Introduction to

Research
PRESENTED BY MR. MBABIT LESLIE M.Ed. EPY
  By the end of this presentation we should be able to
 Define research.
Objective Of  State the purpose of research.

The Unit  State and explain the characteristics of research

 Explain the application of research in the real world.
  "Research is about engaging in a diligent and systematic
process of inquiry in order to discover new interpretations,
gain deeper understanding, test hypotheses, and answer
questions." - Robert K. Yin (1989)
 "Research is the systematic collection, interpretation, and
analysis of data and evidence, and the presentation of
findings in a clear, concise manner." - Wayne C. Booth et
al. (2016)
Definition of  "Research is an investigatory process of studying,
research analyzing, or evaluating a subject in order to discover
insights and attain new knowledge." - Anderson et al.
(2012)
 Research refers to a systematic and organized
investigation undertaken to obtain new knowledge,
insights, or understanding of a particular subject or
phenomenon. It involves the collection, analysis, and
interpretation of data through various methods and
techniques.
  The purpose of research is typically
 To Validate Existing Theories,
 Discover New Information,
 Address Specific Questions Or Problems,
Purpose of  Contribute To The Advancement Of Knowledge In A
research Particular Field.
Research can be conducted in numerous disciplines,
including scientific, social, and humanities areas, and
often follows a structured and rigorous approach to
ensure reliability and validity of findings.
 The main purposes of carrying out research are:

 1. Generating knowledge: Research helps to expand our

understanding of the world in various domains such as science,
medicine, social sciences, and humanities. It contributes to the
development of theories, concepts, and ideas that advance human
Purpose of knowledge and enhance our understanding of different phenomena.

carrying out  2. Solving problems: Research aims to find solutions to existing

research problems or challenges. It helps identify issues, analyze their
causes, and provide evidence-based recommendations for
addressing them. Whether it is applied research in medicine,
engineering, or social sciences, the ultimate goal is to provide
practical and effective solutions to real-world problems.
  3. Advancing technology and innovation: Research drives
technological advancements by exploring new ideas, inventing
new technologies, and improving existing ones. It often leads to
the development of new products, processes, or srvices that

Purpose of improve the quality of life, boost productivity, or create

economic growth.
carrying out  4. Informing policy and decision-making: Research
research provides policymakers and decision-makers with reliable and
evidence-based information to develop policies, regulations, or
strategies. It helps them make informed decisions that are
grounded in a deeper understanding of the issues at hand, and
ensures that actions and policies are based on sound evidence.
  5. Filling knowledge gaps: Research aims to bridge existing
gaps in knowledge by exploring uncharted areas, answering
unanswered questions, or investigating unresolved
controversies. It contributes to the accumulation of knowledge
and helps build upon previous research to further expand our
Purpose of understanding.
carrying out  6. Academic and personal growth: Research is essential for
research academic growth, as it allows scholars and students to delve
into their areas of interest, explore new ideas, and contribute to
existing knowledge. It also enhances critical thinking, problem-
solving skills, and analytical abilities. Additionally, research can
have personal benefits, such as enhancing creativity, fostering
curiosity, and developing intellectual and personal growth.
  Overall, research plays a vital role in advancing
Purpose of society, fostering innovation, and improving the
carrying out quality of life by generating knowledge, solving
research problems, informing decision-making, and driving
progress in various fields.
  Research is

 1. Systematic and organized: Research

involves a structured approach to gather and
analyze data. It follows a step-by-step process to
ensure that data is collected and analyzed in a
Characterist
systematic and organized manner.
ic Of
Research  2. Empirical and evidence-based: Research
relies on empirical evidence, meaning that it is
based on observations or experiments rather than
theory or belief. It aims to gather factual and
verifiable information through observation,
measurement, and experimentation.
 Research is

 3. Objective and unbiased: Research strives

to be free from personal bias and opinion. The
researchers aim to be neutral and objective in
their approach, ensuring that their personal
Characterist beliefs or preferences do not impact the
ic Of findings or interpretation of the data.
Research
 4. Replicable and reliable: Research must
be replicable, allowing others to repeat the
same study or experiment and obtain similar
results. It must be reliable, meaning that the
findings should be consistent and dependable,
 Research is

 5. Ethical: Research should adhere to ethical

guidelines and principles. This includes obtaining
informed consent from participants, ensuring
confidentiality and anonymity, and minimizing any
Characterist
ic Of potential harm or discomfort to participants.
Research  6. Objective and logical: Research involves a
logical and analytical approach to problem-solving.
It aims to answer research questions using
objective, logical, and rational methods. It avoids
making assumptions or drawing unwarranted
  7. Cumulative and progressive: Research
builds upon existing knowledge and aims to
contribute to the existing body of knowledge
about a particular topic. It seeks to add new
insights, challenge existing theories, or develop
Characterist
new theories and frameworks.
ic Of
Research  8. Transparent and open to scrutiny:
Research should be conducted in a transparent
manner, allowing others to scrutinize and
evaluate the methods, findings, and conclusions.
It encourages peer review and feedback, which
helps to improve the quality and reliability of the
 Research is

 9. Systematic documentation: Research involves

documenting the entire process, including the
research design, data collection methods, analysis,
Characterist and interpretation of results. It requires clear and
ic Of concise writing, where all the information is presented
Research in a structured and organized manner.

 10. Problem-solving orientation: Research is

driven by the desire to solve a problem or answer a
research question. It focuses on generating new
knowledge and finding solutions to real-world
  Research plays a crucial role in society and our daily lives
by generating new knowledge and understanding. Here
are some applications of research:

 1. Healthcare: Research enables the development of new

Application medical treatments, drugs, and therapies. It helps in

of research understanding the causes and prevention of diseases, improving

in our daily diagnostic techniques, and finding ways to enhance healthcare

practices.
lives
 2. Technology: Research drives technological advancements,
leading to the creation of new devices, software, and tools that
enhance our daily lives. It enables the development of faster
computers, improved communication systems, innovative
transportation solutions, and various other technological
innovations.
  3. Education: Research in the field of education helps in
identifying effective teaching methods, understanding the
learning process, exploring curriculum development, and
improving educational policies and practices. It allows
Application educators to employ evidence-based strategies that lead
of research to better student outcomes.
in our daily  4. Environment: Research contributes to understanding
lives and mitigating environmental issues. It helps in studying
climate change, identifying renewable energy sources,
exploring sustainable practices, and finding ways to
conserve natural resources.
  5. Social Sciences: Research in social sciences, including
psychology, sociology, economics, and political science,
provides insights into human behavior, social dynamics, and
societal issues. It contributes to policy-making,
Application understanding social problems, designing interventions, and
of research promoting individual and collective welfare.
in our daily  6. Business and Economics: Research in business and
lives economics helps in identifying market trends, consumer
behavior, and economic patterns. It aids in decision-making,
strategic planning, identifying new business opportunities,
and optimizing financial processes.
  7. Policy-making: Research provides evidence to
policymakers to understand the impact of policies, laws, and
regulations. It helps in identifying areas for improvement,
Application evaluating policy effectiveness, and informing evidence-
of research based decision-making processes.
in our daily  8. Personal development: Research supports personal
lives growth and development by providing access to information,
resources, and new knowledge. It aids individuals in making
informed decisions, improving skills, advancing careers, and
enhancing personal well-being.
 Overall, research has a wide range of applications
CONCLUSIO that contribute to societal progress, technological
N advancements, and improvements in various aspects
of our daily lives.