1.

Definition of Research
Etymological definition
The word research is derived from the Middle French "recherche", which means
"to go about seeking", the term itself being derived from the Old French term
"recerchier" a compound word from "re-" + "cerchier", or "sercher", meaning
'search'.
Contemporary definition
Research includes any gathering of data, information and facts for the
advancement of knowledge.
Reading a factual book of any sort is a kind of research. Surfing the internet or
watching the news is also a type of research.

2. Importance/Purposes of a Research

1. To Learn Something. Research is required not just for students and

academics, but for all professionals. It is also important for budding and
veteran writers, both offline and online.Research becomes a must to
ascertain if one’s ideas are supported by previous studies or if these
ideas still need proof to be considered as knowledge.

2. Means to Understand Various Issues.As what Terry Freedman says,

"Research can shed light on issues we didn’t even know existed, and can
raise questions we hadn’t realized even needed asking."

3. A Way to Prove Lies and to Support Truths. Doing research to reveal lies
or truths involving personal affairs contributes in either making a
relationship work or in breaking away from a dysfunctional one.

4. A Seed to Love Reading, Writing, Analyzing, and Sharing Valuable

Information. As literacy is integral in improving a person's social and
economic mobility and in increasing awareness, research then hones
necessary basic life skills and makes learning a life-long endeavor.
5. Nourishment and Exercise for the Mind. Research and doing research
encourage people to explore possibilities, to understand existing issues,
and to disclose truths and fabricated ones.

3. Characteristics of Research
1. Empirical-research is based on direct experience or observation of the
researcher.
2. Logical-research is based on valid procedures and principles.
3. Cyclical-research starts with a problem and ends with a problem.
4. Analytical-research utilizes proven analytical procedures in gathering
data, whether historical, descriptive, experimental and case study.
5. Critical-research exhibits precise and careful judgments.
6. Methodical-research is conducted in a methodical manner without bias
using systematic method and procedures.
7. Replicability-research designs and procedures are repeated to enable the
researcher to arrive at valid and conclusive results.