Research is the systematic inquiry in order to explain or predict the phenomenon described through proper explanation, predicting control and description of observed phenomena. Research meaning is a systematic investigation of materials and sources to establish new facts and conclusions. This holds a lot of importance regarding its relevance in the higher education system. The learners are intended to understand the topics well enough to enhance the applicability of the related topic in real life. Research meaning is not necessarily to find something novel in an unexplored topic, but it means looking for something new in a well-known area. Knowing the meaning, definition and nature of research is the most important thing for aspirants.

Research is one of the highest-scoring topics in UGC-NET Paper-1. Even though the topic is vast,rough understanding of the related topics will also help the learners crack difficult questions.

In this article, learners will be able to know about the following:

• Research Meaning
• Meaning of Research Methodology
• Research Gap Meaning
• Types of Research
• Characteristics of Research
• What is the Purpose of Research?
• Examples of Research

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Research Meaning

Research meaning or the meaning of research is searching about a topic that already exists. It means discovering something new about a topic already known to us, where certain facts remain unknown.

Research means searching for knowledge, whereas knowledge means information about a subject matter. Here, knowledge could be collected from various sources such as experience, books, journals, nature, etc. Research leads to new contributions to the existing knowledge. Research ethics is also very important to be known to understand the research meaning.

Meaning of Research Methodology

Research methodology is basically how a researcher intends to conduct research. It is a systematic and logical way to resolve a problem. It depicts what data will be collected, from where it is collected, and how it is analyzed.

In this article, meaning and types of research has also been discussed.

Research Gap Meaning

The term "research gap" refers to an unexplored or insufficiently researched area within a particular field of study. Identifying a research gap is a crucial aspect of scholarly inquiry and research design. It signifies a void or gap in the existing body of knowledge, highlighting areas where further investigation, analysis, or exploration is needed.

Types of Research

There are two main kinds of research introductions: general introductions, which are broad background and contextual supports for the study, and specific introductions, which directly provide the problem statement, objectives, and significance of the study. These two forms of research introductions aim at involving the reader in the gap in knowledge and justifying the need for the study. The types of research are stated below.

Basic Research

Basic research, also called fundamental or pure research, is essentially a search for something new without assuming directly at the outset that there's practical applicability. It usually arises from pure or inquisitive 'why?' and has the capability to be directed toward an understanding of underlying principles or theories. Of course, it lays the foundation for other applied research and technological innovations in the future.

Applied Research

Applied research is done to solve the actual problems facing humankind or to answer applied research questions based on the information gathered through fundamental research. It searches for solutions that can be directly applied to fields like health, engineering, or education. In this way, it acts as a bridge between theory and practical life.

Descriptive Research

Descriptive research meaning can be understood as it observes, records, and analyzes the characteristics of a phenomenon without changing the variables involved. It aims to give an overall view of a situation, an event, or a group of people. It may be conducted through surveys, case studies, or other observing techniques. There is no such conclusion related to cause and effect but gives rich meanings to the "what" of a subject.

Exploratory Research

Exploratory research looks into researching a problem or subject that has not been adequately explored. Moreover, it could discover new ideas, make hypotheses, or present research questions for use in later, more detailed investigations. Explanatory research is often used at the initiation of an investigation to obtain initial information.

Explanatory (Causal) Research

Explanatory or causal research tries to establish cause-and-effect relations between the variables. Researchers manipulate one or more independent variables to observe their effects on the dependent variable to establish causal links. This kind of research is common in experiments to affirm or negate theories.

Correlational Research

Correlational research is the examination between two or more variables in terms of discovering the relations without a manipulation by the experimenter. In a manner of speaking, the intention may also involve establishing some patterns and connection, though this does not occur to create causation. The strength and directionality of relationships are measured using statistical tools such as correlation coefficients.

Qualitative Research

Qualitative research delves into the rich field of depth understanding of experiences, perceptions, and social phenomena through non-numerical data. Information is gained through interviews, focus groups, and ethnography-rich detailed content. The idea is to explore meanings and context, but it will not produce generalized quantifiable results.

Quantitative Research

Quantitative research relies on numerical data and statistical procedure to quantify variables and to seek patterns or relationships. Data are commonly collected through surveys, experiments, and, at times, observational studies. It highlights measurable elements and aims for generalization through statistical analysis.

Action Research

Action research is essentially an iterative process carried out in a mode of problem-solving attitude; often, it is on education or social work. Action research meaning can be understood as it engages participants in collaboration for topics, solutions, and measuring outcomes. It aims at producing actionable results that support improvement of best practices or conditions over time.

Longitudinal Research

Longitudinal research studies the same subjects over a prolonged period, noting trends and development through time. It works well to monitor changes of trend, behavior, or health status across time. It can establish causality and study the long-term impact of interventions.

Cross-Sectional Research

Cross-sectional research entails data collection from a population or sample at one point in time. It is applied in the analysis of the prevalence of variables or behaviors within a stipulated group. While it may predict associations, it will not elicit cause-and-effect relationships or change in time.

Phenomenological Research

It focuses on understanding the subjective lived experience of people pertaining to a particular phenomenon. The research aims at describing the essence of those experiences by collecting minute, detailed personal accounts through interviews or observations. The research seeks to uncover the common meanings of this experience and the subjective nature of experience.

Case Study Research

Case studies would involve an in-depth study of a single case or small number of cases in a real-world setting. Case studies generally allow an in-depth understanding of complex phenomena, such as company, individual, or community. Cases are often analyzed from a variety of data sources and prove to be very useful in providing insights into unique or rare situations.

Historical Research

Historical research refers to the study of past events, documents, or trends aimed at understanding the degree to which they have created the present. The reconstruction and interpretation of past events are based on primary and secondary sources, including archives, records, interviews, with the aim of giving a detailed and honest account of history.

Mixed Methods Research

Mixed-method research, therefore, combines both qualitative and quantitative approaches in a single study. This approach seeks to bring out the best from both kinds of approaches to give a fuller and holistic understanding of a research problem. In that sense, it is possible to offer the most robust conclusions when combining numerical data with insightful and deep understanding.

Research refers to the scientific method of investigation that aims at achieving the discovery of new information, verification of existing knowledge, or solution to specific problems. The characteristics describe the validity and integrity of the process and ensure that findings are valid and applicable.

Systematic Approach

The characteristic of research is its systematic nature. In this regard, a structured methodology is followed in research-from posing the question through to gathering and analysing data. A systematic methodology ensures that the process of research is not haphazard but rather systematized and replicable, meaning others can then test and, if necessary, validate the findings.

Empirical Evidence

It is pegged on empirical evidence, which a researcher derives through the observation, testing, or gathering of data. This basis on observable and measurable data sets research apart from mere speculations since its conclusions are made of facts, not opinions.

Objectivity

The other important aspect of research is objectivity, which stresses the point that any research study should be as neutral and unbiased as possible. Bias in the design of a study, in data gathering, and in an analysis is thoroughly minimized so that the conclusions drawn out of a study are valid and trustworthy anywhere.

Replication

The possibility to allow other researchers to reproduce the study with similar results is replicability. This characteristic is important for determining whether research-based knowledge has been grounded, and it supports the argument that knowledge developed through research is verifiable by third parties.

Contribution to Knowledge

Research inherently adds value to the knowledge pool in a given field. Whether it confirms prevailing theories, challenges established thought or promotes the introduction of new concepts, research stimulates investigation and enhancement in countless fields.

What is the Purpose of Research?

The objectives of research form the guiding framework that identifies the purpose and goals of the study. Clearly defined objectives not only guide the research process but also aid in judging its significance or impact.

Research Problem Definition

Defining the research problem is, therefore, one of the major purposes of research. In this process, the main issues or questions that the study will answer are determined, hence laying a foundation for a clear and relevant study.

Contributions to Knowledge

Research contributes to the corpus of knowledge in a given field. It can validate previous results or take up a new idea to better understand a given aspect for better decisions in future study or practice.

Inform Decisions

The use of information gathered in research empowers choice based upon evidence. From policy formulations, business strategy options to educational practices, results of research tell stakeholders informed choices embedded on data.

Evaluate Outcomes

Another purpose of research is to evaluate the outcomes of certain interventions or practices. Through comparing the effectiveness and impacts of various approaches, researchers can differentiate the best practices from those that require improvement leading to an improved effectiveness in practical applications.

Encourage Innovation

Lastly, research objectives may always include innovation, or otherwise the investigation of new technologies, methods, or solutions to existing problems which can lead to breakthroughs or innovations in various fields.

Examples of Research

The examples of research have been stated below for reference.

Survey Research

Asking individuals questions to find out what they think or do is known as survey research. A student might, for instance, create a survey to find out what their classmates prefer about school lunches. The student can determine which meal is the most popular by tallying the responses. We can better comprehend people's choices and perspectives thanks to this type of research.

Experimental Research

Conducting an experiment or test to observe the results is known as experimental research. To determine which flower grows better, a student might, for instance, plant two flowers, give one sunlight, and leave the other in the dark. This type of study aids in our understanding of cause and effect. In science, it is frequently utilized.

Historical Research

The study of historical events is the focus of historical research. Students can learn about ancient Egyptian culture by watching movies or reading texts. They could learn about life in those days by looking at old photographs, maps, or writings. We can learn about history and how the world has changed thanks to this kind of inquiry.

Descriptive Research

Descriptive research is done to describe what something is like right now. For instance, a student might compose a report on the appearance, diet, and behavior of the animals in a nearby zoo. Without attempting to alter anything, this type of research provides comprehensive data about a subject.

Qualitative Research

This type of research involves observing, listening, or posing open-ended questions. For instance, to find out how classmates feel about homework, a student may conduct interviews with them. The student listens to their stories and writes about what they said rather than tallying the responses. This study contributes to our understanding of emotions and experiences.

Quantitative Research

Quantitative research involves learning about a subject by using measurements and data. A student might, for instance, tally the number of kids who take the bus, walk, or ride bikes to school. They may then create a graph to display the outcomes. This kind of research uses mathematics to demonstrate patterns.

Conclusion

Research meaning, types, objectives, and importance must be understood for attempting questions based on research in the UGC-NET Paper 1 exam. All types of research are intended to find something new, but still, they are quite distinct from one another, so they are to be studied in detail. The qualitative and quantitative research methods are used in research. The meaning and objectives of research is important to be known.

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