The document outlines the key characteristics, processes, and ethics of research. It discusses 7 major characteristics of research including being empirical, systematic, controlled, employing hypotheses, analytical, objective, and involving original work. It also describes 7 common research processes: defining the research problem, reviewing literature, formulating hypotheses, designing the study, collecting data, analyzing data, and interpreting and reporting results. Finally, it explains that ethics in research are important as they promote knowledge, accountability, and social responsibility while protecting confidentiality and minimizing risks to human subjects.