Key characteristics of good research:

Systematic:

• Research follows a logical and orderly process. It doesn't jump from hunch to conclusion but involves a structured approach with clearly defined steps.
• This typically involves:
  • Formulating a research question or problem.
  • Reviewing existing literature.
  • Choosing appropriate research methods (quantitative, qualitative, or mixed).
  • Collecting and analyzing data.
  • Interpreting findings and drawing conclusions.
  • Reporting the research process and results in a clear and concise way.

Empirical:

• Relies on evidence gathered through observation or experimentation. This ensures objectivity and reduces the influence of personal opinions or biases.
• Data collection methods like surveys, interviews, experiments, or document analysis all contribute empirical evidence.

Valid and Verifiable:

• The research findings are accurate and can be replicated by other researchers following the same methods.
• This emphasizes the importance of clear research design, well-defined procedures, and transparent reporting to allow for verification.

Reliable:

• The research produces consistent results if repeated under similar conditions.
• This strengthens the trustworthiness of the findings and reduces the chance of random errors influencing the outcome.

Objective:

• Research strives to present findings in a neutral and unbiased manner. It avoids personal opinions or beliefs and focuses on presenting factual evidence.
• Researchers should acknowledge potential limitations of their study and avoid overgeneralizing their conclusions.

Ethical:

• Research adheres to ethical principles, particularly when involving human participants. This includes informed consent, confidentiality, and protection from harm.
• Researchers must obtain proper permissions and ensure responsible data collection and storage practices.

Logical:

• Research findings are based on sound reasoning and follow a logical flow from the research question to the data analysis and conclusions.
• This ensures a coherent and well-supported argument throughout the research process.

Critical:

• Research involves a critical evaluation of existing knowledge and the data collected.
• Researchers should consider alternative explanations for their findings and identify potential limitations or biases within their study.

Analytical:

• Data is carefully analyzed to identify patterns, relationships, and insights relevant to the research question.
• Quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques are employed depending on the chosen research methods.

Generalizable (to some extent):

• While not always possible, good research strives for findings that can be applied to a broader population or context beyond the immediate study.
• The generalizability depends on the research question, sampling methods, and the clarity with which the research is reported.

These characteristics serve as a guiding framework for conducting high-quality research that contributes meaningfully to your field. Remember, research is an ongoing process of exploration, and the most impactful research builds upon and refines existing knowledge.