Discover the 10 core characteristics of research through practical examples from self-improvement, philosophy, and literature.
What is the purpose of research? What are the practical benefits for everyday life? The answer is simple, and not often thought about. Find out why here: The Purpose of Research in Everyday Life
Introduction: Why Understanding Research Matters
Research is something that all people do, everyday, at every waking moment.
It’s not just for scientists or “researchers.” In fact, every human being on this planet is a researcher.
Research is solving problems. This is why we must understand the characteristics of research.
In completing a homework assignment, writing an essay, or doing anything in life for that matter: we’re trying to solve a problem. Whether it be a solution to a problem, an answer to a question, or an argument for a certain stance.
It’s important to understand the characteristics of research in order to solve problems or answer questions effectively.
Here, you will learn the essential traits of good research, and how to apply them in answering your problems.
What Is Research? A Working Definition
According to Oxford Languages, research can be defined as:
“the systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions.”
This definition doesn’t just apply to formal research done by a student or professor in a classroom. It applies to everyday research. We’re always investigating and learning whether we think we are or not, no matter the setting or context. Learning is a part of the human experience.
Research vs Reflection
Research involves searching for information, whereas reflection involves the act of thinking about, and considering, said information.
The two terms are different, but they’re both absolutely necessary in order to build excellent research skills.
The 10 Core Characteristics of Research (with Examples)
1. Systematic
Systematic research involves a series of steps in order to gather and analyze data.
It showcases a logical sequence of steps that present a relevant conclusion. This involves answering a clearly defined question in a logically structured manner.
Example (Self-Improvement): If you wanted to track changes in behaviour, writing or journaling daily would be a systematic way of working towards an intended goal.
Example (Philosophy): The Socratic Method is systematic in the sense that it’s a structured inquiry into a single question. Socrates always sought a reason for a reason. This is how he distinguished truthful answers from distorted ways of thinking.
Example (Literature): Researching the historical context behind a piece of work. In Dostoevsky’s White Nights, the historical context of the time played a role in shaping the narrative. Romanticism was on the rise, and mid-19th century St. Petersburg was a period of social and political tension. Both have its influence on Dostoevsky’s short story.
2. Objective
Objective research focuses on objective information.
This includes unbiased, concrete, evidence-based data, with the goal of getting accurate and reliable conclusions that are free from influence of personal beliefs or opinions.
Example (Self-Improvement): If you wanted to track your mood over time, your memory could warp your perception of previous experiences. This is because memory is unreliable. Thus, a mood tracker would free you from the subjective nature of memory and its changing influence.
Example (Philosophy): Descartes’ uses his method of doubt to doubt anything that can possibly be doubted. Thus, he removed himself from all bias and opinion, believing that the only thing he could know to be certain was himself.
Example (Literature): With regards to the interpretation of a text, personal bias can always slip through the cracks. Be sure to not interpret a text immediately; you should take your time with reading, and be sure not to jump to any non-informed conclusions right away. Again, take into account historical and background information with regard to any literary work you read. There could be some valuable information there that you are missing.
3. Empirical
Empirical research is based on observations.
It relies on evidence from the real world, gathered through experience. It is subjective in nature.
Example (Self-Improvement): The Pomodoro technique was tested using empirical research. Why? Observations were made of students testing out the technique itself. The Pomodoro is a recommended study method for this reason; it has been tried, tested, and shown to have worked through experience.
Example (Philosophy): Hume believed that all human knowledge was derived from experience. This was opposed to the Rationalist view that all knowledge was within our minds. Experience, according to Hume, then, is that through which all knowledge is derived. This is how empirical research works in a fundamental sense.
Example (Literature): Literary realism refers to portraying real events or experiences as they truly are, usually in an unexciting, mundane way. Experience or real life might be boring, but it also works well when it comes to writing. “Write what you know,” as they say, or in other words, “write about your experiences.”
4. Analytical
Analytical research involves breaking down and critically evaluating information.
Example (Self-Improvement): In trying to achieve a personal goal, like establishing a new reading habit or public speaking ability, one might use SWOT analysis: strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Understanding your strong and weak points can help you prevent upset, and keep your expectations at a reasonable level when it comes to self-development.
Example (Philosophy): In Kant’s Critique of Pure Reason, he analyses the nature of knowledge right down to its core. He tackles the problem as to how our minds structure experience.
Example (Literature): If one is to deconstruct a literary work, like Elizabeth Bishop’s Filling Station or The Fish, a keen attention to detail is absolutely necessary. In order to distinguish the theme of a poem, you must not only look at the poem from afar, but you must also be willing to get up close and personal; taking apart each line bit-by-by, and seeing how it comes to form the big picture as a whole.
5. Logical
Logical research is based on reason and logic.
Premises must be strong and sound, with logically derived conclusions stemming from them.
Example (Self-Improvement): Using If-Then planning to develop new habits. One example could be, “if I attempt to pick up my phone, in order to go onto my Instagram, I’ll pick up my kindle instead and start reading.”
Example (Philosophy): Logic is of paramount importance with regards to philosophy. There must be valid reasons to support an idea or belief. Plato said reason should guide for good reason (no pun intended). Logic can help to separate ourselves from irrationality. This is good with regards to thinking clearly and objectively.
Example (Literature): Within a story, nothing happens randomly. Chekov placed his gun in front of the audience for a reason. When trying to understand narrative or character arcs, find out the reason as to why a change has happened. A shift in a belief, or a single narrative turning point, can often be traced back to a defining moment of importance; this is the gold you’re looking for.
6. Replicable
Replicable research can easily be tested and repeated by others to ensure its validity.
Example (Self-Improvement): A lifting program can be shown to work by replication. If multiple people see results from a training program, then it can be concluded that the program works effectively.
Example (Philosophy): Any type of rational inquiry can be replicated by others. Take the Socratic Method for example. It can easily be repeated as it involves using a replicable style of logical reasoning.
Example (Literature): A literary work can be analyzed and examined by multiple people in a similar manner. Take plot summaries or key-point examinations for example. They can be done by anyone, and compared with other attempts at doing the same.
7. Critical
Being critical with your research involves questioning the underlying, and often hidden, assumptions and evaluating evidence that supports the text.
Example (Self-Improvement): Most of our beliefs aren’t actually fact-based. They’re based off assumptions. Our brains usually don’t recognize this. Thus, by understanding that our thoughts and beliefs can be faulty, we have the power to change them. It’s all about distinguishing fact from assumption.
Example (Philosophy): Nietzsche challenged moral frameworks with a critical mindset. In doing so, he approached the dilemma from as many angles as possible, critiquing things such as the concepts of free will, conscious choice, and responsibility. These are deep mechanisms that shape our conception of morality, and Nietzsche believes that they don’t hold up well after intense questioning.
Example (Literature): Feminist critiques of traditional, male-dominated texts, explore the underlying economic, social, political, and psychological forces through a feminist lens.
8. Ethical
Carrying out research in a respectful and honest manner is important in preventing harm to others.
Example (Self-Improvement): Ethics refers to morals concerning behaviour. When it comes to self-reflection, honesty is paramount. Evaluating your own self must be done honestly. A lack of truthfulness will negatively influence data, as bias can be introduced.
Example (Philosophy): Ethics is one of the foundations of philosophy. It concerns how we behave with and treat one another. If a philosophical inquiry is to be done, it must be done in a respectable manner.
Example (Literature): There is a responsibility comes with writing about marginalized voices. It’s important to make sure people from such communities have their input be voluntary, and not be negatively exploited in any way for the sake of research or personal gain.
9. Purposeful
Research should be purposeful and have a clear intention.
Always be asking yourself: what direct question is trying to be solved and why?
Example (Self-Improvement): Focus is key when it comes to personal development. Attention must be shifted appropriately towards the tasks at hand. If not, there is no deliberation or plan being implemented.
Example (Philosophy): Philosophy is all about trying to make sense of our existence. In other words, it’s about purpose. Reasonable thinking has its purpose, just as philosophical inquiry does with relation to a question or problem.
Example (Literature): When analyzing a text, you know what it is that you’re looking for. Don’t go in blind. Have a goal. Are you looking for themes? Analyzing character motives? Highlighting interesting phrases or quotes? Be intentional at all times.
10. Creative
Be open-minded and willing to explore new perspectives.
Innovative thinking can help the research process in this manner.
Example (Self-Improvement): Trying unconventional self-growth methods can teach you a lot about yourself. Maybe you work well with more novel methods compared to other people. It’s all about trying new things and seeing what works for you.
Example (Philosophy): Eastern philosophies are known for having rethought Western assumptions. Eastern philosophy takes a more intuitive approach compared to the Western school of thought that favors logic and reason.
Example (Literature): Postmodern authors are creative with their research methods. This can be seen with the disruption of standard narrative forms, mixing reality with fiction and the use of metafiction and intertextuality. This stands as a creative method of evaluation and critique done by postmodern writers.
Why These Characteristics of Research Matter for You
Applying the characteristics of research will have immense practical benefit. It will sharpen out your thinking. You’ll be able to recognize distortions and biases in your own mind. You’ll be able to outline and structure a clear and logically structured argument. These are important life skills that build intellectual competency.
You will make better life choices. You’ll be able to reflect deeply in your self-evaluations. Reading will become a source of power; you’ll be able to extract wisdom from the past with ease in the most effective manner possible.
You’ll be able to apply these principles to all aspects of your life, improving not only your own life, but also the lives of all those around you.
Summary: The 10 Characteristics of Research
- Systematic
- Objective
- Empirical
- Analytical
- Logical
- Replicable
- Critical
- Ethical
- Purposeful
- Creative
How to Apply the Research Mindset Today
- Question your beliefs and thinking patterns. What are they saying? Are they based on assumptions or facts?
- Analyze your daily habits for a week. What do they say about your lifestyle?
- Read a book and analyze it with a new mindset. Tear it apart over the course of a few weeks. Take your time and digest the material.
Conclusion
Research is not just for the world of academia. It is for life.
Understand the characteristics of research to improve your research design, thinking and learning abilities.
Learn how to read, think and write. Do this, and you will change the world.
More Wisdom Here
On a journey of growth and transformation? Explore timeless strategies and modern insights for self-improvement here.
Looking for inspiration that lasts? Don’t miss out on our latest posts at Timeless Wisdom For Modern Living — where ideas, knowledge, and wisdom can solve your problems.
Want even more insights? Stay updated and connect with us on X for the latest knowledge and inspiration. Visit our page here.