INTRODUCTION

Research is the scientific search for knowledge that serves as practical solution to a problem. It is the surest process by which man uncovers the ultimate truth for problem-solving. Research is the conscientious scientific quest for knowledge. Knowledge means a belief that has been empirically certified to be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth for practical application in problem resolution (Kpolovie, 2010).

At each moment, life poses a myriad of problems as a result of man's propensity for survival, development, and advancement. This is particularly so now that the society is constantly and radically becoming more and more complex. It has therefore become necessary for each person to study and have a mastery of scientific research process that induces a way of thinking that will enable the individual to critically evaluate the information with which he or she is confronted on a regular basis. We are living in the information age and only scientifically verified information through research that can be helpful in our journey towards attainment of glory and wealth. The complexity of modern society demands that we rely completely on scientific evidence. How such evidence is arrived at as well as the way of intelligently evaluating such evidence is taught only in a course on research, which this book exemplifies.

Virtually, all the knowledge that you have gained from the study of the various subjects or courses up till date were arrived at through research. It is clear that you have been regularly bombarded by the results of scientific research and you need experimental tools to verify the research outcomes to know the ones that are conclusive.

Unfortunately, however, the knowledge, skills, and ability to understand and personally engage in research do not and cannot come from all the other numerous courses and books that you have taken or read. It is only the course covered adequately in this book that can equip or provide you with the requisite skills and knowledge of successfully executing research to arrive at workable solutions to any of the millions of problems that face an individual, a group of persons, or mankind.

Concerted effort, unreserved commitment, and total dedication are required of you to study and master the process of executing research as presented in this book. A mastery of the course covered with this text is a potent solution to virtually all the problems that you will encounter. There is no course that is of great importance to your success in life as the one that is treated adequately in this text. This book provides you with the requisite information on how scientific research is conducted. It is necessary for the education of every person. No one can be said to be well educated in any field of human endeavour when he or she has not known how to successfully conduct research in the area or in any other field.

In fact, the entire material that you are required to learn in the social, physical, and educational sciences is virtually based on knowledge acquired from research (the scientific method of gaining knowledge). You will most likely be requested to conduct a study on a very important issue in the future. Conducting of a research is a sine qua non for graduation, be it at first degree, masters, or PhD level, from every globally recognised institution of higher learning. Successful execution of research is a fundamental requirement for the award of a degree in any university. You must therefore be knowledgeable and skilful in the art of conducting research successfully. This book is therefore an invaluable asset, a master-key for problem resolution that must be acquired, meticulously studied, mastered, and correctly applied in an individual's endeavour towards the actualisation of desired goals in life. Perhaps, a closer examination of the meaning of research will further reveal or clarify the indispensability of this book.

Definition of Research

Research can satisfactorily be defined as the logical, systematic, and objective collection, analysis, synthesis, evaluation, and recording of accurate and controlled observations for the development of generalisations, principles, or theories that are ultimately aimed at description, explanation, prediction, and control of natural phenomena to meet specific needs of man.

Eight indispensable characteristics of research are embedded in this definition and they are briefly explicated hereunder:

1. Research is goal oriented, aimed at meeting man's needs.

2. Research is characterised by objective and controlled observation.

3. Research is statistical.

4. Research is scientific.

5. Research is characterised with theory and verification.

6. Research ultimately aims at correct description, explanation, prediction, and control of future occurrences.

7. Research demands careful recording and accurate reporting.

8. Research can only be done by the self-disciplined, curious, persistent, and objectively minded.

Research is goal oriented, aimed at meeting man's needs

Research is aimed at attainment of a goal, which is often provision of solutions to unsolved problems. Unravelling the truth, adding to knowledge, and pushing back the frontiers of ignorance are the goals of research. This is why a research begins with identification of a researchable problem that is begging for a solution. It is directed towards discovery of systematic cause-and-effect relationships between variables of interest. The ever increasing industrial and technological society poses numerous problems, and man engages in more and more research works to meet his needs. Originality and creativity are needed in the formulation of novel research topics for the resolution of either old or new problems. Relevant literature is reviewed extensively to show the various works that have been done by others to solve the problem and how there is need for the new investigation, approach, strategy, effort, technique, and method to solve the problem in question or fill the existing gap. Occasionally, a previous successful study in resolution of a given problem is even replicated. This means repeating the same study exactly the way it was done but using different sample, subjects, population, settings, and period of time for the same or identical problems.

There is absolutely no problem that appropriate solution cannot be found if only man researches enough on it. Put scientifically, there is an equal and opposite reaction for every action. Perhaps, you are more familiar with the biblical expression that whatsoever a man sows is what he definitely reaps. We live in a world that is governed by law and not chance. There is nothing without a cause. Every effect has specific cause or causes. Every problem must have a cause or causes, which when removed, the problem will be solved. Research is therefore...