Before we can sell a product, convince others to care about a certain topic, or persuade others to agree with us on a subject, we have to know exactly what we are talking about. By researching a subject, we are able to learn all relevant data, background information, opposing viewpoints, and arguments that support our opinions. Without research, we might be left in the dark about crucial information that is necessary to the success of our ideas, services, and products.
Why is Research Important?
Research helps you take your project to the next level and can even take you to the next stage of your career. It is capable of solving existing issues and it plays a crucial role in the decision making process of each individual. By researching all the facts and figures, we are better equipped to fully understand the issue we are trying to solve and thus are more capable of making the best decision to reach our goals.
Practical Uses of Research
Would you ever open a new ice cream shop in the middle of December in the arctic areas of Alaska? Probably not – because after you have done your research, you would realize that customers are less likely to buy cold food and beverages in colder weather and you would probably have a hard time surviving such harsh weather conditions in your lonely shop.
Before you embark on a new project or attempt to solve a current issue, you have to do the research. Find out the who, what, where, when, how much, why, what ifs of your subject. Research is the key to your success. Before you decide to open up that ice cream shop, ask yourself – How many people live in this town? What sort of competition will I have? Are customers likely to frequent this area in the winter? You can not find all the answers you need to these questions without doing your research, whether by asking other people, looking up information online or in reference books, or by conducting your own surveys.
Where do I start to Research?
You may have already convinced yourself that research is tedious, boring, and you would rather try to work without it – but do not let this way of thinking keep you down. Research can be simple and sometimes even enjoyable if you are passionate about your subject and are determined to make the best of your project.
- Choose a topic
- Think about available methods of research
- Read your research (websites, articles, encyclopedias, etc.)
- Collect the data
- Analyze the data
- Write it all up
All of your hard work will pay off. Once you have grasped your research, you are fully capable of sharing your findings with others to support your opinions and make better problem-solving decisions. Research exists to help you, embrace it.
