The Fundamental Characteristics of Research

Abstract

One of the most serious problems encountered in evaluating research, or researchers, is the dispute about what is and is not research. That is, how is research defined? Or, can it be satisfactorily defined? Of course, there are numerous competing definitions of the term and little apparent consensus. However, common usage holds that research is a truth-seeking activity which contributes to knowledge, aimed at describing or explaining the world, conducted and governed by those with a high level of proficiency or expertise.