Research is creative and systematic work undertaken to increase the stock of knowledge. It is characterized by a concern for controlling sources of error and bias. It can be an expansion of previous work in the field or can be experimental.
The research process includes gathering data, analyzing that data and sharing the results with other researchers in the field as well as the general public. The data may be collected using biological measurements (blood, urine, saliva), surveys, interviews, observations and other methods. In order for the data to be useful it must be valid and reliable. The accuracy of the data is measured by how closely the data reflects the truth. In other words, it must be consistent with the expectations of the researcher at the start of the study.
Some of the most exciting research is in fields that have not previously been explored. This exploratory research can reveal fascinating insights, for example, how the themes of classic literature like Shakespeare still influence modern writing or how dystopian novels have inspired societal changes.
Research also involves the process of identifying a problem and designing a research project to solve that problem. This design is often a collaboration between several members of the research team, which can include students, other faculty members, community members and healthcare professionals. The research team can range in size from two to dozens of people. Research teams are typically overseen by a principal investigator, who is an academic in the field with experience and training that make them qualified to lead the project. In addition, all research that involves human participants must be reviewed and approved by an Institutional Review Board before it begins.