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What is research?

It’s an entire process

DICTIONARY DEFINITION

RE-SEARCH
Function: noun, verb transitive
Etymology: Middle French recerche, from recerchier to investigate thoroughly, from Old French, from re- + cerchier to search
Date: 1577
1. to search or investigate exhaustively
2. studious inquiry or examination; especially : investigation or experimentation aimed at the discovery and interpretation of facts, revision of accepted theories or laws in the light of new facts, or practical application of such new or revised theories or laws
3. the collecting of information about a particular subject
© Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary, Tenth Edition

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A LIBRARIAN’S DEFINITION

Research
Research is a process of investigation. An examination of a subject from different points of view. It’s not just a trip to the library to pick up a stack of materials, or picking the first five hits from a computer search. Research is a hunt for the truth. It is getting to know a subject by reading up on it, reflecting, playing with the ideas, choosing the areas that interest you and following up on them. Research is the way you educate yourself.

It can be dull if you make it that way. Or, it can be as exciting as ’Dancing with the Stars.’

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