Introduction to Research

INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH

1. Etymology of Research 

2. Meaning of Research 

3. Definition of Research 

ETYMOLOGY

The word research is derived from the Middle French "recherche", which means "to go about seeking", the term itself being derived from the Old French term "recerchier" a compound word from "re-" + "cerchier", or "sercher", meaning 'search'.The earliest recorded use of the term was in 1577.

MEANING OF RESEARCH

Research is "creative and systematic work undertaken to increase the stock of knowledge". It involves the collection, organization and analysis of information to increase understanding of a topic or issue.

Research can also been seen as a process to discover new knowledge to find answers to a question. The word research has two parts re (again) and search (find) which denote that we are taking up an activity to look into an aspect once again or we want to look for some new information about something. 

DEFINITION OF RESEARCH

‌According to Clifford Woody (Kothari, 1988), 

"Research comprises defining and redefining problems, formulating hypothesis or suggested solutions collecting, organizing and evaluating data, making deductions and reaching conclusions; to determine whether they fit the formulating hypothesis."

‌According to (Creswell, 2008), 

"Research is systematic investigation to establish the facts."

‌In the Encyclopedia of Social Sciences, D. Slesinger and M. Stephension (1930) defined research as 

"the manipulation of things, concepts or symbols for the purpose of generalizing to extend, correct or verify knowledge, whether that knowledge aids in the construction of theory or in the practice of an art".

‌According to Redman and Mory (1923), 

"Research is a systematized effort to gain new knowledge".