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Research is not separate and distinct from theory, but complementary to it. The function of theory is to stimulate research, and the function of research is to test and improve theory (Merton, 1957).

Research is scientific inquiry undertaken under controlled conditions in which careful observations are made in order to determine the relationship between one factor and one or more other factors (Dressler, 1973, p. 27).

These factors are called variables. A variable is a trait or characteristic that can vary in magnitude in different individual cases. By way of contrast, a constant does not vary and thus is not a variable. When research is concerned with the relationship between two variables, one variable is called dependent, the other independent. The independent variable such as noise, for instance, may influence a dependent variable--such as the efficiency with which a student studies. More than one independent variable may affect a dependent variable. For example, if the latter were the number of persons matriculated in institutions of higher learning, independent variables that could affect this dependent variable might include the geographical location of colleges and universities vis-a-vis centers of population, the employment index, the proportion of the total population between the ages of 18 and 25, and whether the nation is at war or enjoying peace.

We often solve an everyday problem by a rough equivalent of the scientific method of research. Suppose Mr. Smith, having planted a new lawn, wishes to find out which of several commercial fertilizers will make the grass grow best. How can he solve the problem? 

He can conduct a brief survey of all his neighbors' experiences in the matter. Or he can get from one neighbor or a few a full history of his or their attempts to find the most efficient fertilizer. In either case, he is on safe ground, for his neighbor's yards probably have the same kind of soil that he has, and they probably have experimented with the same fertilizers. However, let us say Mr. Smith decides to solve his problem by using another method. He will conduct an experiment that will enable him to find out for himself which fertilizer is most efficient.

He buys samples of commercial fertilizers and spreads them on separate plots of ground on his lawn. He leaves one plot unfertilized. It is his control plot, against which he will measure the efficiency of the several fertilizers applied to the other plots. He makes sure that all the plots are the same size and get the same amount of water and sunshine. Thus each fertilizer has a fair and equal chance. In due time, Mr. Smith examines the growth of grass in each plot. He compares the growth on the control plot with that on plots to which different fertilizers were applied. He compares the growth on each fertilized plot with the growth on each of the other fertilized plots. He increases teh accuracy of his observations by measurement--he weighs the grass clippings from each plot on a calibrated scale. Now he can decide which fertilizer is his best buy.

In this simple experiment Mr. Smith applied the scientific method to his research. He began with a question: Which fertilizer is best? He set up an experimental plan, called a design, to help him find the answer to his question. He applied some degree of scientific control, being sure that plots of ground received equal amounts of water and sunshine so that differences in grass growth could be attributed only to differences in the quality of the fertilizers. He used careful observation, comparing the fertilizers' performance in stimulating grass growth. If he had any lingering doubts about his findings, he could have repeated the test in order to verify findings. When all was accomplished, he was in a position to advance a conclusion--that one way to solve the particular problem would be to proceed as he did, and that, under such circumstances, the particular fertilizer in question should prove most efficient in stimulating grass growth. He could then generalize his findings to all similar situations, that is, situations with the same soil, climate, and the like.

The evidence disclosed by the procedure Mr. Smith followed should have been more convincing than the claims of any fertilizer salesperson. He followed the same scientific procedure that is employed to reveal knowledge about things as close to us as the cells in our bodies and as remote as the stars and planets.

Mr. Smith found an answer to the question............