Definitions

Research has been defined in a number of different ways. A broad definition of research is given by Martyn Shuttleworth - "In the broadest sense of the word, the definition of research includes any gathering of data, information and facts for the advancement of knowledge." Another definition of research is given by Creswell who states - "Research is a process of steps used to collect and analyze information to increase our understanding of a topic or issue". It consists of three steps: Pose a question, collect data to answer the question, and present an answer to the question The Merriam-Webster defines research in more detail as "a studious inquiry or examination; especially : investigation or experimentation aimed at the discovery and interpretation of facts, revision of accepted theories or laws in the light of new facts, or practical application of such new or revised theories or laws".

FEATURES OF RESEARCH: Research is a process of collecting, analyzing and interpreting information to answer .But to qualify as research, the process must have certain feature: it must, as far as possible, be controlled, rigorous, systematic, valid and verifiable, empirical and critical. Controlled- in real life there are many factors that affect an outcome. The concept of control implies that, in exploring causality in relation to two variables (factors), you set up your study in a way that minimizes the effects of other factors affecting the relationship. Rigorous-you must be scrupulous in ensuring that the procedures followed to find answers to questions are relevant, appropriate and justified Systematic-this implies that the procedure adopted to undertake an investigation follow a certain logical sequence.

Valid and verifiable-this concept implies that whatever you conclude on the basis of your findings is correct and can be verified by you and others. Empirical-this means that any conclusion drawn are based upon hard evidence gathered from information collected from real life experiences or observations. Critical-critical scrutiny of the procedures used and the methods employed is crucial to a research enquiry.

Steps in conducting research

Research is often conducted using the hourglass model structure of research. The hourglass model starts with a broad spectrum for research, focusing in on the required information through the method of the project (like the neck of the hourglass), then expands the research in the form of discussion and results. The major steps in conducting research are:

Identification of research problem Literature review Specifying the purpose of research Determine specific research questions or hypotheses Data collection Analyzing and interpreting the data Reporting and evaluating research

Research methods
There are two ways to conduct research:

Primary research
Using primary sources, i.e., original documents and data.

Secondary research
Using secondary sources, i.e., a synthesis of, interpretation of, or discussions about primary sources.
There are two major research designs: Qualitative research and Quantitative research.

Qualitative research.Understanding of human behavior and the reasons that govern such behavior. Asking a broad question and collecting word-type data that is analyzed searching for themes. This type of research looks to describe a population without attempting to quantifiably measure variables or look to potential relationships between variables. Quantitative research.

Systematic empirical investigation of quantitative properties and phenomena and their relationships. Asking a narrow question and collecting numerical data to analyze utilizing statistical methods. The quantitative research designs are experimental, correlation, and survey (or descriptive) Advantages of Research In Business Application.

Identifies needs and wants of consumers determines demand for product aids in design of products that fulfill consumers needs outlines measures for generating the cash for daily operation, to repay debts and to turn a profit identifies competitors and analyzes your product's or firm's competitive advantage identifies new product areas identifies new and/or potential customers allows for test to see if strategies are giving the desired results

Disadvantages of Research In Business Application.

Identifies weaknesses in your business skills leads to faulty marketing decisions based on improperly analyzed data creates unrealistic financial projections if information is interpreted incorrectly identifies weaknesses in your overall business plan

Types of Research
There are Four major classifications of research. These include observational research, correlation research, true experiments, and quasi-experiments.

Observational research: There are many types of studies which could be defined as observational research including case studies, ethnographic studies, ethological studies, etc Co relational research: In general, correlation research examines the covariation of two or more variables. For example, the early research on cigarette smoking examine the covariation of cigarette smoking and a variety of lung diseases. True Experiments: The true experiment is often thought of as a laboratory study. However, this is not always the case. A true experiment is defined as an experiment conducted where an effort is made to impose control over all other variables except the one under study. It is often easier to impose this sort of control in a laboratory setting. Quasi-Experiments: Quasi-experiments are very similar to true experiments but use naturally formed or pre-existing groups. For example, if we wanted to compare young and old subjects on lung capacity, it is impossible to randomly assign subjects to either the young or old group (naturally formed groups). Therefore, this cannot be a true experiment. When one has naturally formed groups, the variable under study is a subject variable (in this case - age) as opposed to an independent variable.