What is research?

Research is the excavation of information about a particular topic of interest. The information can be used to decide the best conclusions or courses of action to meet the interest of the individual. The information can be acquired through various different methods and outlets, though nowadays the most popular source for information is the internet. Of course, alongside internet research are popular media and advertising, which are more than eager to front impartial research with promotional filters. A more direct form of research is, of course, direct interaction with the relevant variables involved. The problem with this is that it tends to limit the scope of information available and usually takes a larger amount of time. For example, bird watching can net very specific and credible results; however, the range of information is limited simply by the instruments and methods available. A bird watcher may note the specific behavior of a specific bird at a specific time of day and season of the year, and from these observations he or she may draw specific conclusions to explain the behavior. Reading from a bird-watcher's guide or some online bird-watching website, however, is very likely to contain a much broader scope of information which may be relevant in explaining some behavior or phenomenon, such as aggregate data tables or observed ecological connections. However, it may not address specific information sought by the individual researcher, such as why a certain type of bird keeps trying to roost in a part of his or her property.