Research is a systematic process of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting information to increase understanding.  It involves formulating hypotheses, making assumptions (e.g., about the lawfulness of phenomena and cause-and-effect relationships), and utilizing various tools like libraries, computers, measurement instruments, statistics, and—most importantly—the human mind for critical thinking.  Research employs both deductive (theory-testing) and inductive (observation-based) reasoning, and contributes to theory building. Effective communication of research findings is crucial, necessitating clear, organized writing.  Research reports can be juried (peer-reviewed) or non-juried, with quality varying accordingly.  The ultimate goal is to discover new knowledge and answer important questions, providing evidence for future researchers and decision-making.