Paragraph-wise Explanation
Good research is characterized by clarity, accuracy, reliability, and ethical integrity. It must be systematic, following a logical sequence of steps that ensure the study is organized and coherent. The research problem should be clearly defined, and the objectives should be precise and achievable. A good study uses appropriate methodology and methods that are suitable for the problem under investigation. The techniques of data collection and analysis must be accurate, reliable, and valid, ensuring that the findings reflect reality rather than bias or error.
Another essential criterion of good research is objectivity. Researchers must remain neutral and avoid personal biases or preconceived notions affecting the outcomes. Transparency in procedures, methods, and assumptions is important to allow others to replicate the study. The research should also have relevance and significance, contributing meaningfully to the body of knowledge, solving practical problems, or guiding policy decisions. Finally, good research must adhere to ethical standards, including honesty, integrity, and respect for participants and the scientific process.
Point-wise Criteria of Good Research
- Clearly Defined Problem
- Research should have a specific, well-stated problem.
- Objectives must be precise, realistic, and achievable.
- Systematic Approach
- Follows a logical sequence of steps from problem identification to conclusion.
- Ensures organized and structured inquiry.
- Empirical Evidence
- Based on observable and measurable data.
- Avoids reliance on assumptions, intuition, or personal opinions.
- Objectivity
- Free from researcher bias.
- Findings should reflect reality, not subjective interpretation.
- Accuracy and Reliability
- Data collection methods must be precise.
- Analysis should be rigorous and reproducible.
- Use of valid tools ensures reliability of results.
- Scientific and Logical Reasoning
- Conclusions should follow logically from data and analysis.
- Use of deductive or inductive reasoning enhances credibility.
- Replicability / Verifiability
- Research methods and results should be transparent.
- Others should be able to replicate the study to verify results.
- Relevance and Significance
- Contributes to knowledge, theory, or practical applications.
- Solves real-world problems or informs policy decisions.
- Ethical Considerations
- Maintains honesty, integrity, and respect for participants.
- Ensures confidentiality, consent, and responsible reporting.
- Generalizability (if applicable)
- Findings should be applicable beyond the study sample when using representative sampling.
- Innovativeness / Originality
- Ideally contributes new insights, approaches, or methods.
- Avoids mere repetition of previous studies.
Short Exam-Oriented Version (5–6 lines)
Good research is systematic, logical, and objective. It has a clearly defined problem, uses accurate and reliable methods, and produces verifiable results. Ethical standards must be maintained, and the study should contribute relevantly to knowledge, theory, or practice. Objectivity, replicability, significance, and originality are key criteria for evaluating the quality of research.