Why Is Research Important?

The main purpose of research is to inform action, to prove a theory, and contribute to developing
knowledge in a field or study. This article will highlight the significance of research with the following
points:
1. A Tool for Building Knowledge and for Facilitating Learning
2. Means to Understand Various Issues and Increase Public Awareness
3. An Aid to Business Success
4. A Way to Prove Lies and to Support Truths
5. Means to Find, Gauge, and Seize Opportunities
6. A Seed to Love Reading, Writing, Analyzing, and Sharing Valuable Information
7. Nourishment and Exercise for the Mind
Finding reasons why research is important seems like a no-brainer, but many people avoid getting
involved in research. The lazy (if not mentally-drained) student is probably thinking "not again," while
a disinterested academic could just be doing it to secure job tenure and/or a promotion. Yet, for
those who like to learn, whether they are members of a learning institution or not, doing research is
not just an imperative, but a need.
What reasons may drive one to appreciate research and to engage in it?

https://owlcation.com/academia/Why-Research-is-Important-Within-and-Beyond-the-Academe
1. A Tool for Building Knowledge and for Facilitating
Learning
Research is required not just for students and academics, but for all professionals. It is also
important for budding and veteran writers, both offline and online.
Among professionals and scribes, finding an interesting topic to discuss and/or to write about should
go beyond personal experience. Determining either what the general public may want to know about
or what researchers want others to realize or to think about can serve as a reason to do research.
"Knowledge" basically pertains to facts based on objective insights and/or study findings processed
by the human brain. It can be acquired through various ways, such as reading books and online
articles written by educators, listening to experts, watching documentaries or investigative shows,
conducting scientific experiments, and interaction with other people, among others. These facts can
be checked to ensure truthfulness and accuracy.
In epistemology, David Truncellito (n.d.) of Yale University identifies three kinds of knowledge:
procedural (competence or know-how), acquaintance (familiarity), and propositional (description of
"a fact or a state of affairs"). A factual proposition is commonly used to define "knowledge".

The Brain Research Trust acknowledges the importance of research in building knowledge.
Undoubtedly, it is crucial to finding possible cures for diseases, as well as how to prevent them.
Thus, research becomes a must to ascertain if one’s ideas are supported by previous studies or if
these ideas still need proof to be considered as knowledge.
An example of such endeavor is the 2016 study of several psychologists who examined how sleep
affects memory reactivation. In "Relearn Faster and Retain Longer: Along With Practice, Sleep
Makes Perfect", they "found that interleaving sleep between learning sessions not only reduced the
amount of practice needed by half but also ensured much better long-term retention. Sleeping after
learning is definitely a good strategy, but sleeping between two learning sessions is a better
strategy." This study supports the fact that: "Both repeated practice and sleep improve long-term
retention of information". Their findings also emphasize how highly important sleep is to healthy
brain function.
A study by The World Bank in 2006 also underscored sleep as a key factor of efficient learning or
the process of gaining optimal learning using few resources. The study reiterated the role of sleep in:
(1) protecting and restoring memory, (2) advanced learning, and (3) enhancing mathematical ability
and problem solving. It further noted that "knowledge is better consolidated when people study at the
time when they are supposed to be awake rather than, say, late-night sessions." It cited the need for
research on "the memory capacity of the poor in low-income countries" to enable teachers in helping
underprivileged students learn basic skills.

Said studies on the effects of sleep on the human brain are among the many topics that have
already been examined by academics and specialists in various universities and medical institutions.
A myriad of research ideas likewise awaits the attention of avid scholars and inquisitive writers.
Indeed, research is instrumental in building and improving knowledge, as well as in supporting such
knowledge with verifiable facts.
2. Means to Understand Various Issues and Increase
Public Awareness
Television shows and movies ooze with research - both on the part of the writer(s) and the actors.
Though there are hosts who rely on their researchers, there are also those who exert effort to do
their own research. This step helps them:

 get information that hired researchers missed,

 build a good rapport with the interviewee, and
 conduct a good interview in the process
For instance, Oprah Winfrey would have not achieved remarkable success as a news anchor and
television show host had she eschewed doing her own research about certain topics and public
figures. According to entrepreneur and lifestyle coach Paul C. Brunson, in his interview with
emotional intelligence expert and author Justin Bariso (2017), "Oprah spends a disproportionate
amount of her time gathering information from communities of people outside of her core (different
age groups, social classes, ethnicities, education levels, careers, etc.) and then she shares that
information within her community." This kind of effort shows the necessary role of research in
helping others and in raising social consciousness.
For their part, some film and TV actors would take time to interview detectives, boxers, scientists,
business owners, criminals, and teachers, among others. Others even go through immersion to
make them understand the issues of their respective characters better, such as living in jail or in a
drug rehabilitation center. Many would read literature, biographies, or journals to have a better view
or context of the story.

In her 2017 article about Daniel Day-Lewis, Lynn Hirschberg described how the multi-awarded actor
prepared for his role as dressmaker Reynolds Woodcock in Paul Thomas Anderson's film, Phantom
Thread. She wrote:

"To become Woodcock, Day-Lewis, who is 60, watched archival footage of fashion shows from the
1940s and ’50s, studied the lives of designers, and most important, learned to sew. He consulted
with Cassie Davies-Strodder, then curator of fashion and textiles at the Victoria and Albert Museum,
in London. And for many months he apprenticed under Marc Happel, who is head of the costume
department at the New York City Ballet, watching intently and then helping to reconstruct the famous
Marc Chagall costumes for a production of Firebird. At the end of the ballet season, Day-Lewis
decided he needed to build a couture piece from scratch."

Many people within and outside the entertainment industry tend to belittle what actors do or acting
itself. However, professional thespians like Daniel Day-Lewis exert a great deal of effort to make
their characters believable. The dedication they give to studying their roles involves a tremendous
amount of research.
A number of films, theater plays, broadcast dramas, and online videos present stories based on real-
life events and problems. A serious writer or content producer sees how vital research is in
substantiating the context of the featured stories to entertain and/or educate audiences in different
media platforms.

As Terry Freedman opined in "The Importance of Research for ICT Teachers" (2011): "Research
can shed light on issues we didn’t even know existed, and can raise questions we hadn’t realised
even needed asking." Thus, almost all writers of imaginary tales and non-fictive accounts do
research, for doing so helps them create a good story and/or achieve strong credibility.
3. An Aid to Business Success
Research benefits business. Many successful companies, such as those producing consumer goods
or mass-market items, invest in research and development or R&D. Different business industries
with science and engineering processes like agriculture, food and beverage, manufacturing,
healthcare and pharmaceuticals, computer software, semiconductor, information and communication
technology, construction, robotics, aerospace, aviation, and energy have high R&D expenditure
because it is critical to product innovation and to improving services.
R&D also helps secure a vantage point over competitors. Finding out how to make things happen
and what could differentiate them from others that offer similar products and services can raise the
company’s market value. Certainly, having relevant knowledge in achieving a good commercial
image through sound business strategies like investing in R&D can boost its profitability.

In addition, R&D is essential to supporting a country's economy. For instance, the United Kingdom's
Department of Business Innovation and Skills (BIS), now known as the Department for Business,
Energy and Industrial Strategy, used to publish an annual R&D Scoreboard. The report served "...as
a benchmarking tool for companies, investors and policymakers" for 20 years. However, due to the
UK government's austerity measures, it was last produced in 2010.

4. A Way to Prove Lies and to Support Truths

Ever experienced feeling that your mate is having an affair behind your back? Some people would
overlook that and say that it's better not to know; others though would take discreet action, hiring
detectives to do the work. What does research have to do with that situation? A lot.

Doing research to reveal lies or truths involving personal affairs contributes in either making a
relationship work or in breaking away from a dysfunctional one. For the monogamous lot, doing
research to disprove or prove infidelity is not simply a trust issue, but a right to find out the truth -
unless one's intimate partner has already admitted being polyamorous even before the relationship
started. When a person dislikes answering relationship-related questions, including her or his
whereabouts, it is better to see that as a red flag and take baby steps to save yourself from what
could become a more serious emotional mess later.
Scientists also deal with research to test the validity and reliability of their claims or those of other
scientists'. Their integrity and competence depend on the quality - and not just quantity - of their
research. Nonetheless, not everything scientists come up with get accepted or learned by everyone,
especially when factors like religion, state suppression, and access to resources and social services
(e.g., education and adequate health programs) either feed the poor majority with lies or deter them
from knowing truths to preserve the status quo.

Professional and credible journalists undertake thorough research to establish the veracity of their
stories. The movie "Shattered Glass" shown in 2003 tells the rise-and-fall story of a real-life journalist
who worked for the The New Republic based in New York City. Sans investigative research done by
fellow journalists, Stephen Glass could have written more fictitious pieces for said editorial
magazine.

With the use of internet technology and social media, pseudo journalism has become a social
concern. Fake news took center stage during the 2016 presidential campaign period in the United
States. For instance, Snopes.com, a rumor research site, debunked the following "scoops" posted
online:
  An FBI agent believed to be responsible for the latest email leaks “pertinent to the investigation”
into Hillary Clinton’s private email server while she was Secretary of State, was found dead in
an apparent murder-suicide... (Reported on November 5, 2016 by the Denver Guardian)
 In a final speech to the synod, Pope Francis endorsed Senator Bernie Sanders for President of
the United States... (Reported on October 26, 2015 by the National
Report and USAToday.com.co)
 Thousands of pre-marked ballots for Hillary Clinton and other Democratic candidates were
found in a warehouse in Ohio. (Reported on September 30, 2016 by the Christian Times
Newspaper)
 Assange: Bernie Sanders Was Threatened To Drop Out Of The Race (Reported on August 29,
2016 by USA Supreme)
 News outlets around the world are reporting on the news that Pope Francis has made the
unprecedented decision to endorse a US presidential candidate. His statement in support of
Donald Trump... (Reported in July 2016 by the WTOE 5 News)
 After Gay Club Massacre - Phoenix LGBT Officially Endorses Trump (Reported on June 13,
2016 by the Gateway Pundit)
 African-American supporter of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has died after
allegedly sustaining gunshot wounds in the aftermath of Friday night's chaos in Chicago.
(Reported on March 12, 2016 by the Christian Times Newspaper)
According to Pew Research, social media, especially Facebook, serve as the source of news for
over 60 percent of adult Americans (Chang, Lefferman, Pedersen & Martz, 2016). Besides the
platform, fake news have become profitable for pseudo journalists whose main goal is to attract
reader clicks that lead to Google Adsense revenues.
Fact-checking to know the truth is integral to the process of research, for it is fueled by an inquisitive
and critical mind. Murray, Social News and UGC Hub (2016) suggest that before news readers
share information on social media, they need to assess the integrity of the news source and check
for similar news on legitimate media outlets.
Genuine journalists do not rely on imagination for their news reports nor do they avoid doing
research. They eschew propaganda and have no intention of misleading the public. They are
messengers of truth, not lies.
5. Means to Find, Gauge, and Seize
Opportunities
Research helps people nurture their potential and achieve goals through various opportunities.
These can be in the form of securing employment, scholarships, training grants, project funding,
business collaboration, and budget traveling, among others.
For those looking for a job or for greener pastures, research is necessary. Through this process,
not only will the unemployed increase their chances of finding potential employers either
through job posting sites or employment agencies, but it can inform them if work
opportunities are legitimate. Without research, the gullible, yet hopeful jobseeker or migrant
worker may fall prey to unscrupulous headhunters who might be involved in illegal recruitment
and/or human trafficking.
After finding a free or low-cost academic course or skills development training, students and
professionals can assess their eligibility and know about application requirements and deadlines.
Such an opportunity could hone their skills and knowledge, as well as enable them to build new
connections.
Doing research also benefit civil society and its members. Funding for projects and research
initiatives has been a top concern for those who want to address social issues. However, not all
funding organizations accept proposals year-long nor are they interested in solving many social
problems. Thus, it is necessary to research for agencies that match the objectives of individuals
and non-profits involved in advocacy or programs that seek social change.
A wannabe business owner can likewise meet potential investors through research. He/She can
examine their profiles and they can do the same. A good fit in terms of vision, mission, goals and
work ethic, as well as the capital needed to launch the business is critical to making the
opportunity succeed for both.
Some hobbies and interests are expensive to pursue. One of these is traveling. For budget-
conscious tourists, searching for airfare and hotel promos, discount rides, and cheap markets is
certainly a must to maximize the value of their money.
Seizing opportunities can broaden one's social network, raise one's awareness, or secure the
support one direly needs to start a project or a business. Indeed, research contributes to a person's
ability to make life-changing decisions. It encourages self-growth, participation in worthwhile
causes, and living productively.
6. A Seed to Love Reading, Writing, Analyzing, and
Sharing Valuable Information
Research entails both reading and writing. These two literacy functions help enable computation and
comprehension. Without these skills, it is less likely for anyone to appreciate and get involved in
research. Reading opens the mind to a vast horizon of knowledge, while writing helps a reader use
her/his own perspective and transform this into a more concrete idea that s/he understands.
Apart from reading and writing, listening and speaking are also integral in conducting research.
Interviews, attending knowledge-generating events, and casual talks with anyone certainly aid in
formulating research topics. They can also facilitate the critical thinking process. Listening to experts
discuss the merits of their studies helps the listener to analyze a certain issue and write about such
analysis.

With the wide array of ideas available, scholars and non-scholars involved in research are able to
share information with a larger audience. Some view this process as ego-boosting, while others see
it as a means to stimulate interest and encourage further studies about certain issues or situations.
As literacy is integral in improving a person's social and economic mobility and in increasing
awareness, research then hones necessary basic life skills and makes learning a life-long endeavor.
7. Nourishment and Exercise for the Mind
Curiosity may kill not just the cat, but the human as well. Yet, it is the same curiosity that fuels the
mind to seek for answers. The College Admissions Partners (n.d.) notes how scientific research in
particular "helps students develop critical reasoning skills...helpful for any field of higher education..."
Such search or the thinking process is food for the brain, allowing creativity and logic to remain
active. It also helps prevent mental illnesses like Alzheimer's.

Several studies have shown that mentally stimulating activities like doing research can contribute to
brain health. In "Educating the Brain to Avoid Dementia: Can Mental Exercise Prevent Alzheimer
Disease?", Margaret Gatz (2005) enumerated research findings that support such position.
However, she also noted that there may be other factors involved in averting said mental problem.
One of these is intelligence. A study involving 11 year-old pupils in Scotland in 2000, for instance,
pointed to intelligence quotient (IQ) scores as "predictive of future dementia risk". Gatz opined that
clinical trials are needed and that "conclusions must be based on large samples, followed over a
long period of time." She further posited:
"...we have little evidence that mental practice will help prevent the development of dementia. We
have better evidence that good brain health is multiply determined, that brain development early in
life matters, and that genetic influences are of great importance in accounting for individual
differences in cognitive reserve and in explaining who develops Alzheimer disease and who does
not...
For older adults, health practices that could influence the brain include sound nutrition, sufficient
sleep, stress management, treatment of mood or anxiety disorders, good vascular health, physical
exercise, and avoidance of head trauma. But there is no convincing evidence that memory practice
and other cognitively stimulating activities are sufficient to prevent Alzheimer disease; it is not just a
case of “use it or lose it.”"

Gatz would have not formed such perspective if she failed to conduct her own research about the
effects of mentally stimulating activities on the human brain. This demonstrates how research can be
both an exciting and challenging cerebral endeavor. Various studies may or may not support each
other based on gathered information and/or other evidence. Data collection and analysis are vital
aspects of the research process. These are mental activities that both expend brain energy and
nurture brain health.
Indeed, research and doing research encourage people to explore possibilities, to understand
existing issues, and to disclose truths and fabricated ones. Without research, technological
advancement and other developments could have remained a fantasy. Reading, writing, observing,
analyzing, and social interaction facilitate an inquisitive mind's quest for knowledge, learning, and
wisdom. Research serves as a bridge to achieve that goal.