Research Guidance

Research is a process of systematic inquiry in which an individual (the Researcher) collects data or information about a specific area of concern or interest; identifies and documents critical information; analyzes and interprets that data/information; and, in many cases, produces a written record of their process and findings. 

Research may be undertaken to:

• Determine the validity of a hypothesis

• Collect and share a body of knowledge and/or findings about a topic

• Generate new questions for further study

Whatever the initial purpose, research should create or expand knowledge. 

Though the exact process and method by which research is conducted will vary according to subject area (sciences, social sciences, humanities, arts, etc.) and purpose, the steps follow the same general path:

1. Identify research problem or general topic

2. Review existing information about topic (Literature Review)

3. Determine a research question

4. Formulate a hypothesis or thesis

5. Collect data and/or reliable information

6. Analyze and interpret data/information

7. Report on research findings

8. Communicate (share) research findings