Understanding Research: Two Basic Requirements for Obtaining Information
Research is an essential component of decision-making and policy development, as it provides objective data that can be used to inform an organization’s actions. However, obtaining reliable information requires specific conditions that must be met to ensure the research conducted meets the required standards. This article will explore the two basic requirements for obtaining accurate information through research.
1. Literature Review
A literature review is a comprehensive analysis of peer-reviewed scholarly articles, books, and other sources that are relevant to the research area. It is essential to conduct an extensive literature review for any research project because it can help establish a theoretical framework for a project and provide a roadmap for the research to be carried out.
A literature review can prevent research duplication by identifying gaps in prior research and provide a theoretical framework for the study. It enables the researcher to identify key variables that need to be measured and the specific methods to be used for data collection. Additionally, conducting a literature review helps to identify the strengths and weaknesses of previous research, ensuring the new research effectively addresses the gaps and shortcomings of prior studies.
2. Methodology
The methodology is the systematic, theoretical analysis of research methods applied to a study, which comprises the techniques, procedures, and rules used in carrying out research. The methodology employed in a research project must be valid, reliable, and applicable to the research question at hand.
The validity of a research methodology refers to how well it measures what it is supposed to measure. It requires the identification of a representative sample group and the selection of research tools that generate consistent and accurate data. Reliability refers to the consistency of data that can be reproduced by other researchers. In contrast, the applicability of a research methodology refers to whether the methodology is practical in the context of the research’s goal.
Case Study: Impact of Virtual Learning on Students During COVID-19
An excellent example of how the two basic requirements can be effectively used to conduct reliable research is the case study on the impact of virtual learning on students during the COVID-19 pandemic. The literature review involved reviewing previous research on virtual learning and identified the gaps in previous studies. The methodology employed was a survey as well as the collection of pre-existing data from school records. The methodology ensured that the sample was representative of the population and that the research tools generated accurate and consistent data.
Conclusion
Research is a critical component in providing relevant information for decision-making and policy development. The two basic requirements for obtaining accurate research information are the literature review and the methodology. The literature review will help establish a theoretical framework for the study, prevent research duplication, and provide information on the strengths and weaknesses of previous studies. On the other hand, the methodology ensures that the research is both valid and reliable. Conducting research that adheres to these two requirements is key to obtaining accurate research findings.
