IRM1501_Portfolio_759_528__Semester_2__.pdf

Question 1 Research consists of a process of steps used in the collection and examination of information to increase our knowledge on a certain topic or problem.1 It is also the scientific and systematic search for relevant information on a particular topic. 2 The Cambridge dictionary describes research as “a detailed study of a subject, especially in order to discover (new) information or reach a (new) understanding”. 3 Research is done with the aid of study, experiment, observation, analysis, comparison and reasoning.4 Research consist of three steps namely stating and specifying the research problem (research question), collecting data in order to answer the question and solve the problem and finally introducing the answers to the research problem (research question).5 The information needed for research can be collected from different sources like personal experience, books, journals, watching documentaries etc. Research increases knowledge. Research is essential because it helps us to discover new facts and learn more about a specific research topic.6 The more you do research, the more your knowledge on the topic and other topics will grow and the more the doubt you have on a topic will decrease. Thus, research helps you to understand your research topic better and expand your knowledge on that specific topic. Research will also help you discover new knowledge that you were not particularly looking for- while researching your current topic, you might come across a new topic that has relevance to your current topic and gain new knowledge and information on that new topic. Research is essential because it aids in the verifying and testing of the new facts found during the research process.7 Scientists uses research to test the validity and reliability of their claims or those of other scientists. While a researcher is doing his/her research for a topic, he/she will sometimes come across research done on the same or similar topics. If the conclusions from his/her topic agree with those done by various other researchers, it will help to strengthen the validity and reliability of his/her research. Research helps us find solutions to scientific, non-scientific and problems in our everyday lives.8 It also aids in the developing of new theories, concepts and tools to solve and understand these scientific, non-scientific and any other problems. An 1 Creswell JW Educational research: planning, conducting and evaluating quantitative and qualitative research 4 th ed (Boston Pearson 2014). 2 Kothari CR Research methodology methods and techniques 2 nd ed (New Age International Publishers New Delhi 2004) 1. 3 4 Rajasekar S, Philominathan P and Cinnathambi V Research methodology (Tamilnadu 2013) 5 Swanepoel M and Mabeka NQ Introduction to research methodology (University of South Africa, Pretoria 2018) 2. 6 Rajasekar, Philominathan and Cinnathambi Introduction 2. 7 Rajasekar, Philominathan and Cinnathambi Introduction 2. 8 Rajasekar, Philominathan and Cinnathambi Introduction 3