Research is a systematic and scientific investigation of a specific topic or problem in order to discover new information, test hypotheses, and build upon existing knowledge. It is an essential part of the scientific process and is used to advance our understanding of the world and improve upon existing practices and technologies.
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), research is "a systematic investigation, including research development, testing, and evaluation, designed to contribute to generalizable knowledge." This definition emphasizes the systematic and scientific nature of research, as well as its focus on generating knowledge that can be generalized beyond the specific context in which it was conducted.
Other authors have also provided definitions of research that highlight its importance in advancing knowledge and solving problems. For example, according to the University of California, Berkeley, research is "an organized and systematic way of finding answers to questions." This definition highlights the importance of a structured and organized approach to research, as well as the goal of finding answers to specific questions or problems.
In addition to these definitions, research can also be classified into different types, such as basic research and applied research. Basic research, also known as pure or fundamental research, is focused on increasing our understanding of a particular phenomenon or concept. It is driven by curiosity and the desire to advance knowledge for its own sake, rather than for any immediate practical application. Applied research, on the other hand, is focused on solving practical problems and finding solutions to specific issues. It is typically conducted with the intention of applying the results to real-world situations and improving upon existing practices and technologies.
Overall, research is a vital part of the scientific process and plays a crucial role in advancing our understanding of the world and solving practical problems. It is a systematic and scientific investigation that aims to discover new information and build upon existing knowledge, and it can take many different forms depending on the specific goals and context in which it is conducted.