How Does Research Help Us Grow?

Career Trends: August 25, 2022
Curated by the Knowledge Team of ICS Career GPS

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Content Credit:

• Article by Erin R. Goodrich, published on aofirs.org. Original article link.

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Everyone conducts research in some form or another from a young age. Internet users constantly come across thoughts, ideas, or perspectives – building the curiosity that drives the desire to explore. However, while research is essential to make practical decisions, the nature of the study alters – it all depends on its application and purpose. For instance, skilled research offered as a research paper service has a definite objective, and it is focused and organised. Professional research helps derive inferences and conclusions from solving problems.

The primary goal of research is to guide action, gather evidence for theories, and contribute to the growth of knowledge for accurately analysing data.

Research skills are an important component because they allow one to discover information and build an outline for their project, whether creative or academic. By building systematic and effective research techniques, you will become knowledgeable about any topic that you need to write or explore about.

Here are some reasons why research is important, and how it helps us grow:

1-  Research helps us acquire knowledge efficiently

• The most apparent reason to conduct research is to understand more.
• Even if you think you know everything about a subject, there is always more to learn.
• Research helps you expand on any prior knowledge you have of the subject.
• The research process creates new opportunities for learning and progress.

2- Research helps in problem-solving

• A goal of research is to broaden our understanding, giving us the information and knowledge to solve problems and make decisions.
• Problem-solving can be divided into several components, which require knowledge and analysis. For example, identification of issues, identifying causes, identifying potential solutions, decisions which can be taken, monitoring and evaluation of activity and outcomes.
• You may require additional knowledge to formulate an informed strategy and make an informed decision.

3- Research provides the latest information

• Research enables you to seek out the most up-to-date facts.
• There is always new knowledge and discoveries in various sectors, particularly scientific ones.
• Staying updated keeps you from falling behind and providing inaccurate or incomplete information.
• You’ll be better prepared to discuss a topic and build on ideas if you have the most up-to-date information.

4- Research builds credibility

• Research provides a solid basis for formulating thoughts and views.
• In your study, you should prioritise the most reputable sources and focus on reliable sources.
• You won’t be credible if your research comprises opinions of “experts” who are not affiliated with the particular field.

5-  Research helps in business success

• A successful business cannot be done without solid proof and market research, making research the foremost step before launching any business.
• Owners who research their products and the corresponding market before launching anything have higher chance of success.
• If we pay attention to these nit-picks and see the importance of research decision-making, there will be a higher chance to find, gauge, and seize opportunities. 

6-  Research helps in discovering opportunities

• People can maximise their potential and achieve their goals through various opportunities discovered through research.
• These include jobs, scholarships, educational subsidies, projects, commercial collaborations, budgeted travel etc.
• Research is essential for anyone seeking work or a change of environment.

How can you improve your research skills?

1- Start with the big picture and work your way down

• It might be hard to figure out where to start when you begin researching.
• Online resources are a great way to get a general idea of a subject.
• Once you have an overview and main points, work on the sub-parts one by one.
• This will help you not get overwhelmed when sorting information and work on the topic intricately.

2- Identify reliable and reputable sources

• Not every source is reliable, so it’s crucial to differentiate between the good and the not-so-reliable sources.
• To find a reliable source use your analytical and critical thinking skills and ask yourself the following questions: Is this source consistent with other the sources discovered? Is the author a subject matter expert? Is there a conflict of interest in the author’s point of view on this topic?

3- Validate information from various sources

• Identify the source of information and determine whether it is reliable and credible.
• Check whether there are at least two additional sources you can verify the same information from.

4- Take in new information

• The purpose of research is to find answers to your questions.
• Only looking for confirmation is a minimal way to research because it forces you to pick and choose what information you get and stops you from getting the most accurate picture of the subject.
• Keep an open mind to learn as much as possible.

5- Stay organised

• You’ll see a lot of different material during the process of gathering data, from web pages to PDFs to videos.
• You should keep all of this information organised in some way so that you don’t lose anything or forget to mention something properly.
• There are many tools you can utilise to keep your research project organised, like bookmarks in your browser, index cards and a bibliography that you can add to as you go.

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Have you checked out yesterday’s blog yet?

Supply chain management career options graduates should look out for

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(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the article mentioned above are those of the author(s). They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of ICS Career GPS or its staff.)

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