WHAT IS RESEARCH

Research texts offer various definitions, for example:

               “...systematic inquiry that uses orderly scientific methods to answer questions or solve problems” (Polit & Hungler, 1987)

               “...an attempt to increase the body of knowledge (i.e.; what is currently known about nursing) by discovery of new facts and relationships through a process of systematic scientific enquiry” (MacLeod Clark & Hockey, 1979)

               “Research is diligent, systematic inquiry or investigation to validate and refine existing knowledge and generate new knowledge” (Burns & Grove 1993)