Research is "creative and systematic work undertaken to increase the stock of knowledge".

It
involves the collection, organization, and analysis of information to increase understanding of a topic
or issue. A research project may be an expansion on past work in the field.

Research is a careful and detailed study into a specific problem, concern, or issue using the
scientific method. These can come from observing the world, prior research, professional
literature, or from peers. ... Research really begins with the right question, because your
question must be answerable

Most research can be divided into three different categories: exploratory, descriptive and

causal. Each serves a different end purpose and can only be used in certain ways. In the
online survey world, mastery of all three can lead to sounder insights and greater quality
information.