Research
Systematic work to increase the stock of knowledge.
Research is creative and systematic work undertaken to increase the stock of knowledge. It involves the collection, organization, and analysis of evidence to increase understanding of a topic, characterized by a particular attentiveness to controlling sources of bias and error.
Quick Facts
- Role
- Gameplay mechanic and narrative device
- Affiliation
- UNN
- TriOptimum
- The Many
- First appears
- System Shock 2 (1999)
- Status
- Active in canon
Lore & Background
The word research is derived from the Middle French 'recherche', which means 'to go about seeking', the term itself being derived from the Old French term 'recerchier', a compound word from 're-' + 'cerchier', or 'sercher', meaning 'search'. The earliest recorded use of the term was in 1577.
Reader's Guide
Research, in its simplest terms, is an intentional search for knowledge. John W. Creswell states that 'research is a process of steps used to collect and analyze information to increase our understanding of a topic or issue'. The Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines research to also include studying already existing knowledge: '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'.
Did You Know?
- A researcher is a person who conducts research.
- Original research, also called primary research, is research that is not exclusively based on a summary, review, or synthesis of earlier publications on the subject of research.
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