Exploring the Nature of Research and Its Guiding Principles

This essay provides a comprehensive overview of the nature of research and the principles that govern its effective execution. It begins by defining research as a systematic process of gathering and analyzing information to understand a phenomenon, emphasizing its analytical nature and classification into qualitative and quantitative approaches. The essay details qualitative research, focusing on in-depth investigations of human behavior and attitudes, often utilizing interviews and focus groups. Conversely, it explains quantitative research, which relies on statistical analysis and structured data collection through questionnaires. The core of the essay outlines the principles for conducting good research, including selectiveness, comprehensiveness, cost considerations, accuracy, clarity, reliability, attractiveness in presentation, and effective communication of findings to the intended audience. The conclusion reiterates the distinction between qualitative and quantitative research and highlights the importance of adhering to these principles for producing credible and impactful research outcomes.

Explain the nature of
research and the
principles for conducting
good research

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
Main Body.......................................................................................................................................1
Nature of research...................................................................................................................1
Principles for conducting good research................................................................................2
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................3
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................3

INTRODUCTION
A Research basically comprises of a process which is associated and related with the
accruing and gathering of the useful information about a phenomenon or vital concept (Geuens
and De Pelsmacker, 2017). Further, research also comprises of analysis and evaluation of a broad
concept and phenomenon on the basis of collected data in accordance with suitable method and
nature of study. The current essay provides and facilitates analysis about the nature of research
along with the explanation and analysis of the principles for conducting good research.
Main Body
Nature of research
The research broadly comprises of systematic inquiry towards understanding a complex
social concept or phenomenon according to which the nature of a research is determined.
Therefore, a research is analytical in nature which is broadly classified in qualitative and
quantitative nature of research (What is the nature of research?, 2021). It has been identified that
the nature of research would be qualitative if it aims at identifying the key characteristics and
attributes of any product and services on the basis of making use of group discussion and
interview. On the other hand, the nature of research would be taken as quantitative research if it
comprises of attributes which are based on statistical analysis and involves evaluation to a
research problem in a structured way with the help of set of questions in form of questionnaire or
surveys (Donald and Stajduhar, 2019).
Thus, an analysis can be made out that the nature of a research is mainly depended on the
topic and phenomenon of the study. On the basis of research problem and concept the nature of
research can be of theoretical in nature (qualitative research) or objective in nature (Quantitative
nature). The qualitative nature of research comprises of in-depth and detailed form of
investigation that is mainly emphasis on the behaviour and attitude of the humans. Thus, for
social concepts and phenomena which are affected and get influence by human perceptive and
behaviour are analysed and investigate with the help of qualitative form of research. On the other
side, the quantitative form of research supports and applied where concept and research
phenomenon is of statistical nature and numeric information is suitable for analysis of research
problem (Palaganas and et. al., 2017).
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Further, it has been also analysed that the qualitative nature of research comprises of use of
interview or focus group for collection of detailed and in-depth data that is more complex and
time consuming but at the same time facilitates an in-depth and detailed information for better
results and research findings. Beside this, implication of quantitative form of research method
supports a more efficient and fast investigation through leading a more systemic and practical
form of study. Further, it has been also observed that making use of quantitative nature of
research leads to collection of data in numeric terms with the help of questionnaire which
ensures and leads to collection of data from a larger number of respondents and also ensures
better presentation and statistical analysis of data to have more specific and measurable set of
research results.
Principles for conducting good research
The main principles which must be applied and used by a researcher for conducting and
carrying out a good research comprises of principle of Selectiveness as it is important for an
investigative to remain selective while conducting a study as only relevant and most appropriate
content must be select and chose by an investigator to save time, cost and energy (Mann, and
Walsh, S., 2017). Principle of Comprehensiveness is also an another vital aspect of a good
research is based on principle of comprehension as a report and research project must needs to be
complete and should include all necessary content. Cost consideration should also form a vital
part of good researcher as keeping in mind the proposed budget and completing project into a
limited and expected cost is also a vital principle and aspect of a goof research. Aspect of
Accuracy also forms a vital part of a good research project as it should be based on accurate data
and must be prepared carefully in which there is no spelling mistake or grammatical errors.
Clarity in facts is also forms out to be one of the most vital principle of a good research which
emphasis on the fact that all the content and information of the project must be revel the facts in
a clear and precise manner. Further, the content and conclusion of research also needs to be free
from all types of ambiguities and should convey a clear implication (Hanks, 2017).
Apart from this, the Reliability also forms a vital part of good research as the content and
format of research needs to be reliable which must be based on authentic set of data and
information so that convince and lead to more effective and better decision making and results.
Further, a good research should also accomplish principle of Attractiveness as the content and
format of a good research must be attractive which consists of proper use of charts, figures,
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diagrams, picture to present the findings and results in a more better and systemic manner (Fain,
2020). At last, Effective communication with indented audience also comprises of one of the
most vial research principles as effective communication of research findings without any
business and liking is necessary to conduct a good research which meet and fulfil all the set
objectives in an efficient and effective manner.
CONCLUSION
On the basis of above essay, a summarisation can be made that the nature of research can be
qualitative or quantitative nature which is based on the concept and topic of study. A conclusion
can be made that qualitative research is theoretical or subjective in nature that supports and leads
emphasis on complex topic which are highly dependent on the human nature and behaviour.
Further, quantitative research is objective is nature which supports collection of data in numeric
terms. Beside this, a conclusion about main principles for conducting good research could also
be made which comprises of principle of selectiveness, clarity, reliability and effective
communication of authentic facts.
REFERENCES
Books and journal
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Donald, E.E. and Stajduhar, K.I., 2019. A scoping review of palliative care for persons with
severe persistent mental illness. Palliative & supportive care, 17(4), pp.479-487.
Fain, J.A., 2020. Reading, understanding, and applying nursing research. FA Davis.
Geuens, M. and De Pelsmacker, P., 2017. Planning and conducting experimental advertising
research and questionnaire design. Journal of Advertising, 46(1), pp.83-100.
Hanks, J., 2017. Exploratory practice in language teaching: Puzzling about principles and
practices. Springer.
Mann, S. and Walsh, S., 2017. Reflective practice in English language teaching: Research-based
principles and practices. Taylor & Francis.
Palaganas, E.C. and et. al., 2017. Reflexivity in qualitative research: A journey of
learning. Qualitative Report, 22(2).
Online:
What is the nature of research?. 2021. [Online] Available Through:<
https://www.insightsassociation.org/faq/what-nature-research#:~:text=It%20identifies
%20key%20characteristics%20and,or%20questionnaire%20(quantitative%20research).>.
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