Research and investigation
Introduction > Getting Started in Science

Getting Started in Science


Research is an investigation or enquiry into a topic, with the aim to discover, revise or interpret facts. The end result of your research should enhance existing knowledge of your chosen subject area and often provides more questions for you or other researchers to investigate further.

The foundation of all research, regardless of discipline and activity, is the Scientific Method and following it is often a matter of common sense. In reality, you probably already apply the majority of the steps of the Scientific MethodMulti-coloured liquids in test tubes but are unaware of it!

The Scientific Method can be summarised by six steps:

  1. Identifying a research topic and question
  2. Formulating your hypothesis
  3. Testing your hypothesis
  4. Collecting and analysing data
  5. Drawing your conclusions
  6. Communicating your findings.
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