What is Research?
Definition: Research is defined as careful consideration of study regarding a particular concern or
problem using scientific methods. According to the American sociologist Earl Robert Babbie, “research is
a systematic inquiry to describe, explain, predict, and control the observed phenomenon. It involves
inductive and deductive methods.”
Types of research methods
Research methods are broadly classified as Qualitative and Quantitative
Qualitative methods
Qualitative research is a method that collects data using conversational methods, usually open-
ended questions. The responses collected are essentially non-numerical. This method helps a
researcher understand what participants think and why they think in a particular way.
Quantitative methods
Quantitative methods deal with numbers and measurable forms. It uses a systematic way of
investigating events or data. It answers questions to justify relationships with measurable
variables to either explain, predict, or control a phenomenon.
Descriptive research
Explorative research
Research proposal
A research proposal is a document proposing a research project, generally in the sciences or academia,
and generally constitutes a request for sponsorship of that research. Proposals are evaluated on the cost
and potential impact of the proposed research, and on the soundness of the proposed plan for carrying
it out.
Research proposal explanation
A research proposal is a concise and coherent summary of your proposed research. It sets out the
central issues or questions that you intend to address. It outlines the general area of study within which
your research falls, referring to the current state of knowledge and any recent debates on the topic.
Research proposal own words
A research proposal is a document proposing a research project, generally in the sciences or academia,
and generally constitutes a request for sponsorship of that research. Proposals are evaluated on the cost
and potential impact of the proposed research, and on the soundness of the proposed plan for carrying
it out.
Theoretical framework
The theoretical framework is the structure that can hold or support a theory of a research study. The
theoretical framework introduces and describes the theory that explains why the research problem
under study exists.
The theoretical framework connects the researcher to existing knowledge. Guided by a relevant theory,
you are given a basis for your hypotheses and choice of research methods. ... A theoretical framework
specifies which key variables influence a phenomenon of interest
Theoretical framework
A theoretical framework is a single formal theory. When a study is designed around a theoretical
framework, the theory is the primary means in which the research problem is understood and
investigated. Although theoretical frameworks tend to be used in quantitative studies, you will also see
this approach in qualitative research.
