Research Methodologies Reading No.1

What is research?

By Leedy/Ormrod

This article is an attempt to clarify the mystery surrounding the over usage of the term and what it entails.

What research is not:
1.Mere information gathering.

2.Mere transportation of facts from one location to another.

3.Rummaging for information.

4.A catch word used to get attention.

What research is:

1. Originates with a question or problem.

2. Requires clear articulation.

3. Requires a specific plan for proceeding.

4. Usually divides the principal problem into more manageable sub problems.

5. Research is guided by the specific research problem, question, or hypotheses.

6. Research accepts certain critical assumptions.

7. Research requires the collection and interpretation of data in an attempt to resolve the problem that initiated the research.

8. Research is, by its nature, cyclical, or more, exactly, helical.