RESEARCH (Re-search: to search again and again)

- “Research is formalized curiosity. It is poking and prying with a purpose.” Zora Neale Hurston
o (driven by a question/problem that then guides the process)
o Seeking information with a clear goal in mind
o A process, which works best when done step by step which needs to be repeated if
necessary
o Collection & interpretation of data in an attempt to resolve the problem or answer the
question.
o Going beyond facts and old ideas
o Taking a new look at the information and taking a stand.
o Is NOT:
 just gathering information and rearranging facts
 combining a paragraph from an encyclopedia with a couple of paragraphs from
websites – plagiarism
 rewording each phrase and citing each source – summary of facts w/ someone
else’s name on them.
o YOU MUST KNOW WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR IN ORDER TO FIND IT.
o ALLOW FOR SUPRISES – YOU MAY FIND POSSIBILITIES MORE FASCINATING THAN YOU
IMAGINED (SERENDIPITY)
o https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yt6XXDF7xaQ
- “is a careful and detailed study into a specific problem, concern, or issue
using the scientific method” (Kowalczyk, 2015)
http://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-research-definition-purpose-
typical-researchers.html
- Studious inquiry or examination (Webster’s)
o Especially:
 investigation or experimentation aimed at
 Descriptive – describes something
 Experimental – experiment
 the discovery and interpretation of facts
 the creation or revision of accepted theories or laws in the light of new facts
 Inductive – Uses data to build theories
 Deductive – uses data to test, improve, or build upon existing theories
 or practical application of such new or revised theories or laws
o The driving force behind every research study is to answer a research question.
 RESEARCH QUESTION: A question that can be answered through a research
study.
 Got by observing the world around them, seeing problems that exist,
reading reports about other research studies, etc
 Answered by conducting studies
o Collect & analyze DATA – information, facts
o RESEARCH METHOD – the process a researcher goes about
conducting a study
o https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-saL_vpSSf4
- Purposeful, systematic investigation
 - Produces data which we analyze to help understand things.
- Gathers information and investigates phenomena, allowing us to test theories & make
predictions
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuVGo3AJhqA

IMPORTANCE:

1. Creates new knowledge and understanding. Research solves problems.

2. Reduces the chances of making poor or dangerous choices; protecting us from false ideas and
risky beliefs. Basic research leads to applied research in unusual ways.
a. (Studies in 1980s effect of colors on the rods of eyes led to red instrument panels in
Search and Rescue helicopters)
3. The force behind everything that we do.

(Wilson, 2014) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuVGo3AJhqA