Part 2 - How to conduct effective research

This is the second article in the series exploring how to conduct effective research.

Research is a process of gathering information to answer a question or solve a problem. It can be used in a variety of settings, including academic, business, and personal.

"Research is formalised curiosity, it is poking and prying with a purpose"

Zora Neale Hurston

There are many different types of research, including:

Literature review: A literature review is a comprehensive overview of the existing research on a particular topic. It can be used to identify gaps in the research, develop a research question, and identify potential methods for conducting research.

Primary research: Primary research is research that is conducted by the researcher themselves. It can involve conducting surveys, interviews, or experiments.

Secondary research: Secondary research is research that has already been conducted by someone else. It can be found in books, articles, websites, and other sources.

When conducting research, it is important to use reliable sources. Reliable sources are those that are accurate, unbiased, and up-to-date. Here are a few tips for finding reliable sources:

• Check the author's credentials: Make sure the author is an expert on the topic of the source.
• Check the publication date: Make sure the source is up-to-date.
• Check the source's bias: Make sure the source is not biased towards a particular viewpoint.
• Evaluate the source's content: Make sure the source is accurate and well-written.

Once you have found reliable sources, you need to evaluate the quality of the information. Here are a few tips for evaluating the quality of information:

• Consider the source: Is the source reliable?
• Consider the evidence: Is the information supported by evidence?
• Consider the context: Is the information relevant to your research question?
• Consider the purpose: Is the information intended to inform or persuade?

It is also important to avoid common research pitfalls. Here are a few tips for avoiding common research pitfalls:

• Don't rely on just one source: Get information from a variety of sources.
• Don't be afraid to ask for help: If you are struggling to find information, ask a librarian or other expert for help.
• Don't plagiarize: Cite your sources properly.
• Don't be afraid to change your mind: As you conduct research, you may learn new information that changes your perspective. Be willing to change your mind if the evidence warrants it.

Research can be a challenging but rewarding process. By following these tips, you can conduct effective research that will help you to achieve your goals.

Additional Tips

• Here are a few additional tips for conducting effective research:
• Start early: Don't wait until the last minute to start your research. Give yourself plenty of time to gather information and evaluate your sources.
• Be organized: Keep track of your sources and notes. This will help you to stay organized and make sense of the information you have gathered.
• Take breaks: Don't try to do too much at once. Take breaks to avoid getting overwhelmed.
• Don't be afraid to ask for help: If you are struggling, ask a librarian or other expert for help.

Conducting research can be a daunting task, but it is an essential skill for success in many areas of life. By following these tips, you can conduct effective research that will help you to achieve your goals.

This article is by David Hensley ?co founder of? Enryo Consulting Ltd, who provide bespoke research solutions.