the role of research project

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What is Research? – Purpose of Research

• By DiscoverPhDs
• September 10, 2020

The purpose of research is to enhance society by advancing knowledge through the development of scientific theories, concepts and ideas. A research purpose is met through forming hypotheses, collecting data, analysing results, forming conclusions, implementing findings into real-life applications and forming new research questions.

What is Research

Simply put, research is the process of discovering new knowledge. This knowledge can be either the development of new concepts or the advancement of existing knowledge and theories, leading to a new understanding that was not previously known.

As a more formal definition of research, the following has been extracted from the Code of Federal Regulations :

While research can be carried out by anyone and in any field, most research is usually done to broaden knowledge in the physical, biological, and social worlds. This can range from learning why certain materials behave the way they do, to asking why certain people are more resilient than others when faced with the same challenges.

The use of ‘systematic investigation’ in the formal definition represents how research is normally conducted – a hypothesis is formed, appropriate research methods are designed, data is collected and analysed, and research results are summarised into one or more ‘research conclusions’. These research conclusions are then shared with the rest of the scientific community to add to the existing knowledge and serve as evidence to form additional questions that can be investigated. It is this cyclical process that enables scientific research to make continuous progress over the years; the true purpose of research.

What is the Purpose of Research

From weather forecasts to the discovery of antibiotics, researchers are constantly trying to find new ways to understand the world and how things work – with the ultimate goal of improving our lives.

The purpose of research is therefore to find out what is known, what is not and what we can develop further. In this way, scientists can develop new theories, ideas and products that shape our society and our everyday lives.

Although research can take many forms, there are three main purposes of research:

• Exploratory: Exploratory research is the first research to be conducted around a problem that has not yet been clearly defined. Exploration research therefore aims to gain a better understanding of the exact nature of the problem and not to provide a conclusive answer to the problem itself. This enables us to conduct more in-depth research later on.
• Descriptive: Descriptive research expands knowledge of a research problem or phenomenon by describing it according to its characteristics and population. Descriptive research focuses on the ‘how’ and ‘what’, but not on the ‘why’.
• Explanatory: Explanatory research, also referred to as casual research, is conducted to determine how variables interact, i.e. to identify cause-and-effect relationships. Explanatory research deals with the ‘why’ of research questions and is therefore often based on experiments.

Characteristics of Research

There are 8 core characteristics that all research projects should have. These are:

• Empirical  – based on proven scientific methods derived from real-life observations and experiments.
• Logical  – follows sequential procedures based on valid principles.
• Cyclic  – research begins with a question and ends with a question, i.e. research should lead to a new line of questioning.
• Controlled  – vigorous measures put into place to keep all variables constant, except those under investigation.
• Hypothesis-based  – the research design generates data that sufficiently meets the research objectives and can prove or disprove the hypothesis. It makes the research study repeatable and gives credibility to the results.
• Analytical  – data is generated, recorded and analysed using proven techniques to ensure high accuracy and repeatability while minimising potential errors and anomalies.
• Objective  – sound judgement is used by the researcher to ensure that the research findings are valid.
• Statistical treatment  – statistical treatment is used to transform the available data into something more meaningful from which knowledge can be gained.

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Types of Research

Research can be divided into two main types: basic research (also known as pure research) and applied research.

Basic Research

Basic research, also known as pure research, is an original investigation into the reasons behind a process, phenomenon or particular event. It focuses on generating knowledge around existing basic principles.

Basic research is generally considered ‘non-commercial research’ because it does not focus on solving practical problems, and has no immediate benefit or ways it can be applied.

While basic research may not have direct applications, it usually provides new insights that can later be used in applied research.

Applied Research

Applied research investigates well-known theories and principles in order to enhance knowledge around a practical aim. Because of this, applied research focuses on solving real-life problems by deriving knowledge which has an immediate application.

Methods of Research

Research methods for data collection fall into one of two categories: inductive methods or deductive methods.

Inductive research methods focus on the analysis of an observation and are usually associated with qualitative research. Deductive research methods focus on the verification of an observation and are typically associated with quantitative research.

Qualitative Research

Qualitative research is a method that enables non-numerical data collection through open-ended methods such as interviews, case studies and focus groups .

It enables researchers to collect data on personal experiences, feelings or behaviours, as well as the reasons behind them. Because of this, qualitative research is often used in fields such as social science, psychology and philosophy and other areas where it is useful to know the connection between what has occurred and why it has occurred.

Quantitative Research

Quantitative research is a method that collects and analyses numerical data through statistical analysis.

It allows us to quantify variables, uncover relationships, and make generalisations across a larger population. As a result, quantitative research is often used in the natural and physical sciences such as engineering, biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, finance, and medical research, etc.

What does Research Involve?

Research often follows a systematic approach known as a Scientific Method, which is carried out using an hourglass model.

A research project first starts with a problem statement, or rather, the research purpose for engaging in the study. This can take the form of the ‘ scope of the study ’ or ‘ aims and objectives ’ of your research topic.

Subsequently, a literature review is carried out and a hypothesis is formed. The researcher then creates a research methodology and collects the data.

The data is then analysed using various statistical methods and the null hypothesis is either accepted or rejected.

In both cases, the study and its conclusion are officially written up as a report or research paper, and the researcher may also recommend lines of further questioning. The report or research paper is then shared with the wider research community, and the cycle begins all over again.

Although these steps outline the overall research process, keep in mind that research projects are highly dynamic and are therefore considered an iterative process with continued refinements and not a series of fixed stages.

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The unit of analysis refers to the main parameter that you’re investigating in your research project or study.

The purpose of research is to enhance society by advancing knowledge through developing scientific theories, concepts and ideas – find out more on what this involves.

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A concept paper is a short document written by a researcher before starting their research project, explaining what the study is about, why it is needed and the methods that will be used.

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Research Team Structure

• 4 minute read
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Table of Contents

A scientific research team is a group of individuals, working to complete a research project successfully. When run well, the research team members work closely, and have clearly defined roles. Every team member should know their role, and how it plays into the project as a whole. Ultimately, the principal investigator is responsible for every aspect of the project.

In this article, we’ll review research team roles and responsibilities, and the typical structure of a scientific research team. If you are forming a research team, or are part of one, this information can help you ensure smooth operations and effective teamwork.

Team Members

A group of individuals working toward a common goal: that’s what a research team is all about. In this case, the shared goal between team members is the successful research, data analysis, publication and dissemination of meaningful findings. There are key roles that must be laid out BEFORE the project is started, and the “CEO” of the team, namely the Principal Investigator, must provide all the resources and training necessary for the team to successfully complete its mission.

Every research team is structured differently. However, there are five key roles in each scientific research team.

1. Principal Investigator (PI):

this is the person ultimately responsible for the research and overall project. Their role is to ensure that the team members have the information, resources and training they need to conduct the research. They are also the final decision maker on any issues related to the project. Some projects have more than one PI, so the designated individuals are known as Co-Principal Investigators.

PIs are also typically responsible for writing proposals and grant requests, and selecting the team members. They report to their employer, the funding organization, and other key stakeholders, including all legal as well as academic regulations. The final product of the research is the article, and the PI oversees the writing and publishing of articles to disseminate findings.

2. Project or Research Director:

This is the individual who is in charge of the day-to-day functions of the research project, including protocol for how research and data collection activities are completed. The Research Director works very closely with the Principal Investigator, and both (or all, if there are multiple PIs) report on the research.

Specifically, this individual designs all guidelines, refines and redirects any protocol as needed, acts as the manager of the team in regards to time and budget, and evaluates the progress of the project. The Research Director also makes sure that the project is in compliance with all guidelines, including federal and institutional review board regulations. They also usually assist the PI in writing the research articles related to the project, and report directly to the PI.

3. Project Coordinator or Research Associate:

This individual, or often multiple individuals, carry out the research and data collection, as directed by the Research Director and/or the Principal Investigator. But their role is to also evaluate and assess the project protocol, and suggest any changes that might be needed.

Project Coordinators or Research Associates also need to be monitoring any experiments regarding compliance with regulations and protocols, and they often help in reporting the research. They report to the Principal Investigator, Research Director, and sometimes the Statistician (see below).

4. Research Assistant:

This individual, or individuals, perform the day-to-day tasks of the project, including collecting data, maintaining equipment, ordering supplies, general clerical work, etc. Typically, the research assistant has the least amount of experience among the team members. Research Assistants usually report to the Research Associate/Project Coordinator, and sometimes the Statistician.

5. Statistician:

This is the individual who analyzes any data collected during the project. Sometimes they just analyze and report the data, and other times they are more involved in the organization and analysis of the research throughout the entire study. Their primary role is to make sure that the project produces reliable and valid data, and significant data via analysis methodology, sample size, etc. The Statistician reports both to the Principal Investigator and the Research Director.

Research teams may include people with different roles, such as clinical research specialists, interns, student researchers, lab technicians, grant administrators, and general administrative support staff. As mentioned, every role should be clearly defined by the team’s Principal Investigator. Obviously, the more complex the project, the more team members may be required. In such cases, it may be necessary to appoint several Principal Administrators and Research Directors to the research team.

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Roles and Responsibilities of a Researcher

A researcher’s job is to discover or confirm, in a responsible manner, evidence-based knowledge that can benefit society or the world. However, the role of a researcher is much wider than the job description and the responsibilities of a researcher are numerous. In this article, we will take a brief look at the many responsibilities a researcher that must be fulfilled to play this role effectively.

Varied roles of a researcher

A good researcher needs to be many things to many people; here are some researcher duties and responsibilities:

• Scientist – The primary role of a researcher is to conduct research, be that through experimental studies, literature reviews, or qualitative studies. This includes designing experiments and writing reports.
• Colleague/collaborator – Researcher duties and responsibilities often include collaborations with colleagues on scientific studies as well as review others’ work and provide feedback.
• Communicator – The role of a researcher includes communicating with various audiences about their work. Journal articles need to be written, grant applications completed, and presentations made to review boards and decision makers.
• Steward of the public trust – Many studies are funded with public resources, which come with the need for accountability. The responsibility of a researcher is to fulfill obligations required by the funding source, such as creating reports and presentations.
• Advocate – Researcher’s duties and responsibilities often include promoting their work to policymakers or others who can help apply the knowledge gained. They advocate for their work, their discipline, and sometimes even for science itself.

  Responsibilities of a researcher

As with the medical profession and its Hippocratic Oath, the main overarching responsibility of a researcher is to do no harm. This is especially important in today’s environment and encompasses a wider reach than simply ensuring the safety and well-being of research subjects, although that is vitally important. It means behaving in a proper manner rather than engaging in unacceptable behavior 1 .

Obviously, the primary role of a researcher is chasing knowledge and conducting studies. However, it is also essential that any conclusions reached through the research be evidence based. The results reported must be honest, objective, and scientifically supported. Here are some examples of ethical issues that a good researcher must consider when designing and conducting studies, reporting results, and drawing conclusions 2 :

• Over generalizing results – all studies have limitations. It is the responsibility of a researcher to openly reveal their limitations to ensure their work is useful and can be built on.
• Biased methodology or conclusions – this is especially important in qualitative studies. Researchers need to ask themselves if the survey questions are fair or if their own opinions are clouding the results.
• Correlation does not imply causation – a competent researcher will ensure they do not make this common mistake.
• Not considering other related factors – a researcher’s duties and responsibilities include being open to all possibilities and comprehensively consider them.
• Not understanding the data – the types and amount of data currently available are extremely vast and easy to misinterpret. Good researchers know exactly how their data were gathered and stored and will ask questions about the data’s validity and origin.

If you’re conducting your research in a university or commercial setting, most of these aspects will probably be regulated, well-known, and overseen by an advisor, supervisor, or institutional research board.

Ethical responsibilities of a researcher

In addition to the ethical responsibilities specific to scientific studies discussed above, an effective researcher’s duties and responsibilities mean adhering to some general ethical principles, including the following 1,2 .

• Honesty – report all data, results, and procedures honestly, without fabrication or misrepresentation.
• Objectivity – recognize and avoid bias in all aspects of research and behavior.
• Integrity – keep promises, behave consistently, always be sincere in your interactions, and respect intellectual property standards.
• Openness – practice transparency in all your professional activities, share ideas, data, results, and feedback. Be open to new ideas and criticism.
• Privacy and confidentiality – a key responsibility of a researcher would be to protect the privacy of research participants, safely maintain confidential documents, data, and trade secrets.
• Ethical treatment of research participants – one of the most important researcher duties and responsibilities is to treat research participants, both human and animal, respectfully and according to current guidelines.

No research is ever done in a vacuum, even if the study is being conducted by one person alone. In fact, all meaningful scientific research is built on a foundation laid by those who came before. So for good researchers, it’s all about the work – theirs and others. Thus, a take care to be ethical in their professional behavior and attitude and treat all colleagues fairly and respectfully.

Science has been getting some bad press lately; therefore, it is the responsibility of a researcher to behave ethically and model good scientific practice to the public. Instead of giving the public reasons to distrust your intelligence and knowledge, engage with them in an open and honest way, build trust with your audience, and let them see what effective research is about.

Finally, the role of a researcher is also have a social responsibility to ensure that their work is for the benefit of society, causes no harm to the environment or to others, and helps make the world a better place.

By demonstrating a willingness to shoulder these often unwritten responsibilities of a researcher, one can earn the respect of their colleagues, decision makers, and the public, which will ensure that their work will be respected as well.

Table of Contents

• Resnik, D.B. What Is Ethics in Research & Why Is It Important? U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. 23 December, 2020. https://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/resources/bioethics/whatis/index.cfm .
• Purdue University. Common Pitfalls of Primary Research. Purdue Writing Lab. https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/conducting_research/conducting_primary_research

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