1. Introduction to Research

1.1. What is Research?

  • Research is a systematic inquiry or investigation aimed at establishing facts, reach new conclusions, or solve problems. It is the systematic collection, analysis and interpretation of data to generate new knowledge and answer a certain question or solve a problem.
  • Research is also defined as a systematic inquiry that investigates hypotheses, suggests new interpretations of data or texts, and poses new questions for future research to explore.
  • To research is to purposely and methodically search for new knowledge and practical solutions in the form of answers to questions formulated beforehand.
  • Usually Research consists of:
    • Asking a question that nobody has asked before;
    • Doing the necessary work to find the answer; and
    • Communicating the knowledge, you have acquired to a larger audience.
    This is a general definition which applies to all disciplines.