Research
Research is a careful hunting for facts or truth about a subject. It is an inquiry and investigation into the precedents, the evidence, and the logic. Different methods of research are appropriate for different topics or different levels of study. Students, for example, would consider an encyclopedia as an appropriate source for research, but professional historians would want to look at original documents. Scientific research generally involves lab work, where "social science" research tends to work with documents, artifacts, or "in the field" interviews.
Good researchers should always make sure they do not just parrot the source material's point of view, but that they try to find balanced points of view.
Contents
Definition of research skills. Importance and benefits of research skills

See also: Problem solving and Creative problem solving and Critical thinking and Communication skills and Innovation and Lifelong learning
"Research skills are a set of abilities that allow individuals to find, gather, evaluate, and utilize information to solve problems or answer questions effectively. They encompass a range of techniques for locating, analyzing, and interpreting data from various sources, ultimately leading to informed conclusions or solutions."[2]
"Research skills are crucial for various reasons, enhancing problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills, while also fostering lifelong learning and contributing to career advancement. They are valuable in both academic and professional settings, enabling individuals to gather and analyze information effectively, make informed decisions, and develop innovative solutions."[3]
Articles:
- Research Skills What They Are And Why They Re Important
- Why is research important?
- The Importance of Research: Advancing Knowledge and Progress in Society
- Innovate, Adapt, and Lead with Research
Benefits of research skills:
- The work life value of research skills
- Research Skills: What they are and Benefits
- Research and Its Importance for Daily Life Essay
- Benefits of Conducting Research, University of Illinois, Chicago
- How can research skills improve your resilience in the workplace?
- What skills do you gain from doing research?
General research skills
"General research skills encompass the abilities needed to investigate a topic, gather relevant information, analyze and interpret that information, and communicate findings effectively. These skills are crucial for academic success, career advancement, and problem-solving in various fields. Research skills involve gathering, organizing, analyzing, and presenting information related to a specific subject." - What are general research skills?
Articles:
- What are research skills?
- Mastering Research Skills | Guide, Types & Tips
- Research Skills: What They Are and Why You Need Them
- Research skills, Indeed
- Research Skills: What They Are and How They Benefit You
- Reading and Research Skills, University of Gallaway
- Research Theories, ToolsHero.com
Videos:
- Research skills - video playlist, Video playlist
- Research skills - video playlist, Video playlist
Books
- How to Do Research: and How to Be a Researcher by Robert Stewart. Oxford University Press. February 24, 2023
- The Craft of Research, Fourth Edition (Chicago Guides to Writing, Editing, and Publishing) by Wayne C. Booth, Gregory G. Colomb, Joseph M. Williams, Joseph Bizup and William T. FitzGerald. University of Chicago Press. October 18, 2016
Library research
"Library research skills encompass the abilities needed to effectively find, evaluate, and utilize information from library resources, both physical and digital. These skills are essential for academic success, professional development, and navigating the information landscape of the 21st century. They involve understanding how to formulate research questions, identify relevant sources, critically assess information, and integrate it into one's own knowledge base." - Library research skills
Articles:
- Library & Research Overview, Conrad Hilton Library
- Library Research at Cornell: The Research Steps, Cornell University
- Getting Started with Library Research, Cornell University
- The Library Research Process, Step-by-Step, University of Michigan
- 7 Steps to Effective Library Research, North Carolina Central University
- Research skills, LibraryGuides.com
- Library research skills, Georgetown University
- Library Research, Bingham University
Books
- The Oxford Guide to Library Research by Thomas Mann. Oxford University Press. February 27, 2015
- The Elements of Library Research: What Every Student Needs to Know by Mary W. George. Princeton University Press. September 14, 2008
- Research Methods in Library and Information Science (Library and Information Science Text Series) by Lynn Silipigni Connaway and Marie L. Radford. Libraries Unlimited. May 24, 2021
Academic research skills
"Academic research skills encompass the abilities needed to effectively gather, analyze, and evaluate information for academic purposes. These skills are crucial for success in higher education and beyond, enabling students to conduct research, write effectively, and contribute meaningfully to their fields." - Academic research skills
Articles:
- 11 Tips to Improve Your Research Skills for Academic Success
- Organizing Academic Research Papers: Theoretical Framework, Sacred Heart University
- Why All Students Must Learn Academic Research (And How It Helps Them), Forbes
Journalist research skills
"Journalistic research skills encompass a wide range of abilities that enable journalists to gather, verify, and analyze information to produce accurate and compelling news stories. These skills include effective interviewing techniques, online and offline information gathering, data analysis, and a strong understanding of media ethics. Journalists use these skills to uncover facts, provide context, and ensure their reporting is both informative and engaging for their audience." - What are journalistic research skills?
Articles:
- How To Research Topics Like a Journalist, Writer's Digest
- The Ultimate Guide to Research Skills for Journalists
- Fact Checking and Research Skills in Journalism
- Online Investigative Journalist Manual
- Investigative Journalism Manuals
Videos:
- Journalism skills and journalism research skills - video playlist, Video playlist
- Journalism skills and journalism research skills - video playlist, Video playlist
Scientific research
Journal article:
- How to Conduct Scientific Research?, Nöro psikiyatri arşivi. 2017 Jun 1;54(2):97–98. doi: 10.5152/npa.2017.0120102
See also
- Evidence-based thinking
- Theory
- Scientific method
- Questioning skills
- Intellectual curiosity
- Lifelong learning