Research and Analysis

Research is a logical and systematic search for new and useful information about a particular topic. Also, it is an investigation to find solutions to scientific and social problems through objective and systematic analysis. As research primarily means search for knowledge, a research can lead to new information regarding prevailing knowledge. The primary objectives of research include; discovery of new facts, verify and test facts, analyze an event or process, finding solution to scientific, non-scientific and social problems. Research is also defined as a structured enquiry that utilizes acceptable scientific methodology to solve problems and create new knowledge that is generally acceptable.

Scientific methods at The Truth International consist of systematic observation, classification and interpretation of data as well as Digi analytics. For any study qualifying as research, The Truth International team ensures that it has following key characteristics;7

1. Controlled – while conducting the study and exploring causality of relation, it must be ensured that no other factors impact the relationship of variables in study.
2. Rigorous – the procedure followed to find answers should be relevant, appropriate and justified.
3. Systematic – the procedure undertaken for investigation should follow a logical sequence.
4. Valid and Verifiable – the basis of findings should be correct and verifiable by researchers.
5. Empirical – conclusions drawn are based upon hard evidence gathered from information collected from real-time experiences and observations.
6. Critical – scrutiny of procedures and methods followed and used is crucial to research process. We use Digi Analytics in compiling our researches.

For understanding the concept of research, the two broader categorization of research include; Basic research – which is the investigation on basic principles and reasons for occurrence of a particular event, process or phenomenon, and Applied research; focusing on solving certain problems – employing well known and accepted theories and principles. Other forms of research include; action research, explanatory research, exploratory research and comparative research.8 Research can be qualitative or quantitative in nature; qualitative research is non-numerical, descriptive and applies reasoning whereas quantitative research is numerical analysis used to test or confirm theories and assumptions.9 For any research to be verifiable, valid and systematic, the methodology of data collection is of utmost importance. Sources of quantitative data collection include; surveys, experiments, observations, content analysis, whereas for qualitative date; interviews, focus group discussions, case studies, and literature review.

While understanding the research process and methodologies, it is imperative to highlight common errors in the process – making the entire research null and void. Population carries high importance; it can eliminate many anomalies if characteristics of the group being included are clearly defined. Sample selection is another common mistake; results derived from a small sample size are often generalized on larger population which does not hold true. Other errors which can question the validity and verifiability of the research study include; unclear research question, structure of study, authentic data, sample selection process and etc