Research Basics from A to Z
Your comprehensive guide to mastering academic research
What Is Research?
Research is a systematic process of inquiry aimed at discovering, interpreting, and revising knowledge. It involves collecting, analyzing, and interpreting information to answer questions, solve problems, or develop new understanding.
Research is the foundation of academic and scientific progress. It begins with identifying a problem or question, followed by a systematic investigation using appropriate methods. Good research is:
- Systematic: Follows a logical sequence
- Empirical: Based on observable evidence
- Objective: Minimizes personal bias
- Replicable: Others can repeat the process
- Transparent: Clearly documents methods
Research Types
Qualitative Research
Focuses on understanding human behavior, experiences, and motivations through non-numerical data.
Quantitative Research
Uses numerical data and statistical methods to measure variables and test hypotheses.
Applied Research
Seeks to solve practical problems and improve processes in real-world settings.
Basic Research
Driven by curiosity to expand knowledge without immediate practical application.
Exploratory Research
Conducted when little is known about a problem, helping to clarify concepts.
Descriptive Research
Seeks to accurately describe characteristics of a population or phenomenon.
A–Z Glossary of Research Terms
Abstract
A brief summary of a research paper
Bibliography
List of sources cited in research
Citation
Reference to a source used
Data
Information collected for analysis
Ethics
Moral principles in research
Findings
Results of research analysis
Gap Analysis
Identifying missing knowledge
Hypothesis
Testable research prediction
IRB
Institutional Review Board
Journal
Academic publication venue
Keywords
Terms describing research
Literature Review
Summary of existing research
Methodology
Research approach and methods
Null Hypothesis
Default position (no effect)
Objective
Specific research goals
Peer Review
Evaluation by experts
Qualitative
Non-numerical data analysis
Reliability
Consistency of measurements
Sampling
Selecting research participants
Thesis
Central argument of research
Unbiased
Free from prejudice
Validity
Accuracy of measurements
Workflow
Research process organization
X-axis
Horizontal chart variable
Y-axis
Vertical chart variable
Zotero
Reference management tool
Step-by-Step Research Process
Choose a research topic that is interesting, manageable, and significant. Consider:
- Your personal interests and expertise
- Available resources and time
- Relevance to your field
- Potential contribution to knowledge
Conduct preliminary research to understand the current state of knowledge:
- Review existing literature
- Identify key concepts and theories
- Find gaps in current understanding
- Determine feasibility
Develop a clear, focused, and researchable question:
- Specific and well-defined
- Complex enough to require investigation
- Feasible to answer with available resources
- Relevant to your field
Develop a testable prediction based on your research question:
- State expected relationship between variables
- Make it specific and measurable
- Include both null and alternative hypotheses
- Ensure it's falsifiable
Select appropriate research methods:
- Qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods
- Data collection techniques (surveys, interviews, experiments)
- Sampling strategy
- Data analysis plan
Gather information according to your research design:
- Ensure ethical standards are met
- Maintain accuracy and consistency
- Document procedures thoroughly
- Organize data for analysis
Process and interpret your data:
- Use appropriate statistical or qualitative methods
- Identify patterns and relationships
- Test your hypotheses
- Consider alternative explanations
Explain the meaning of your findings:
- Relate results to your research question
- Compare with existing literature
- Discuss implications and significance
- Acknowledge limitations
Properly acknowledge all sources:
- Use consistent citation style (APA, MLA, Chicago)
- Include in-text citations and reference list
- Avoid plagiarism through proper attribution
- Use reference management software
Share your research with the academic community:
- Prepare manuscript for journal submission
- Create conference presentations
- Develop posters for academic events
- Consider open access options
Research Writing Tips & Tools
Essential Writing Tips
- Clarity: Use precise language and avoid jargon when possible
- Structure: Follow IMRAD format (Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion)
- Plagiarism: Always attribute ideas and words to their original sources
- Revision: Allow time for multiple drafts and revisions
- Audience: Write for your target readers' knowledge level
Essential Research Tools
Zotero
Free reference management tool
Mendeley
Reference manager and academic network
Grammarly
Writing assistant and grammar checker
QuillBot
Paraphrasing tool and grammar checker
Turnitin
Plagiarism detection software
ChatGPT
AI assistant for brainstorming and editing
International Research Journals & Databases
Visual Guide – Research Poster
This visual guide summarizes the research process from start to finish. Hover over elements to see details.
Download Zone
Access these essential research resources to support your academic work.
Research Proposal Template
Comprehensive template for crafting effective research proposals
APA Referencing Cheat Sheet
Quick reference guide for APA 7th edition citations
Sample Research Papers
Collection of exemplary papers across disciplines
Research Basics Quiz
Test your knowledge of research fundamentals with these questions.