Characteristics of Research

Allows people to expand their knowledge

To gain broader understanding (may not be applicable in real life)

To find solutions to actual problems (have direct real-life application)

Research is controlled and manipulated (to understand the relationship between two or more variables)

Research follows stringent procedures to find out the answers to questions (answers are relevant and appropriate) (filtered - important)

Follows a step-by-step procedure to answer research questions

Data are correct and verifiable by the researcher

Research must be totally based on hard evidence gathered from observations and real-life experiences