What is research to you?

When I think of research, I automatically think of scientific research.

So if I were to describe it, I would say it is based on facts, backed up by evidence, as being precise and above all objective.

How about social research though? Would I describe that the same way?

When this question was first put forth, I realised that I felt it was more subjective.

I felt in social research the questions and answers were more open to interpretation, would depend on the mindset/view point of the person conducting the research as well as the approach taken.

But then again, can the same thing not be said about scientific research? Is it naive to think that none of that takes place as well?

What do you think?

P.S – I swear I am going somewhere with this, more to come in the next post.