Define research. Explain its objectives and significance.

1. 1 · Open with a definition. Research is a systematic and scientific search for new knowledge or for the answer to a specific problem.
2. 2 · Give its characteristics.
   • Controlled and rigorous.
   • Systematic: follows set steps.
   • Valid and verifiable.
   • Empirical: based on evidence.
   • Critical: open to checking.
3. 3 · Draw the research process. [Flow chart: problem → literature review → hypothesis → research design → sample → data collection → analysis → interpretation and report]
4. 4 · Explain the four objectives.
   • Exploratory: gain new insight.
   • Descriptive: describe a group accurately.
   • Diagnostic: find how often something occurs and what it is linked with.
   • Hypothesis-testing: test cause and effect.
5. 5 · Write the significance.
   • Adds new knowledge.
   • Solves practical problems.
   • Guides policy and programmes.
   • Base for evidence-based practice.
   • Helps industry develop products.
   • Builds logical thinking and careers.
6. 6 · Nutrition link. RDAs, food composition tables and anaemia programmes all rest on research such as NFHS.
7. 7 · Close in one line. Research turns questions into reliable knowledge that guides practice and policy.

Scoring tip: Write the four objectives as headings with one example each. A neat flow chart of the research process earns easy marks.