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Definition of research
(Entry 1 of 2)
Definition of research (Entry 2 of 2)
transitive verb
intransitive verb
- disquisition
- examination
- exploration
- inquisition
- investigation
- delve (into)
- inquire (into)
- investigate
- look (into)
Examples of research in a Sentence
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'research.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Middle French recerche , from recercher to go about seeking, from Old French recerchier , from re- + cerchier, sercher to search — more at search
1577, in the meaning defined at sense 3
1588, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1
Phrases Containing research
- marketing research
- market research
- operations research
- oppo research
research and development
- research park
- translational research
Dictionary Entries Near research
Cite this entry.
“Research.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/research. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.
Kids Definition
Kids definition of research.
Kids Definition of research (Entry 2 of 2)
More from Merriam-Webster on research
Nglish: Translation of research for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of research for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about research
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Definition of research verb from the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary
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Anagrams [ edit ]
- reachers , searcher
Dutch [ edit ]
From English research , from early Modern French rechercher ( “ to examine closely ” ) , from Old French recerchier ( “ to seek, to look for ” ) . Forms a doublet with Dutch recherche , which is a direct borrowing from French.
research f ( uncountable , diminutive researchje n )
Usage notes [ edit ]
The plural is very rare or non-existent.
- onderzoek , speurwerk , vorsing , navorsing
Swedish [ edit ]
Unadapted borrowing from English research . First attested in the 1960s. [1]
research c ( uncountable )
- searching in archives for background information related to someone or something specific (often for newspapers, radio, or TV).
Declension [ edit ]
- researcha ( “ perform archival research ” )
- researcher ( “ archival researcher ” )
See also [ edit ]
- efterforska ( “ investigate; research ” )
- forska ( “ research ” )
- ^ research in Svensk ordbok ( SO )
- research in Svenska Akademiens ordlista ( SAOL )
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Meaning of research in Essential American English Dictionary
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(Definition of research from the Webster's Essential Mini Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)
Translations of research
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Word of the Day
the fact that people or animals do what they are told to do
Dead ringers and peas in pods (Talking about similarities, Part 2)
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Definition of 'research'
Video: pronunciation of research
research in American English
Research in british english, examples of 'research' in a sentence research, related word partners research, trends of research.
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Home Market Research
What is Research: Definition, Methods, Types & Examples
The search for knowledge is closely linked to the object of study; that is, to the reconstruction of the facts that will provide an explanation to an observed event and that at first sight can be considered as a problem. It is very human to seek answers and satisfy our curiosity. Let’s talk about research.
Content Index
What is Research?
What are the characteristics of research.
- Comparative analysis chart
Qualitative methods
Quantitative methods, 8 tips for conducting accurate research.
Research is the careful consideration of study regarding a particular concern or research problem using scientific methods. According to the American sociologist Earl Robert Babbie, “research is a systematic inquiry to describe, explain, predict, and control the observed phenomenon. It involves inductive and deductive methods.”
Inductive methods analyze an observed event, while deductive methods verify the observed event. Inductive approaches are associated with qualitative research , and deductive methods are more commonly associated with quantitative analysis .
Research is conducted with a purpose to:
- Identify potential and new customers
- Understand existing customers
- Set pragmatic goals
- Develop productive market strategies
- Address business challenges
- Put together a business expansion plan
- Identify new business opportunities
- Good research follows a systematic approach to capture accurate data. Researchers need to practice ethics and a code of conduct while making observations or drawing conclusions.
- The analysis is based on logical reasoning and involves both inductive and deductive methods.
- Real-time data and knowledge is derived from actual observations in natural settings.
- There is an in-depth analysis of all data collected so that there are no anomalies associated with it.
- It creates a path for generating new questions. Existing data helps create more research opportunities.
- It is analytical and uses all the available data so that there is no ambiguity in inference.
- Accuracy is one of the most critical aspects of research. The information must be accurate and correct. For example, laboratories provide a controlled environment to collect data. Accuracy is measured in the instruments used, the calibrations of instruments or tools, and the experiment’s final result.
What is the purpose of research?
There are three main purposes:
- Exploratory: As the name suggests, researchers conduct exploratory studies to explore a group of questions. The answers and analytics may not offer a conclusion to the perceived problem. It is undertaken to handle new problem areas that haven’t been explored before. This exploratory data analysis process lays the foundation for more conclusive data collection and analysis.
LEARN ABOUT: Descriptive Analysis
- Descriptive: It focuses on expanding knowledge on current issues through a process of data collection. Descriptive research describe the behavior of a sample population. Only one variable is required to conduct the study. The three primary purposes of descriptive studies are describing, explaining, and validating the findings. For example, a study conducted to know if top-level management leaders in the 21st century possess the moral right to receive a considerable sum of money from the company profit.
LEARN ABOUT: Best Data Collection Tools
- Explanatory: Causal research or explanatory research is conducted to understand the impact of specific changes in existing standard procedures. Running experiments is the most popular form. For example, a study that is conducted to understand the effect of rebranding on customer loyalty.
Here is a comparative analysis chart for a better understanding:
It begins by asking the right questions and choosing an appropriate method to investigate the problem. After collecting answers to your questions, you can analyze the findings or observations to draw reasonable conclusions.
When it comes to customers and market studies, the more thorough your questions, the better the analysis. You get essential insights into brand perception and product needs by thoroughly collecting customer data through surveys and questionnaires . You can use this data to make smart decisions about your marketing strategies to position your business effectively.
To make sense of your study and get insights faster, it helps to use a research repository as a single source of truth in your organization and manage your research data in one centralized data repository .
Types of research methods and Examples
Research methods are broadly classified as Qualitative and Quantitative .
Both methods have distinctive properties and data collection methods .
Qualitative research is a method that collects data using conversational methods, usually open-ended questions . The responses collected are essentially non-numerical. This method helps a researcher understand what participants think and why they think in a particular way.
Types of qualitative methods include:
- One-to-one Interview
- Focus Groups
- Ethnographic studies
- Text Analysis
Quantitative methods deal with numbers and measurable forms . It uses a systematic way of investigating events or data. It answers questions to justify relationships with measurable variables to either explain, predict, or control a phenomenon.
Types of quantitative methods include:
- Survey research
- Descriptive research
- Correlational research
LEARN MORE: Descriptive Research vs Correlational Research
Remember, it is only valuable and useful when it is valid, accurate, and reliable. Incorrect results can lead to customer churn and a decrease in sales.
It is essential to ensure that your data is:
- Valid – founded, logical, rigorous, and impartial.
- Accurate – free of errors and including required details.
- Reliable – other people who investigate in the same way can produce similar results.
- Timely – current and collected within an appropriate time frame.
- Complete – includes all the data you need to support your business decisions.
Gather insights
- Identify the main trends and issues, opportunities, and problems you observe. Write a sentence describing each one.
- Keep track of the frequency with which each of the main findings appears.
- Make a list of your findings from the most common to the least common.
- Evaluate a list of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats identified in a SWOT analysis .
- Prepare conclusions and recommendations about your study.
- Act on your strategies
- Look for gaps in the information, and consider doing additional inquiry if necessary
- Plan to review the results and consider efficient methods to analyze and interpret results.
Review your goals before making any conclusions about your study. Remember how the process you have completed and the data you have gathered help answer your questions. Ask yourself if what your analysis revealed facilitates the identification of your conclusions and recommendations.
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COMMENTS
RESEARCH definition: 1. a detailed study of a subject, especially in order to discover (new) information or reach a…. Learn more.
The meaning of RESEARCH is studious inquiry or examination; especially : 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. How to use research in a sentence.
2 meanings: 1. systematic investigation to establish facts or principles or to collect information on a subject 2. to carry out.... Click for more definitions.
research on something/somebody Recent research on deaf children has produced some interesting findings about their speech. Research on animals has led to some important medical advances. according to research According to recent research, more people are going to the movies than ever before. Their latest research project will be funded by the ...
Research definition: diligent and systematic inquiry or investigation into a subject in order to discover or revise facts, theories, applications, etc.. See examples of RESEARCH used in a sentence.
research: 1 n a search for knowledge "their pottery deserves more research than it has received" Synonyms: enquiry , inquiry Types: show 11 types... hide 11 types... nature study the study of animals and plants in the natural world (usually at an elementary level) experiment , experimentation the testing of an idea empirical research an ...
Recent research on deaf children has produced some interesting findings about their speech. a research project/grant/student Research on animals has led to some important medical advances. I've done some research to find out the cheapest way of traveling there. Topic Collocations Scientific Research theory. formulate/advance a theory/hypothesis
Definition of research verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.
Simple English; سنڌي; Slovenčina ... Another definition of research is given by John W. Creswell, who states that "research is a process of steps used to collect and analyze information to increase our understanding of a topic or issue". It consists of three steps: pose a question, collect data to answer the question, and present an answer ...
From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English Related topics: Education research re‧search 1 / rɪˈsɜːtʃ, ˈriːsɜːtʃ $ -ɜːr-/ S2 W1 AWL noun [uncountable] (also researches [plural] formal) 1 SE STUDY serious study of a subject, in order to discover new facts or test new ideas research into/on research into the causes of cancer Gould was helped in his researches by local ...
RESEARCH meaning: 1 : careful study that is done to find and report new knowledge about something often used before another noun; 2 : the activity of getting information about a subject ... Recent research shows/indicates that the disease is caused in part by bad nutrition. The study is an important piece of research. [+] ...
What does the noun research mean? There are seven meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun research, three of which are labelled obsolete. See 'Meaning & use' for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence. ... research is apparently formed within English, by derivation; modelled on a French lexical item. Etymons: re-prefix, search n.
research - WordReference English dictionary, questions, discussion and forums. All Free.
Definition of research verb in Oxford Advanced American Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. Toggle navigation. ... Find the answers with Practical English Usage online, your indispensable guide to problems in English.
research (third-person singular simple present researches, present participle researching, simple past and past participle researched) ( transitive) To search or examine with continued care; to seek diligently. ( intransitive) To make an extensive investigation into. ( transitive) To search again.
Research methods are specific procedures for collecting and analyzing data. Developing your research methods is an integral part of your research design. When planning your methods, there are two key decisions you will make. First, decide how you will collect data. Your methods depend on what type of data you need to answer your research question:
research definition: 1. the study of a subject in order to discover new information: 2. to study a subject in order to…. Learn more.
What does the verb research mean? There are five meanings listed in OED's entry for the verb research, two of which are labelled obsolete. See 'Meaning & use' for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence. ... research is formed within English, by derivation; modelled on a French lexical item. Etymons: re-prefix, search v. See etymology.
research in American English. (ˈriˌsɜrtʃ ; rɪˈsɜrtʃ ) noun. 1. [sometimes pl.] careful, systematic, patient study and investigation in some field of knowledge, undertaken to discover or establish facts or principles. verb intransitive. 2. to do research; make researches. verb transitive.
Research is the careful consideration of study regarding a particular concern or research problem using scientific methods. According to the American sociologist Earl Robert Babbie, "research is a systematic inquiry to describe, explain, predict, and control the observed phenomenon. It involves inductive and deductive methods.".
The OED is the definitive record of the English language, featuring 600,000 ... The historical English dictionary. An unsurpassed guide for researchers in any discipline to the meaning, history, and usage of over 500,000 words and phrases across the English-speaking world. ... It furthers the University's objective of excellence in research ...