Not all writing requires research. By the time we reach early adulthood, most of us have formed some opinions and gathered some information that we can impart to others without research. Most of us can write an ordinary letter or essay without the benefit of research.
When we are asked to investigate an area about which we may need more detailed knowledge, however, we may engage in research. Research, a cognitively complex activity, requires some discipline and sophisticated skills. It plays a role in creating knowledge about a subject, managing conflicting information, and thinking about a field of study. Research helps us understand why asking questions is important to our education.
Research is necessary when we don’t already have sufficient detailed information at our fingertips.
Student Services: 1616 McCormick Drive, Largo, MD 20774
Mailing Address: 3501 University Blvd. East, Adelphi, MD 20783
Copyright © 2011 University of Maryland University College (UMUC). All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without prior written permission of the copyright holder.
All links to external sites were verified at the time of publication. UMUC is not responsible for the validity or integrity of information located at external sites.