We engage in research activities daily, but it becomes formal when used to find answers to queries, verify information, and so on. Scholars characterise formal or academic research in several ways based on distinct qualities. It is separated into two categories of research methodology foundations further divided into techniques. Research objectives help us answer various issues and difficulties, and they are separated into three categories, each of which is useful for different market research projects.
Introduction to Research
Every day, we employ research skills without even realising them. For example, if you don’t know where your socks are, you ask your mother for them and eventually locate them. You used primary research skills to discover an answer to your simple question about the socks’ location.
Although research is primarily utilised in academia, education, and learning, this was an informal illustration of research skills. Academically, It is a systematic search for varied information regarding a given problem to find solutions to the research question. It is a thorough investigation, mainly through discovering new information in any field. Information on a subject can be gathered through various means and presented in a new form after a comprehensive analysis done after thorough research work. Since research is an academic activity, numerous scholars have defined it in terms of the objectives of research in various ways.
Characteristics of Research
Research is characterised by meticulously designed techniques that must be extensively examined. The following are various research characteristics:
● The purpose of research is to find a solution to a problem.
● Research is the process of gathering new information or data from primary sources.
● Observable experience or experimental evidence is used in research.
● Research is systematic and objective, employing every available test to ensure that the information gathered and processes used are accurate.
● An expert, thorough, and meticulous investigation is what research entails.
● Accurate description and observation are required for research.
● Patience and bravery are required for research. If there are any negative ramifications to the researcher’s findings, they should address them with fortitude.
● The objective of research is to find a solution to a problem. It addresses a critical issue that must be resolved.
● The research is meticulously documented and reported. Everything needs to be specified and discussed in great depth.
Types of Research Methods
Research is usually split into qualitative and quantitative research based on data collection methodologies, then subdivided into categories based on data collection techniques.
1. Qualitative Research: It is a research methodology for gathering information utilising conversational tactics, typically used for open-ended questioning. The majority of the responses are non-numerical. This strategy aids a researcher in comprehending what participants think and why they think so. It is further divided into:
● Interview
● Case study
● Text analysis
● Focus groups
● Ethnographic studies
2. Quantitative Research: It is a research method in which numbers and quantitative forms are used. It provides solutions to inquiries about the validity of correlations between quantifiable variables to explain, predict, or regulate a phenomenon. Quantitative research is further divided into:
● Descriptive
● Survey
● Correlation
Objectives of Research
The major goal of any research is to use scientific techniques and systematic attempts to find solutions to essential concerns that have remained unanswered in offline and online learning. A well-researched study can quickly reveal hidden realities that have yet to be revealed. Following are the various objectives of research:
● To become more familiar with a phenomenon or obtain new insights about it. Such types of studies are known as exploratory research studies.
● To accurately define the qualities of a specific person, circumstance, or group. These are known as descriptive research studies.
● To determine the frequency with which certain events occur and how they are related. Such studies are known as diagnostic research studies.
● To test the correlation of two variables. Such types of studies are known as hypothesis-testing or causal research studies.
Exploratory Objectives of Research
This form of research aims to learn more about the market. As a result, the research goals are established accordingly. Suppose the goal of the study was to determine competition sales. In that case, the market research questionnaire should include questions like how many brands are available on the market, how many goods each brand offers, and the difference in sales between urban and rural populations. As a result, this type of exploratory research goal helps you prepare for a quantitative research project. Although the answers and analytics may not provide a solution to the perceived problem, they can aid in the final analysis based on data insights.
Descriptive Objectives of Research
Descriptive research aims to aid in the discovery of answers to why-type queries. As a result, it’s better suited to qualitative research. Continuing with the previous example, why are the dealers marketing that specific product in the neighbourhood, why do customers prefer that particular product, or what are the attributes of the product that attract buyers are just a few instances of questions. When creating a market research questionnaire with descriptive research objectives, the marketer must be as specific as possible to ensure that they receive the correct answers. Simultaneously, the appropriate questions must be asked, or there would be a lot of chaos with no solution.
Causal Objectives of Research
The majority of online learning research follows the causal objectives of research to determine the cause and effect link between factors or occurrences. Answering such issues is critical because they directly impact the initial decision, such as the effects on customer preferences once a new product is introduced to the market. As a result, causal research will uncover all factors contributing to a plan’s success or failure. As a result, a causal research aim in the marketing questionnaire includes numerous elements of cause and effect.
Conclusion
Research is a crucial element of anyone’s life as it aids in the resolution of numerous unanswered problems and verifies the information. To be a competent researcher, you must have a vision, patience, and problem-solving skills. Learning agility is also essential for becoming a successful researcher since learning other points of view, new concepts, and even changes are necessary. A person with high learning agility will be able to adjust to changes quickly and will have a greater understanding of others’ viewpoints, which is vital for research
