Research Blog

Research can be defined as, “the systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions.” As a psychology major I tend to focus more on empirical research. Empirical research can be defined as “the collection and analysis of primary data based on direct observation or experiences in the ‘field’.” Research can be on a variety of different things. In English, specifically this class, it is finding a document that will support what we are trying to get across to readers. In the case of project two it is finding a technical document and attempting to translate it for a general audience. The Research process has to be conducted correct in order to achieve the best possible arguments and prove to the audience that you understand what you are talking about. In addition to conducting good research on the said topic, it is important to analyze what you have found and interpret it correctly so that you can get across the right information to your audience as well.  Primary Research is conducted by the person and it is their own questions and their own data collected. Secondary Research is conducted when people use books, documents, and websites to collect their information and expand upon it.  So far, I have only conducted secondary research. I have only looked for documents that explain events, and not conducted my own research. In class we have seen multiple examples of each types of research method, and both have advantages and disadvantages.  Sometimes research confuses me when finding a reliable source. It is sometimes hard to distinguish between a document that is good and one that is not reaching the level it has to be reaching.