ABSTRACT
What is research? Many definitions have been given, including a systematic method of gaining new information, or a way to answer questions. Smith (1981) suggests that research be broadened to disciplined inquiry, which
Smith’s (1981) definition of disciplined inquiry is worth considering in detail. An inquiry is defined by Webster (1972) as a systematic investigation of a matter of public interest. The public interest part debatable, but the systematic investigation is certainly a part of any definition of research. Regardless of the particular research paradigm to which the investigator adheres, there must be underlying guidelines for how the research is to be carried out.
