 Difference between INQUIRY and RESEARCH

An inquiry is a question, a request for information (or further information), or even a process set in motion to
obtain a specific piece of information. This very question you have asked here on Quora is an inquiry.

A research is a process through which information is obtained, validated, compared to existing data, etc., with
the purpose of either ascertaining that a hypothesis is valid/invalid, gathering information for purposes of
increasing one’s knowledge about a subject, or even simply obtaining a reliable source of information that is
capable of providing an answer/definition about a certain subject about which there is already sufficient amount
of knowledge and consensus for it be generally seen as a defined concept.

 Goals of Research:
The main purpose of the research is to get deep into the topic so that something helpful can be churned out
which can be helpful for everybody and used in that particular niche sector.

The quality which you maintain while research should always be high so that the information that you get can
be used in certain policy and any future project implications.

Working on a research project will obviously be a challenging and rewarding experience, provided you put the
best of your expertise and skill in it.

It is an opportunity which helps you to pursue an in-depth or deep original study about any topic which interests
you.

The main aim of the goals is to provide the best of the solution to some of the world problems and also to
enhance our knowledge.

 The Importance of Research in the Advancement of Society:

“Human needs never end”

Believe it or not, but it is the truth. We have been habituated to adaptability to new things, as our desires and
wants increases day by day.

As our demands increases, the requirement of research also rises. It can also be said that research is what
that makes our lives easier. It is just the result of the curiosity or anew new innovative idea.

When we have any problem, get an idea or are confused by many questions what do you think will the next big
thing?

It will nothing but research. This helps us in many ways and is a complete solution to humans. Now when we
humans, are satisfied without any problems, this results in the advancement of the society. So research overall
helps in the advancement and development of the society.

 Why Research is Important to Students?

The research is important for the students because it helps them to have a detailed analysis of everything.
When you have proper in-depth analysis on any topic, the result comes out to be fruitful and also the
knowledge is enhanced. Other benefits of research to the students are as follows:
1. Enhances the knowledge:

When you do research on any topic, you get to know detailed information about that topic. The more the
knowledge of the topic, the more successful is the research. So, in order to get good output, the student needs
to do maximum research.

2. Clarifies confusion:

The research helps in clarifying the complicated facts and figures. If the student has any doubt on the subject,
the student must research and study on it in detail so as to remove all sorts of confusion and get the proper
understanding of the content.

3. To have a proper understanding of the subject:

To understand the subject, one needs to go in depth of the lines. The scanning of the content will never do any
good for the students.

In order to learn the subject and to know the unknown facts, research, detail study and full analysis are the
must.

4. To learn about the methods and issues:

Proper reading, the finding is the only way by which you can learn about the methods and the current issues.
Not just the current issues, rather the previous past issues can also be learned in detail through the research.
The research includes various methods by which it can be done.

5. Understand the published work:

Research is done through the work already published. The experts and the researchers had already done
some of the research and the students are asked to go through that published material to know the idea and
the vision of those researchers.

6. Learn to create a balance between the collaborative and individual work:

When the students do research, they get to learn how to create a balance between the collaborative and the
individual work. Individual work in which the student has to do, while the collaborative work means that work
which has already been done by the previous researchers.

So, in this manner, the students get to know which points are to be taken into the consideration and which
points are to be ignored.

7. To know the interest:

The students also get to know their area of interest. Sometimes, the students aspire to become researchers
only in their near future which is quite helpful.

So, through this, we come to know that the research not only helps with the accomplishment of the work, but
also helps in knowing what needs to be done in their future.

8. To know how the original study originated:

Research is done to know the concept from the scratch. Like, if you wish to know from where has the concept
originated, then this could be done only through the research work.

It can also be defined as an investigation because the student eventually ends up with expanded research.
9. Understanding the rationale:

By engaging in the process of research, the students understand the concept in an easier manner as the
rationale of the topic is known in a better manner.

For example, by preparing the hypothesis, one truly understands the nuances of the research topic. Not just
this, the research also helps in being a source of one on one mentorship which also plays a vital role in the
brain development of the individual.

 Characteristics of Research

1. Empirical - based on observations and experimentation on theories.

2. Systematic - follows orderly and sequential procedure.
3. Controlled - all variables except those that are tested/experimented upon are kept constant.
4. Employs hypothesis - guides the investigation process
5. Analytical - There is critical analysis of all data used so that there is no error in their interpretation
6. Objective, Unbiased, & Logical - all findings are logically based on empirical
7. Employs quantitative or statistical methods - data are transformed into numerical measures and are
treated statistically.

 Ethics in Research
Research ethics provides guidelines for the responsible conduct of research. In addition, it educates and
monitors scientists conducting research to ensure a high ethical standard. The following is a general summary
of some ethical principles:
Honesty:

Honestly report data, results, methods and procedures, and publication status. Do not fabricate, falsify, or
misrepresent data.
Objectivity:

Strive to avoid bias in experimental design, data analysis, data interpretation, peer review, personnel
decisions, grant writing, expert testimony, and other aspects of research.
Integrity:

Keep your promises and agreements; act with sincerity; strive for consistency of thought and action.
Carefulness:

Avoid careless errors and negligence; carefully and critically examine your own work and the work of your
peers. Keep good records of research activities.
Openness:

Share data, results, ideas, tools, resources. Be open to criticism and new ideas.
Respect for Intellectual Property:

Honor patents, copyrights, and other forms of intellectual property. Do not use unpublished data, methods, or
results without permission. Give credit where credit is due. Never plagiarize.
Confidentiality:

Protect confidential communications, such as papers or grants submitted for publication, personnel records,
trade or military secrets, and patient records.
Responsible Publication:
Publish in order to advance research and scholarship, not to advance just your own career. Avoid wasteful and
duplicative publication.
Responsible Mentoring:

Help to educate, mentor, and advise students. Promote their welfare and allow them to make their own
decisions.
Respect for Colleagues:

Respect your colleagues and treat them fairly.

Social Responsibility:
Strive to promote social good and prevent or mitigate social harms through research, public education, and
advocacy.
Non-Discrimination:
Avoid discrimination against colleagues or students on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, or other factors that are
not related to their scientific competence and integrity.
Competence:
Maintain and improve your own professional competence and expertise through lifelong education and
learning; take steps to promote competence in science as a whole.
Legality:
Know and obey relevant laws and institutional and governmental policies.
Animal Care:
Show proper respect and care for animals when using them in research. Do not conduct unnecessary or poorly
designed animal experiments.
Human Subjects Protection:
When conducting research on human subjects, minimize harms and risks and maximize benefits; respect
human dignity, privacy, and autonomy.