Understanding Research

Research process
Select a topic
Refine a topic
Identify objectives Choose approach
Explore a topic
Plan a search
Evaluate info

Finding Books

Finding Articles

What Is Research?

Research is exploration combined with learning. It is a "detailed study of a subject in order to discover information or achieve a new understanding of it."1 Research is a process of searching, discovering, and investigating information, as well as collecting, interpretating, and evaluating the information you find.

Research can be exciting, especially once you know how to apply the tools and techniques for finding, evaluating, and using information effectively—a set of skills known as information literacy.

Moreover, research extends beyond just learning. Research provides a foundation for both education and the welfare of the society, as outlined by the former president of Cornell University:

"The acquisition of knowledge is the mission of research, the transmission of knowledge is the mission of teaching and the application of knowledge is the mission of public service."2

Survivor Tip: To be a successful researcher, you will need to develop knowledge and skills in information literacy and research and build upon those skills year after year.

Let's now begin exploring the research process.
Next: The 8 Steps in the Research Process

References

1 "Research" Cambridge Dictionary of American English. Cambridge UP, 2001. Cambridge Dictionaries Online. 2001. 19 July 2004. <http://dictionary.cambridge.org>.

2 Perkins, James A. Stafford Little Lectures at Princeton. New York Times 3 Nov 66. Cited in Simpson’s Contemporary Quotations. 1988. Bartleby.com. 19 July 2004. <http://www.bartleby.com/63/96/2596.html>.