MAC 201- Introduction to Mass Communications and Research

Definitions of research

 In the broadest sense of the word, research includes any gathering of data, information and facts for the advancement of knowledge (Shuttleworth, 2008). Similarly, research in common parlance refers to a search for knowledge on the investigation of a particular topic using a variety of reliable, scholarly resources. Some other people consider it as a movement from the known to the unknown; a voyage of discovery. Human beings possess the vital instinct of inquisitiveness for when the unknown confronts them, they wonder and their inquisitiveness makes them probe and attain full and better understanding of the unknown. This inquisitiveness is the mother of all knowledge and the method which man employs for obtaining the knowledge of whatever is the unknown, can be referred to as research. The Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary 7 th Edition (2005) defines research as “a careful study of a subject, especially in order to discover new facts or information about it”. Although the discovery of new facts is the ultimate aims of most research endeavours, some are undertaken to prove whether the outcomes of a previous research are valid or not. The Chambers Dictionary 11th Edition (2009) defines research as “careful search; investigation; systematic investigation towards increasing the sum of knowledge”. Similarly, the Merriam – Webster Online Dictionary defines research as “a studious inquiry or examination; 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”. Having examined some broad and dictionary definitions, we now turn to some more scholarly, technical or academic definitions of research. These definitions capture the essence of scientific research more than the previous ones. According to Crosswell (2008) “research is a process of steps used to collect and analyze information to increase our understanding of a topic or issue.” The important thing about this definition is that if emphasizes the fact that scientific research is conducted in stages. In other words, it is a step-by-step process.