Research is creative and systematic work undertaken to increase the stock of knowledge. It is characterized by a careful attention to controlling sources of error and bias. Research can include a new development in an existing field, expanding previous research, testing the validity of instruments and methods, and exploring the causes of particular events or situations.

There are two broad types of research: Qualitative and Quantitative. Qualitative research collects data through conversations with participants using open-ended questions that are primarily non-numerical. Quantitative research examines events or data through a more structured, systematic method that answers questions about how measurable events are related to each other and why these relationships occur.

Researchers may conduct their research in a variety of settings, depending on the topic of interest. For example, social science research often involves large groups of people in a focus group setting, while natural science research is generally conducted in a laboratory or other controlled environment. Some research is conducted with living subjects (people or animals) and must follow specific rules that protect the rights of those involved in a study. These rules are outlined in a document called the Belmont Report.

Research can be informal, as in gathering information from personal experience or casual conversation, or formal, as in an experiment or study that is published and peer-reviewed. Research is only valuable and useful if it is well-designed, well-executed, and provides accurate results. Research in general is an iterative process and the hypothesis that a researcher begins with may not be the one they end up with.