Research: 10 simple tips for successful research
Research definition: what is it?
The term research comes from French and means research, search or investigation. This means a thorough and targeted search for information. Research is a daily tool for journalists, but it is also an important skill for students. In addition to independent research, scientific work also includes researching existing findings on a topic.
Basically, two areas can be distinguished when researching:
- Research of existing information.
This is where you look for answers or information that already exists. These can be study results and findings from scientists, for example. - Research of previously unknown information.
Research can also mean bringing previously unknown information to light. This part is dedicated to investigative journalism, for example, which tries to make scandals or illegal actions (e.g. in politics or business) public.
Research phases
The exact process of a research can differ from each other depending on the individual approach and also the subject area. Nevertheless, there are basic phases that are run through when researching. The four classic phases of research are:
1. Overview before research
First of all, the research needs a clear goal and a good structure. What is your topic? What are the questions you want to answer? What information are you looking for? It helps to formulate a precise thesis or initial question that you want to approach with your research.
2. Narrowing down and searching for sources
With the overview and an initial orientation, you can narrow down your research further. Which aspects of the topic do you want to focus on? Where do you focus on? You also have to ask yourself which sources are important for further searches. After an initial research on the Internet, you need to go into further detail and identify appropriate sources of information.
3. Gathering information
Only now is it time for the actual research. They search sources and gather information. Start with research on the Internet, expand it with literature from the library and other publications.
4. Evaluation of the research
The last phase should not be neglected: you have to evaluate and control your information. What is credible and can be confirmed? What really fits your topic and the initial question? Choose what you can really use.
Tips for better research
Good research is a basic requirement for the subsequent result. You will not be doing a good term paper if you want to build it on a foundation of poor information. These tips will help you find information in your research:
- Do you use the term
search. Go to the library and start researching? This only works if you already know exactly what reading you need. In most cases: Start with a term search. You can search the online directories for the terms that are particularly relevant to you. In this way, you will immediately receive a suitable preselection of books that deal with the topic. - Use interlibrary loan
If an important book is not available in your library, there will be delays. In the worst case, the reading will be out of print for several weeks and planned in advance. Interlibrary loan can help here. This is a service provided by libraries where books are borrowed from other libraries and made available to you. This gives you quicker access to the information you need. - Learn to Use Search Engines Correctly
There is much more to the use of search engines than just typing a term in the search bar. Different operators can lead to better and more detailed search results. With the command "site:" (for example site: karrierebibel.de) you can limit the displayed search results to a specific page. If you want to find suitable websites on the topic, you can use "inurl: search term" to find homepages that already use the term in the URL. - Think outside the box
Thorough research is possible thanks to extensive sources. Use not only as much information as possible, but also a wide range of information. So there is not only Google, but also other search engines that may deliver different results. In addition to books, you can also do research in brochures, magazines, publications, lectures or speeches.
Therefore, you shouldn't just do your research on Google
The search engine Google is the classic for research. There is nothing wrong with that at all, but it can have a negative impact on your research results if you only use Google. The so-called filter bubble is to blame.
Algorithms working in the background adapt the results in search engines to your own search behavior. In other words: We are increasingly shown what suits us, our opinions and previous searches. This can reduce the objectivity of a research.
You should pay attention to this when researching
You now know which tips can help you find the right information for your research. But what else has to be considered? You will find out in these 6 tips:
- Stay Objective
It is easy to focus only on information that fits your opinion. However, good research is always as objective as possible. Stay open and don't just rule out arguments that contradict your thesis. - Verify Your Sources
Before using any information in your work, it is essential to verify the sources. Especially on the Internet, everyone can spread their views as facts and truths. Scientific publications and studies, reputable online portals or the official homepage of a publisher are usually very credible. Nevertheless, the following applies: Check your sources and try to confirm information from other sources. - Start General
It is often easier to find more general information on topics and questions first. With these initial findings, you can then work your way into the details and examine individual aspects in more detail. - Summarize
When researching, you have to filter out the key message from various, sometimes extensive and complex sources of information. Summarize what is important and underline what is unimportant right away. - Maintain an overview
Extensive research can become very confusing. You therefore need a clear structure. Make a note of what information you found where and to which question it relates. This also makes it easier to use the results later. - Indicate your sources If you
use findings, quotations, study results or other sources, you must cite them. This applies to journalistic publications as well as to work during your studies. Do not pass off someone else's thoughts as your own.
Sources to Use When Researching
To conclude, we have once again listed the most common and important sources for you, which you should use when doing your research.
- Internet
Research on the Internet is the starting point. Here you can get an overview, access a large pool of information and identify numerous other sources. However, you shouldn't rely solely on the Internet for scientific work. - Secondary literature
The actual work is called the primary source - secondary literature describes books that deal with this, analyze it, deepen it or go into it. Of course, for the research you need to know the primary source, but the secondary literature is at least as relevant. Here you get further insights, additional information, new perspectives and already existing approaches and theories. - Interviews and Conversations
If it is possible and you can establish contact, interviews and conversations are excellent sources for research. You can ask direct questions to experts and include quotes. In addition, such first-hand information is very credible when it comes to scientists or professionals in the field.