The document defines research and outlines its key characteristics and importance. It discusses the characteristics of researchers and the qualities of good researchers. It also describes the different types of research and outlines the typical stages in the research process, including defining the problem, planning, data collection/analysis, and reporting. Finally, it discusses some ethical considerations and interfaces in conducting research.

1. What is Research?

11. Stages in the Research Process Define Problem Planning a Research Design Planning a Sample Gathering the Data Processing and Analysing the Data Conclusions and Report

12. Flowcharting the Research Process (1) Problem Discovery Secondary (historical) data Pilot Study Experience Survey Case Study Problem Definition (Statement of research objectives) Selection of exploratory research technique Selection of basic research method Survey (Interview, Questionnaire) Experiment (Laboratory, Field) Secondary Data Study Observation

13. Flowcharting the Research Process (2) Survey (Interview, Questionnaire) Experiment (Laboratory, Field) Secondary Data Study Observation Sample Design Probability Sampling Non-Probability Sampling Collection of Data (Fieldwork) Editing and Coding Data Data Processing and Analysis Interpretation of Findings Report

14. Ethical Interfaces in Research Subjects’ Rights Researchers’ Obligation Researchers’ Rights Clients’ Obligation Researchers’ Obligation Clients’ Rights Researchers’ Rights Subjects’ Obligation Research Subject Researcher Research Sponsor Subjects Rights & Clients Obligation

29. Focusing on the Research Problem The problem is the  of any research project. Without a focused problem, there is no research. In order to be able to identify a research problem, a researcher needs to know what are the available sources. A research problem is usually posed as a question, preferably a direct and simple one.

39. Delimiting Research One way of making a study on a problem more focused is by delimiting it. Delimiting research is giving full disclosure of what the researcher intends to do or does not intend to do. When a researcher is able to set the scope and delimitation of his study, he can make his research manageable. At the same time, this can direct him to the choice of research method to employ.