Research purposes

Research involves systematic investigation of phenomena, the purpose of which could be for:
 * 1) Information gathering and/or
 * 2) Exploratory: e.g., discovering, uncovering, exploring
 * 3) Descriptive: e.g., gathering info, describing, summarizing
 * 4) Theory testing
 * 5) Explanatory: e.g., testing and understanding causal relations
 * 6) Predictive:  e.g., predicting what might happen in various scenarios

Examples of research studies with these different purposes can be found in this practice quiz.

Discussion questions

 * How can research help to alleviate poverty on Earth?
 * How can I gain an understanding on why research is nessesary