, thank you in advance.