Definition of
Research
Research has been
defined by various authors and scholars in the following ways;
Oxford advanced Learner’s Dictionary
defines research as a careful study or investigation in order to discover new
facts or information.
Kayode (2004) defines research as
investigation into a particular phenomenon, with the objective of bringing out new facts and throw more light into the
phenomenon. He added that it (research) is a scientific enquiry in to specific precarious situation with the
intent of possible annihilation of the problem.
This second definition highlights on
the important elements of modem research which are that;
- Research should seek to acquire
knowledge or new fact
- It is always undertaken with the
objective of finding solutions for stated problem(s)
- The research process of acquiring
knowledge or new information should follow scientific procedure for acquiring
knowledge through careful investigation of facts or data.
Webstar’s Nineth New Collegiate
Dictionary aptly describes the research process in social science when if
defines research as “investigation or
experimentation aimed at the discovery and interpretation of facts, revisions
of accepted theories or law in the light of new facts, or practical application
of such new or revised theories or laws”.
Based on the three definition
quoted above, we can conclude this section by defining research as a careful
inquiry or examination to discover new information or relation and to expand or
verify an existing knowledge. It involves a systematic and objective process of
gathering, recording, and analysing data in order to arrive at a valid
conclusion on either the causes or consequences of the state of being or
behaviour or object, situation or of a given phenomenon.
This last definition has
featured basic elements of scientific methods of seeking knowledge (research)
and by implication reveals that any operation or activity considered as
research should apply scientific method of investigation.
