Social research

Social research refers to research conducted by social scientists, which follows a

systematic plan. Social research methods can generally vary along a

quantitative/qualitative dimension.

• Quantitative designs approach social phenomena through quantifiable evidence,

and often rely on statistical analysis of many cases (or across intentionally

designed treatments in an experiment) to create valid and reliable general claims.

Related to quantity.

• Qualitative designs emphasize understanding of social phenomena through direct

observation, communication with participants, or analysis of texts, and may stress

contextual and subjective accuracy over generality. Related to quality.

Biomedical research

Biomedical research (or experimental medicine), in general simply known as medical

research, is the basic research, applied research, or translational research conducted to aid

and support the body of knowledge in the field of medicine. Medical research can be

divided into two general categories: the evaluation of new treatments for both safety and

efficacy in what are termed clinical trials, and all other research that contributes to the

development of new treatments. The latter is termed preclinical research if its goal is

specifically to elaborate knowledge for the development of new therapeutic strategies. A

new paradigm to biomedical research is being termed translational research, which

focuses on iterative feedback loops between the basic and clinical research domains to

accelerate knowledge translation from the bedside to the bench, and back again. Medical

research may involve doing research on public health, biochemistry, clinical research,

microbiology, physiology, oncology, surgery and research on many other non-

communicable diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

Environmental Research

Environmental research is the interdisciplinary academic field which systematically

research human interaction with the environment in the interests of solving complex

problems. It is a broad field of study that includes also the natural environment, built

environment, and the sets of relationships between them. The field encompasses study in

basic principles of ecology and environmental science, as well as associated subjects such

as ethics, policy, politics, law, economics, philosophy, environmental sociology and

environmental justice, planning, pollution control and natural resource management.

The scientific Research

The scientific method (or simply scientific method) is a body of techniques for

investigating phenomena, acquiring new knowledge, or correcting and integrating

previous knowledge. To be termed scientific, a method of inquiry must be based on

empirical and measurable evidence subject to specific principles of reasoning. The

Oxford English Dictionary defines the scientific method as: "a method or procedure that

has characterized natural science since the 17th century, consisting in systematic

observation, measurement, and experiment, and the formulation, testing, and

modification of hypotheses."

Types of Research - Definitions

Action research is a methodology that combines action and research to

examine specific questions, issues or phenomena through observation

and reflection, and deliberate intervention to improve practice.

Applied research is research undertaken to solve practical problems

rather than to acquire knowledge for knowledge sake.

Basic research is experimental and theoretical work undertaken to

acquire new knowledge without looking for long-term benefits other

than the advancement of knowledge.

Clinical trials are research studies undertaken to determine better ways

to prevent, screen for, diagnose or treat diseases.

Epidemiological research is concerned with the description of health

and welfare in populations through the collection of data related to

health and the frequency, distribution and determinants of disease in

populations, with the aim of improving health.

Evaluation research is research conducted to measure the

effectiveness or performance of a program, concept or campaign in

achieving its objectives.

Literature review is a critical examination, summarisation,

interpretation or evaluation of existing literature in order to establish

current knowledge on a subject.

Qualitative research is research undertaken to gain insights

concerning attitudes, beliefs, motivations and behaviours of individuals

to explore a social or human problem and include methods such as

focus groups, in-depth interviews, observation research and case

studies.

Quantitative research is research concerned with the measurement of

attitudes, behaviours and perceptions and includes interviewing

methods such as telephone, intercept and door-to-door interviews as

well as self-completion methods such as mail outs and online surveys.

Service or program monitoring and evaluation involves collecting

and analysing a range of processes and outcome data in order to assess

the performance of a service or program and to determine if the

intended or expected results have been achieved.