This document defines research and discusses its key characteristics. Research is defined as a systematic, studious inquiry or examination used to investigate hypotheses, interpret data, and pose new questions. It requires a clear plan and statement of the problem. The key characteristics of research are that it begins with a question, deals with facts and their meanings through sub-problems and hypotheses, follows an orderly procedure, employs hypothesis to guide investigation, analyzes data critically and objectively, and can employ statistical methods.

1. Introduction
John Kyle B. Vilbar
Research 2

2. The University of California
San Diego defines research
as a systematic inquiry that
investigates hypotheses,
suggests new interpretations
of data or texts and poses
new questions for future
research to explore.
John W. Creswell defines
research as a process of
steps used to collect and
analyze information to
increase our understanding
of a topic or issue.
Research
The Merriam-Webster Online
Dictionary defines research
as a studious inquiry or
examination.

3. Research is a process of
investigation. An examination
of a subject from different
points of view (Online Library
Learning Center, 2017)
Research is searching for and
gathering information usually
to answer a particular
question or problem.
Research
According to Jonathan O’Donnell
many Australian universities
define research as the creation of
new knowledge and/or the use of
existing knowledge in a new and
creative way so as to generate
new concepts, methodologies
and understanding.

4. Characteristics
of a Research
Research begins with a question
in the mind of the researcher.
Research requires a plan.
Research demands a clear
statement of the problem.

5. Characteristics
of a Research
(Leedy, 1974)
Research deals with the main
problem through sub-problems.
Research seeks direction through
appropriate hypotheses.
Research deals with facts and
their meaning.

6. Characteristics
of a Research
Research is circular

7. Characteristics
of a Research
Empirical-based on observations
and experimentation on theories
Systematic- follows orderly and
sequential procedure
Controlled-all variables except
those that are tested/
experimented upon are constant

8. Characteristics
of a Research
Employs hypothesis- guides the
investigation process.
Analytical-there is critical analysis
of all data used so that there is no
error in their interpretation.
Objective, Unbiased & Logical- all
findings are logically based on
empirical

9. Characteristics
of a Research
Employs statistical methods-
data are transformed into
numerical measures and are
treated statistically.