When we identify a problem or issue that we need further clarification on we will research a solution. We can use a multitude of different sources that have previously encounter this and come up with some level of understanding of the nature of what we are dealing with. The process of research can differ from person to person, but the underlying fundamentals are pretty universal. Once a solution is identified it should be the goal of the researcher or research team to share their knowledge with others. Research is important for several reasons. It helps us validate opinions or hypothesis with concrete facts. In some cases, it can validate our opinions; in others it can negate them. This is why ethics in reporting research is important. We need to come clean and disclose the good and the bad to propel human knowledge further. When ever we come across a hypothesis that we are pondering, the first step is looking at what work was done on this in past. If we only publish things that validate our hypothesis and negate those that do not, many people are going to waste time researching things that already do not work.
Research normally starts with first identifying a problem. This can also be called forming the research question. The next step is to learn more by reading through available literature to others who have already tackled this problem. What did they learn? What can you build off of? The next step is to evaluate the sources of the studies you have examined. Who wrote them and are they valid sources? The last step is to identify a solution to your problem based on what you have learned. The research worksheets below will run you through several steps of the process to help you gain insight as how to research your own work.
