definition of research skills

What are research skills?

Last updated

26 April 2023

Reviewed by

Broadly, it includes a range of talents required to:

Find useful information

Perform critical analysis

Form hypotheses

Solve problems

It also includes processes such as time management, communication, and reporting skills to achieve those ends.

Research requires a blend of conceptual and detail-oriented modes of thinking. It tests one's ability to transition between subjective motivations and objective assessments to ensure only correct data fits into a meaningfully useful framework.

As countless fields increasingly rely on data management and analysis, polishing your research skills is an important, near-universal way to improve your potential of getting hired and advancing in your career.

Make research less tedious

Dovetail streamlines research to help you uncover and share actionable insights

What are basic research skills?

Almost any research involves some proportion of the following fundamental skills:

Organization

Decision-making

Investigation and analysis

Creative thinking

What are primary research skills?

The following are some of the most universally important research skills that will help you in a wide range of positions:

Time management — From planning and organization to task prioritization and deadline management, time-management skills are highly in-demand workplace skills.

Problem-solving — Identifying issues, their causes, and key solutions are another essential suite of research skills.

Critical thinking — The ability to make connections between data points with clear reasoning is essential to navigate data and extract what's useful towards the original objective.

Communication — In any collaborative environment, team-building and active listening will help researchers convey findings more effectively through data summarizations and report writing.

What are the most important skills in research?

Detail-oriented procedures are essential to research, which allow researchers and their audience to probe deeper into a subject and make connections they otherwise may have missed with generic overviews.

Maintaining priorities is also essential so that details fit within an overarching strategy. Lastly, decision-making is crucial because that's the only way research is translated into meaningful action.

• Why are research skills important?

Good research skills are crucial to learning more about a subject, then using that knowledge to improve an organization's capabilities. Synthesizing that research and conveying it clearly is also important, as employees seek to share useful insights and inspire effective actions.

Effective research skills are essential for those seeking to:

Analyze their target market

Investigate industry trends

Identify customer needs

Detect obstacles

Find solutions to those obstacles

Develop new products or services

Develop new, adaptive ways to meet demands

Discover more efficient ways of acquiring or using resources

Why do we need research skills?

Businesses and individuals alike need research skills to clarify their role in the marketplace, which of course, requires clarity on the market in which they function in. High-quality research helps people stay better prepared for challenges by identifying key factors involved in their day-to-day operations, along with those that might play a significant role in future goals.

• Benefits of having research skills

Research skills increase the effectiveness of any role that's dependent on information. Both individually and organization-wide, good research simplifies what can otherwise be unwieldy amounts of data. It can help maintain order by organizing information and improving efficiency, both of which set the stage for improved revenue growth.

Those with highly effective research skills can help reveal both:

Opportunities for improvement

Brand-new or previously unseen opportunities

Research skills can then help identify how to best take advantage of available opportunities. With today's increasingly data-driven economy, it will also increase your potential of getting hired and help position organizations as thought leaders in their marketplace.

• Research skills examples

Being necessarily broad, research skills encompass many sub-categories of skillsets required to extrapolate meaning and direction from dense informational resources. Identifying, interpreting, and applying research are several such subcategories—but to be specific, workplaces of almost any type have some need of:

Searching for information

Attention to detail

Taking notes

Problem-solving

Communicating results

Time management

• How to improve your research skills

Whether your research goals are to learn more about a subject or enhance workflows, you can improve research skills with this failsafe, four-step strategy:

Make an outline, and set your intention(s)

Know your sources

Learn to use advanced search techniques

Practice, practice, practice (and don't be afraid to adjust your approach)

These steps could manifest themselves in many ways, but what's most important is that it results in measurable progress toward the original goals that compelled you to research a subject.

• Using research skills at work

Different research skills will be emphasized over others, depending on the nature of your trade. To use research most effectively, concentrate on improving research skills most relevant to your position—or, if working solo, the skills most likely have the strongest impact on your goals.

You might divide the necessary research skills into categories for short, medium, and long-term goals or according to each activity your position requires. That way, when a challenge arises in your workflow, it's clearer which specific research skill requires dedicated attention.

How can I learn research skills?

Learning research skills can be done with a simple three-point framework:

Clarify the objective — Before delving into potentially overwhelming amounts of data, take a moment to define the purpose of your research. If at any point you lose sight of the original objective, take another moment to ask how you could adjust your approach to better fit the original objective.

Scrutinize sources — Cross-reference data with other sources, paying close attention to each author's credentials and motivations.

Organize research — Establish and continually refine a data-organization system that works for you. This could be an index of resources or compiling data under different categories designed for easy access.

Which careers require research skills?

Especially in today's world, most careers require some, if not extensive, research. Developers, marketers, and others dealing in primarily digital properties especially require extensive research skills—but it's just as important in building and manufacturing industries, where research is crucial to construct products correctly and safely.

Engineering, legal, medical, and literally any other specialized field will require excellent research skills. Truly, almost any career path will involve some level of research skills; and even those requiring only minimal research skills will at least require research to find and compare open positions in the first place.

Editor’s picks

Last updated: 11 January 2024

Last updated: 15 January 2024

Last updated: 25 November 2023

Last updated: 12 May 2023

Last updated: 30 April 2024

Last updated: 18 May 2023

Last updated: 10 April 2023

Latest articles

Related topics, .css-je19u9{-webkit-align-items:flex-end;-webkit-box-align:flex-end;-ms-flex-align:flex-end;align-items:flex-end;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:wrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:wrap;-ms-flex-wrap:wrap;flex-wrap:wrap;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;row-gap:0;text-align:center;max-width:671px;}@media (max-width: 1079px){.css-je19u9{max-width:400px;}.css-je19u9>span{white-space:pre;}}@media (max-width: 799px){.css-je19u9{max-width:400px;}.css-je19u9>span{white-space:pre;}} decide what to .css-1kiodld{max-height:56px;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;}@media (max-width: 1079px){.css-1kiodld{display:none;}} build next, decide what to build next.

Users report unexpectedly high data usage, especially during streaming sessions.

Users find it hard to navigate from the home page to relevant playlists in the app.

It would be great to have a sleep timer feature, especially for bedtime listening.

I need better filters to find the songs or artists I’m looking for.

Log in or sign up

Get started for free

• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer
• QuestionPro

• Solutions Industries Gaming Automotive Sports and events Education Government Travel & Hospitality Financial Services Healthcare Cannabis Technology Use Case NPS+ Communities Audience Contactless surveys Mobile LivePolls Member Experience GDPR Positive People Science 360 Feedback Surveys
• Resources Blog eBooks Survey Templates Case Studies Training Help center

Home Market Research Research Tools and Apps

Research Skills: What they are and Benefits

Research skills play a vital role in the success of any research project, enabling individuals to navigate the vast sea of information, analyze data critically, and draw meaningful conclusions. Whether conducting academic research, professional investigations, or personal inquiries, strong research skills are essential for obtaining accurate and reliable results.

LEARN ABOUT:   Research Process Steps

By understanding and developing these skills, individuals can embark on their research endeavors with confidence, integrity, and the capability to make meaningful contributions in their chosen fields. This article will explore the importance of research skills and discuss critical competencies necessary for conducting a research project effectively.

Content Index

What are Research Skills?

Important research skills for research project, benefits of research skills.

• Improving your Research Skills

Talk to Experts to Improve Skills

Research skills are the capability a person carries to create new concepts and understand the use of data collection. These skills include techniques, documentation, and interpretation of the collected data. Research is conducted to evaluate hypotheses and share the findings most appropriately. Research skills improve as we gain experience.

To conduct efficient research, specific research skills are essential. These skills are necessary for companies to develop new products and services or enhance existing products. To develop good research skills is important for both the individual as well as the company.

When undertaking a research project, one must possess specific important skills to ensure the project’s success and accuracy. Here are some essential research skills that are crucial for conducting a project effectively:

Time Management Skills:

Time management is an essential research skill; it helps you break down your project into parts and enables you to manage it easier. One can create a dead-line oriented plan for the research project and assign time for each task. Time management skills include setting goals for the project, planning and organizing functions as per their priority, and efficiently delegating these tasks.

Communication Skills:

These skills help you understand and receive important information and also allow you to share your findings with others in an effective manner. Active listening and speaking are critical skills for solid communication. A researcher must have good communication skills.

Problem-Solving:  

The ability to handle complex situations and business challenges and come up with solutions for them is termed problem-solving. To problem-solve, you should be able to fully understand the extent of the problem and then break it down into smaller parts. Once segregated into smaller chunks, you can start thinking about each element and analyze it to find a solution.

Information gathering and attention to detail:

Relevant information is the key to good research design . Searching for credible resources and collecting information from there will help you strengthen your research proposal and drive you to solutions faster. Once you have access to information, paying close attention to all the details and drawing conclusions based on the findings is essential.

Research Design and Methodology :

Understanding research design and methodology is essential for planning and conducting a project. Depending on the research question and objectives, researchers must select appropriate research methods, such as surveys, experiments, interviews, or case studies. Proficiency in designing research protocols, data collection instruments, and sampling strategies is crucial for obtaining reliable and valid results.

Data Collection and Analysis :

Researchers should be skilled in collecting and analyzing data accurately. It involves designing data collection instruments, collecting data through various methods, such as surveys or observations, and organizing and analyzing the collected data using appropriate statistical or qualitative analysis techniques. Proficiency in using software tools like SPSS, Excel, or qualitative analysis software can be beneficial.

By developing and strengthening these research skills, researchers can enhance the quality and impact of their research process, contributing to good research skills in their respective fields.

Research skills are invaluable assets that can benefit individuals in various aspects of their lives. Here are some key benefits of developing and honing research skills:

Boosts Curiosity :

Curiosity is a strong desire to know things and a powerful learning driver. Curious researchers will naturally ask questions that demand answers and will stop in the search for answers. Interested people are better listeners and are open to listening to other people’s ideas and perspectives, not just their own.

Cultivates Self-awareness :

As well as being aware of other people’s subjective opinions, one must develop the importance of research skills and be mindful of the benefits of awareness research; we are exposed to many things while researching. Once we start doing research, the benefit from it reflects on the beliefs and attitudes and encourages them to open their minds to other perspectives and ways of looking at things.

Effective Communication:

Research skills contribute to practical communication skills by enhancing one’s ability to articulate ideas, opinions, and findings clearly and coherently. Through research, individuals learn to organize their thoughts, present evidence-based arguments, and effectively convey complex information to different audiences. These skills are crucial in academic research settings, professional environments, and personal interactions.

Personal and Professional Growth :

Developing research skills fosters personal and professional growth by instilling a sense of curiosity, intellectual independence, and a lifelong learning mindset. Research encourages individuals to seek knowledge, challenge assumptions, and embrace intellectual growth. These skills also enhance adaptability as individuals become adept at navigating and assimilating new information, staying updated with the latest developments, and adjusting their perspectives and strategies accordingly.

Academic Success:

Research skills are essential for academic research success. They enable students to conduct thorough literature reviews, gather evidence to support their arguments, and critically evaluate existing research. By honing their research skills, students can produce well-structured, evidence-based essays, projects, and dissertations demonstrating high academic research rigor and analytical thinking.

Professional Advancement:

Research skills are highly valued in the professional world. They are crucial for conducting market research, analyzing trends, identifying opportunities, and making data-driven decisions. Employers appreciate individuals who can effectively gather and analyze information, solve complex problems, and provide evidence-based recommendations. Research skills also enable professionals to stay updated with advancements in their field, positioning themselves as knowledgeable and competent experts.

Developing and nurturing research skills can significantly benefit individuals in numerous aspects of their lives, enabling them to thrive in an increasingly information-driven world.

Improving Your Research Skills

There are many things you can do to improve your research skills and utilize them in your research or day job. Here are some examples:

• Develop Information Literacy: Strengthening your information literacy skills is crucial for conducting thorough research. It involves identifying reliable sources, evaluating the credibility of information, and navigating different research databases.
• Enhance Critical Thinking: Critical thinking is an essential skill for effective research. It involves analyzing information, questioning assumptions, and evaluating arguments. Practice critical analysis by analyzing thoughtfully, identifying biases, and considering alternative perspectives.
• Master Research Methodologies: Familiarize yourself with different research methodologies relevant to your field. Whether it’s qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods research, realizing the strengths and limitations of each approach is crucial.
• Practice Effective Time Management: Research requires dedicated time and effort. Develop good time management skills to ensure that you allocate sufficient time for each stage of the research process, including planning, data collection, analysis, and writing.
• Embrace Collaboration: Collaborating with peers and colleagues can provide a fresh perspective and enrich your research experience. Engage in discussions, share ideas, and seek feedback from others. Collaborative projects allow for exchanging knowledge and skills.
• Continuously Update Your Knowledge: Stay informed about your field’s latest developments and advancements. Regularly read scholarly articles, attend conferences, and follow reputable sources of information to stay up to date with current research trends.

There is plenty of information available on the internet about every topic; hence, learning skills to know which information is relevant and credible is very important. Today most search engines have the feature of advanced search, and you can customize the search as per your preference. Once you learn this skill, it will help you find information. 

Experts possess a wealth of knowledge, experience, and insights that can significantly enhance your understanding and abilities in conducting research. Experts have often encountered numerous challenges and hurdles throughout their research journey and have developed effective problem-solving techniques. Engaging with experts is a highly effective approach to improving research skills.

Moreover, experts can provide valuable feedback and constructive criticism on your research work. They can offer fresh perspectives, identify areas for improvement, and help you refine your research questions, methodology, and analysis.

At QuestionPro, we can help you with the necessary tools to carry out your projects, and we have created the following free resources to help you in your professional growth:

• Survey Templates

Research skills are invaluable assets that empower individuals to navigate the ever-expanding realm of information, make informed decisions, and contribute to advancing knowledge. With advanced research tools and technologies like QuestionPro Survey Software, researchers have potent resources to conduct comprehensive surveys, gather data, and analyze results efficiently.

Where data-driven decision-making is crucial, research skills supported by advanced tools like QuestionPro are essential for researchers to stay ahead and make impactful contributions to their fields. By embracing these research skills and leveraging the capabilities of powerful survey software, researchers can unlock new possibilities, gain deeper insights, and pave the way for meaningful discoveries.

Authors : Gargi Ghamandi & Sandeep Kokane

FREE TRIAL         LEARN MORE

MORE LIKE THIS

The Best Email Survey Tool to Boost Your Feedback Game

May 7, 2024

Top 10 Employee Engagement Survey Tools

Top 20 Employee Engagement Software Solutions

May 3, 2024

15 Best Customer Experience Software of 2024

May 2, 2024

Other categories

• Academic Research
• Artificial Intelligence
• Assessments
• Brand Awareness
• Case Studies
• Communities
• Consumer Insights
• Customer effort score
• Customer Engagement
• Customer Experience
• Customer Loyalty
• Customer Research
• Customer Satisfaction
• Employee Benefits
• Employee Engagement
• Employee Retention
• Friday Five
• General Data Protection Regulation
• Insights Hub
• Life@QuestionPro
• Market Research
• Mobile diaries
• Mobile Surveys
• New Features
• Online Communities
• Question Types
• Questionnaire
• QuestionPro Products
• Release Notes
• Research Tools and Apps
• Revenue at Risk
• Training Tips
• Uncategorized
• Video Learning Series
• What’s Coming Up
• Workforce Intelligence

Explore Jobs

• Jobs Near Me
• Remote Jobs
• Full Time Jobs
• Part Time Jobs
• Entry Level Jobs
• Work From Home Jobs

Find Specific Jobs

• $15 Per Hour Jobs
• $20 Per Hour Jobs
• Hiring Immediately Jobs
• High School Jobs
• H1b Visa Jobs

Explore Careers

• Business And Financial
• Architecture And Engineering
• Computer And Mathematical

Explore Professions

• What They Do
• Certifications
• Demographics

Best Companies

• Health Care
• Fortune 500

Explore Companies

• CEO And Executies
• Resume Builder
• Career Advice
• Explore Majors
• Questions And Answers
• Interview Questions

The Most Important Research Skills (With Examples)

• What Are Hard Skills?
• What Are Technical Skills?
• What Are What Are Life Skills?
• What Are Social Media Skills Resume?
• What Are Administrative Skills?
• What Are Analytical Skills?
• What Are Research Skills?
• What Are Transferable Skills?
• What Are Microsoft Office Skills?
• What Are Clerical Skills?
• What Are Computer Skills?
• What Are Core Competencies?
• What Are Collaboration Skills?
• What Are Conflict Resolution Skills?
• What Are Mathematical Skills?
• How To Delegate

Find a Job You Really Want In

Research skills are the ability to find out accurate information on a topic. They include being able to determine the data you need, find and interpret those findings, and then explain that to others. Being able to do effective research is a beneficial skill in any profession, as data and research inform how businesses operate.

Whether you’re unsure of your research skills or are looking for ways to further improve them, then this article will cover important research skills and how to become even better at research.

Key Takeaways

Having strong research skills can help you understand your competitors, develop new processes, and build your professional skills in addition to aiding you in finding new customers and saving your company money.

Some of the most valuable research skills you can have include goal setting, data collection, and analyzing information from multiple sources.

You can and should put your research skills on your resume and highlight them in your job interviews.

What are research skills?

Why are research skills important, 12 of the most important research skills, how to improve your research skills, highlighting your research skills in a job interview, how to include research skills on your resume, resume examples showcasing research skills, research skills faqs.

• Sign Up For More Advice and Jobs

Research skills are the necessary tools to be able to find, compile, and interpret information in order to answer a question. Of course, there are several aspects to this. Researchers typically have to decide how to go about researching a problem — which for most people is internet research.

In addition, you need to be able to interpret the reliability of a source, put the information you find together in an organized and logical way, and be able to present your findings to others. That means that they’re comprised of both hard skills — knowing your subject and what’s true and what isn’t — and soft skills. You need to be able to interpret sources and communicate clearly.

Research skills are useful in any industry, and have applications in innovation, product development, competitor research, and many other areas. In addition, the skills used in researching aren’t only useful for research. Being able to interpret information is a necessary skill, as is being able to clearly explain your reasoning.

Research skills are used to:

Do competitor research. Knowing what your biggest competitors are up to is an essential part of any business. Researching what works for your competitors, what they’re doing better than you, and where you can improve your standing with the lowest resource expenditure are all essential if a company wants to remain functional.

Develop new processes and products. You don’t have to be involved in research and development to make improvements in how your team gets things done. Researching new processes that make your job (and those of your team) more efficient will be valued by any sensible employer.

Foster self-improvement. Folks who have a knack and passion for research are never content with doing things the same way they’ve always been done. Organizations need independent thinkers who will seek out their own answers and improve their skills as a matter of course. These employees will also pick up new technologies more easily.

Manage customer relationships. Being able to conduct research on your customer base is positively vital in virtually every industry. It’s hard to move products or sell services if you don’t know what people are interested in. Researching your customer base’s interests, needs, and pain points is a valuable responsibility.

Save money. Whether your company is launching a new product or just looking for ways to scale back its current spending, research is crucial for finding wasted resources and redirecting them to more deserving ends. Anyone who proactively researches ways that the company can save money will be highly appreciated by their employer.

Solve problems. Problem solving is a major part of a lot of careers, and research skills are instrumental in making sure your solution is effective. Finding out the cause of the problem and determining an effective solution both require accurate information, and research is the best way to obtain that — be it via the internet or by observation.

Determine reliable information. Being able to tell whether or not the information you receive seems accurate is a very valuable skill. While research skills won’t always guarantee that you’ll be able to tell the reliability of the information at first glance, it’ll prevent you from being too trusting. And it’ll give the tools to double-check .

Experienced researchers know that worthwhile investigation involves a variety of skills. Consider which research skills come naturally to you, and which you could work on more.

Data collection . When thinking about the research process, data collection is often the first thing that comes to mind. It is the nuts and bolts of research. How data is collected can be flexible.

For some purposes, simply gathering facts and information on the internet can fulfill your need. Others may require more direct and crowd-sourced research. Having experience in various methods of data collection can make your resume more impressive to recruiters.

Data collection methods include: Observation Interviews Questionnaires Experimentation Conducting focus groups

Analysis of information from different sources. Putting all your eggs in one source basket usually results in error and disappointment. One of the skills that good researchers always incorporate into their process is an abundance of sources. It’s also best practice to consider the reliability of these sources.

Are you reading about U.S. history on a conspiracy theorist’s blog post? Taking facts for a presentation from an anonymous Twitter account?

If you can’t determine the validity of the sources you’re using, it can compromise all of your research. That doesn’t mean just disregard anything on the internet but double-check your findings. In fact, quadruple-check. You can make your research even stronger by turning to references outside of the internet.

Examples of reliable information sources include: Published books Encyclopedias Magazines Databases Scholarly journals Newspapers Library catalogs

Finding information on the internet. While it can be beneficial to consulate alternative sources, strong internet research skills drive modern-day research.

One of the great things about the internet is how much information it contains, however, this comes with digging through a lot of garbage to get to the facts you need. The ability to efficiently use the vast database of knowledge that is on the internet without getting lost in the junk is very valuable to employers.

Internet research skills include: Source checking Searching relevant questions Exploring deeper than the first options Avoiding distraction Giving credit Organizing findings

Interviewing. Some research endeavors may require a more hands-on approach than just consulting internet sources. Being prepared with strong interviewing skills can be very helpful in the research process.

Interviews can be a useful research tactic to gain first-hand information and being able to manage a successful interview can greatly improve your research skills.

Interviewing skills involves: A plan of action Specific, pointed questions Respectfulness Considering the interview setting Actively Listening Taking notes Gratitude for participation

Report writing. Possessing skills in report writing can assist you in job and scholarly research. The overall purpose of a report in any context is to convey particular information to its audience.

Effective report writing is largely dependent on communication. Your boss, professor , or general reader should walk away completely understanding your findings and conclusions.

Report writing skills involve: Proper format Including a summary Focusing on your initial goal Creating an outline Proofreading Directness

Critical thinking. Critical thinking skills can aid you greatly throughout the research process, and as an employee in general. Critical thinking refers to your data analysis skills. When you’re in the throes of research, you need to be able to analyze your results and make logical decisions about your findings.

Critical thinking skills involve: Observation Analysis Assessing issues Problem-solving Creativity Communication

Planning and scheduling. Research is a work project like any other, and that means it requires a little forethought before starting. Creating a detailed outline map for the points you want to touch on in your research produces more organized results.

It also makes it much easier to manage your time. Planning and scheduling skills are important to employers because they indicate a prepared employee.

Planning and scheduling skills include: Setting objectives Identifying tasks Prioritizing Delegating if needed Vision Communication Clarity Time-management

Note-taking. Research involves sifting through and taking in lots of information. Taking exhaustive notes ensures that you will not neglect any findings later and allows you to communicate these results to your co-workers. Being able to take good notes helps summarize research.

Examples of note-taking skills include: Focus Organization Using short-hand Keeping your objective in mind Neatness Highlighting important points Reviewing notes afterward

Communication skills. Effective research requires being able to understand and process the information you receive, either written or spoken. That means that you need strong reading comprehension and writing skills — two major aspects of communication — as well as excellent listening skills.

Most research also involves showcasing your findings. This can be via a presentation. , report, chart, or Q&A. Whatever the case, you need to be able to communicate your findings in a way that educates your audience.

Communication skills include: Reading comprehension Writing Listening skills Presenting to an audience Creating graphs or charts Explaining in layman’s terms

Time management. We’re, unfortunately, only given 24 measly hours in a day. The ability to effectively manage this time is extremely powerful in a professional context. Hiring managers seek candidates who can accomplish goals in a given timeframe.

Strong time management skills mean that you can organize a plan for how to break down larger tasks in a project and complete them by a deadline. Developing your time management skills can greatly improve the productivity of your research.

Time management skills include: Scheduling Creating task outlines Strategic thinking Stress-management Delegation Communication Utilizing resources Setting realistic expectations Meeting deadlines

Using your network. While this doesn’t seem immediately relevant to research skills, remember that there are a lot of experts out there. Knowing what people’s areas of expertise and asking for help can be tremendously beneficial — especially if it’s a subject you’re unfamiliar with.

Your coworkers are going to have different areas of expertise than you do, and your network of people will as well. You may even know someone who knows someone who’s knowledgeable in the area you’re researching. Most people are happy to share their expertise, as it’s usually also an area of interest to them.

Networking involves: Remembering people’s areas of expertise Being willing to ask for help Communication Returning favors Making use of advice Asking for specific assistance

Attention to detail. Research is inherently precise. That means that you need to be attentive to the details, both in terms of the information you’re gathering, but also in where you got it from. Making errors in statistics can have a major impact on the interpretation of the data, not to mention that it’ll reflect poorly on you.

There are proper procedures for citing sources that you should follow. That means that your sources will be properly credited, preventing accusations of plagiarism. In addition, it means that others can make use of your research by returning to the original sources.

Attention to detail includes: Double checking statistics Taking notes Keeping track of your sources Staying organized Making sure graphs are accurate and representative Properly citing sources

As with many professional skills, research skills serve us in our day to day life. Any time you search for information on the internet, you’re doing research. That means that you’re practicing it outside of work as well. If you want to continue improving your research skills, both for professional and personal use, here are some tips to try.

Differentiate between source quality. A researcher is only as good as their worst source. Start paying attention to the quality of the sources you use, and be suspicious of everything your read until you check out the attributions and works cited.

Be critical and ask yourself about the author’s bias, where the author’s research aligns with the larger body of verified research in the field, and what publication sponsored or published the research.

Use multiple resources. When you can verify information from a multitude of sources, it becomes more and more credible. To bolster your faith in one source, see if you can find another source that agrees with it.

Don’t fall victim to confirmation bias. Confirmation bias is when a researcher expects a certain outcome and then goes to find data that supports this hypothesis. It can even go so far as disregarding anything that challenges the researcher’s initial hunch. Be prepared for surprising answers and keep an open mind.

Be open to the idea that you might not find a definitive answer. It’s best to be honest and say that you found no definitive answer instead of just confirming what you think your boss or coworkers expect or want to hear. Experts and good researchers are willing to say that they don’t know.

Stay organized. Being able to cite sources accurately and present all your findings is just as important as conducting the research itself. Start practicing good organizational skills , both on your devices and for any physical products you’re using.

Get specific as you go. There’s nothing wrong with starting your research in a general way. After all, it’s important to become familiar with the terminology and basic gist of the researcher’s findings before you dig down into all the minutia.

A job interview is itself a test of your research skills. You can expect questions on what you know about the company, the role, and your field or industry more generally. In order to give expert answers on all these topics, research is crucial.

Start by researching the company . Look into how they communicate with the public through social media, what their mission statement is, and how they describe their culture.

Pay close attention to the tone of their website. Is it hyper professional or more casual and fun-loving? All of these elements will help decide how best to sell yourself at the interview.

Next, research the role. Go beyond the job description and reach out to current employees working at your desired company and in your potential department. If you can find out what specific problems your future team is or will be facing, you’re sure to impress hiring managers and recruiters with your ability to research all the facts.

Finally, take time to research the job responsibilities you’re not as comfortable with. If you’re applying for a job that represents increased difficulty or entirely new tasks, it helps to come into the interview with at least a basic knowledge of what you’ll need to learn.

Research projects require dedication. Being committed is a valuable skill for hiring managers. Whether you’ve had research experience throughout education or a former job, including it properly can boost the success of your resume .

Consider how extensive your research background is. If you’ve worked on multiple, in-depth research projects, it might be best to include it as its own section. If you have less research experience, include it in the skills section .

Focus on your specific role in the research, as opposed to just the research itself. Try to quantify accomplishments to the best of your abilities. If you were put in charge of competitor research, for example, list that as one of the tasks you had in your career.

If it was a particular project, such as tracking the sale of women’s clothing at a tee-shirt company, you can say that you “directed analysis into women’s clothing sales statistics for a market research project.”

Ascertain how directly research skills relate to the job you’re applying for. How strongly you highlight your research skills should depend on the nature of the job the resume is for. If research looks to be a strong component of it, then showcase all of your experience.

If research looks to be tangential, then be sure to mention it — it’s a valuable skill — but don’t put it front and center.

Example #1: Academic Research

Simon Marks 767 Brighton Blvd. | Brooklyn, NY, 27368 | (683)-262-8883 | [email protected] Diligent and hardworking recent graduate seeking a position to develop professional experience and utilize research skills. B.A. in Biological Sciences from New York University. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Lixus Publishing , Brooklyn, NY Office Assistant- September 2018-present Scheduling and updating meetings Managing emails and phone calls Reading entries Worked on a science fiction campaign by researching target demographic Organizing calendars Promoted to office assistant after one year internship Mitch’s Burgers and Fries , Brooklyn, NY Restaurant Manager , June 2014-June 2018 Managed a team of five employees Responsible for coordinating the weekly schedule Hired and trained two employees Kept track of inventory Dealt with vendors Provided customer service Promoted to restaurant manager after two years as a waiter Awarded a $2.00/hr wage increase SKILLS Writing Scientific Research Data analysis Critical thinking Planning Communication RESEARCH Worked on an ecosystem biology project with responsibilities for algae collection and research (2019) Lead a group of freshmen in a research project looking into cell biology (2018) EDUCATION New York University Bachelors in Biological Sciences, September 2016-May 2020

Example #2: Professional Research

Angela Nichols 1111 Keller Dr. | San Francisco, CA | (663)-124-8827 |[email protected] Experienced and enthusiastic marketer with 7 years of professional experience. Seeking a position to apply my marketing and research knowledge. Skills in working on a team and flexibility. EXPERIENCE Apples amp; Oranges Marketing, San Francisco, CA Associate Marketer – April 2017-May 2020 Discuss marketing goals with clients Provide customer service Lead campaigns associated with women’s health Coordinating with a marketing team Quickly solving issues in service and managing conflict Awarded with two raises totaling $10,000 over three years Prestigious Marketing Company, San Francisco, CA Marketer – May 2014-April 2017 Working directly with clients Conducting market research into television streaming preferences Developing marketing campaigns related to television streaming services Report writing Analyzing campaign success statistics Promoted to Marketer from Junior Marketer after the first year Timberlake Public Relations, San Francisco, CA Public Relations Intern – September 2013–May 2014 Working cohesively with a large group of co-workers and supervisors Note-taking during meetings Running errands Managing email accounts Assisting in brainstorming Meeting work deadlines EDUCATION Golden Gate University, San Francisco, CA Bachelor of Arts in Marketing with a minor in Communications – September 2009 – May 2013 SKILLS Marketing Market research Record-keeping Teamwork Presentation. Flexibility

What research skills are important?

Goal-setting and data collection are important research skills. Additional important research skills include:

Using different sources to analyze information.

Finding information on the internet.

Interviewing sources.

Writing reports.

Critical thinking.

Planning and scheduling.

Note-taking.

Managing time.

How do you develop good research skills?

You develop good research skills by learning how to find information from multiple high-quality sources, by being wary of confirmation bias, and by starting broad and getting more specific as you go.

When you learn how to tell a reliable source from an unreliable one and get in the habit of finding multiple sources that back up a claim, you’ll have better quality research.

In addition, when you learn how to keep an open mind about what you’ll find, you’ll avoid falling into the trap of confirmation bias, and by staying organized and narrowing your focus as you go (rather than before you start), you’ll be able to gather quality information more efficiently.

What is the importance of research?

The importance of research is that it informs most decisions and strategies in a business. Whether it’s deciding which products to offer or creating a marketing strategy, research should be used in every part of a company.

Because of this, employers want employees who have strong research skills. They know that you’ll be able to put them to work bettering yourself and the organization as a whole.

Should you put research skills on your resume?

Yes, you should include research skills on your resume as they are an important professional skill. Where you include your research skills on your resume will depend on whether you have a lot of experience in research from a previous job or as part of getting your degree, or if you’ve just cultivated them on your own.

If your research skills are based on experience, you could put them down under the tasks you were expected to perform at the job in question. If not, then you should likely list it in your skills section.

University of the People – The Best Research Skills for Success

Association of Internet Research Specialists — What are Research Skills and Why Are They Important?

MasterClass — How to Improve Your Research Skills: 6 Research Tips

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating / 5. Vote count:

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

Sky Ariella is a professional freelance writer, originally from New York. She has been featured on websites and online magazines covering topics in career, travel, and lifestyle. She received her BA in psychology from Hunter College.

Recent Job Searches

• Registered Nurse Jobs Resume Location
• Truck Driver Jobs Resume Location
• Call Center Representative Jobs Resume Location
• Customer Service Representative Jobs Resume
• Delivery Driver Jobs Resume Location
• Warehouse Worker Jobs Resume Location
• Account Executive Jobs Resume Location
• Sales Associate Jobs Resume Location
• Licensed Practical Nurse Jobs Resume Location
• Company Driver Jobs Resume

Related posts

Master’s In Psychology Jobs [10 Best-Paying + 10 Entry-Level Jobs You Can Do With A Psychology Degree]

The Most Important Clerical Skills (With Examples)

What Are Persuasion Skills? (With Examples)

Internal Analysis: What Is It? (With Examples)

• Career Advice >
• Hard Skills >
• Research Skills

Introduction to research skills: Home

• Learning from lectures
• Managing your time
• Effective reading
• Evaluating Information
• Critical thinking
• Presentation skills
• Studying online
• Writing home
• Maths and Statistics Support
• Problem solving
• Maths skills by discipline
• Introduction to research skills
• Primary research
• Research methods
• Managing data
• Research ethics
• Citing and referencing
• Searching the literature
• What is academic integrity?
• Referencing software
• Integrity Officer/Panel
• Intellectual property and copyright
• Digital skills home

Research skills allow you to find information and use it effectively. It includes creating a strategy to gather facts and reach conclusions so that you can answer a question.

Starting your research

think about your topic – don’t be too vague or too specific (try mind mapping or keyword searching).

read broadly around your subject (don’t just use Google and Wikipedia). Think about a research question that is clearly structured and builds on literature already produced.

find information using the subject databases. View the Database Orientation Program to learn about databases and using search strategies to refine your search and limit results. View our library tutorial on planning your literature search and look at our library subject guides for resources on your specific topic.

Another good starting point for finding information is our library catalogue Library Search  which allows you to search across the library's electronic resources as well as major subject databases and indexes.

carry out a literature review . You may want to include journals, books, websites, grey literature or data and statistics for example. See the list of sources below for more information. Keep a record and organise your references and sources. If you are intending to carry out a systematic review then take a look at the systematic review page on our Research Support library guide.

evaluate your resources – use the CRAAP test (Currency, Relevancy, Authority, Accuracy, Purpose - watch the video, top right). 

reach considered conclusions and make recommendations where necessary.

Your research journey.

Why do I need research skills?

they enable you to locate appropriate information and evaluate it for quality and relevance

they allow you to make good use of information to resolve a problem

they give you the ability to synthesize and communicate your ideas in written and spoken formats

they foster critical thinking

they are highly transferable and can be adapted to many settings including the workplace

You can access more in depth information on areas such as primary research, literature reviews, research methods, and managing data, from the drop down headings under Research Skills on the Academic Skills home page. The related resources in the right-hand column of this page also contain useful supporting information.

• Conference proceedings
• Data & statistics
• Grey literature
• Official publications

Books are good for exploring new subject areas. They help define a topic and provide an in-depth account of a subject.

Scholarly books contain authoritative information including comprehensive accounts of research or scholarship and experts' views on themes and topics. Their bibliographies can lead readers to related books, articles and other sources. 

Details on the electronic books held by the University of Southampton can be found using the library catalogue .

Journals are quicker to publish than books and are often a good source of current information. They are useful when you require information to support an argument or original research written by subject experts.  The bibliographies at the end of journal articles should point you to other relevant research.

Academic journals go through a "peer-review" process. A peer-reviewed journal is one whose articles are checked by experts, so you can be more confident that the information they contain is reliable.

The Library's discovery service Library Search  is a good place to start when searching for journal articles and enables access to anything that is available electronically.

Newspapers enable you to follow current and historical events from multiple perspectives. They are an excellent record of political, social, cultural, and economic events and history.

Newspapers are popular rather than scholarly publications and their content needs to be treated with caution. For example, an account of a particular topic can be biased in favour of that newspaper’s political affiliation or point of view. Always double-check the data/statistics or any other piece of information that a newspaper has used to support an argument before you quote it in your own work.

The library subscribes to various resources which provide full-text access to both current and historical newspapers. Find out more about these on the Library's Newspaper Resources page.

Websites provide information about every topic imaginable, and many will be relevant to your studies.

Use websites with caution as anyone can publish on the Internet and therefore the quality of the information provided is variable. When you’re researching and come across a website you think might be useful, consider whether or not it provides information that is reliable and authoritative enough to use in your work.

Proceedings are collections of papers presented by researchers at academic conferences or symposia. They may be printed volumes or in electronic format.

You can use the information in conference proceedings with a high degree of confidence as the quality is ensured by having external experts read & review the papers before they are accepted in the proceedings.

Find the data and statistics you need, from economics to health, environment to oceanography - and everywhere between - http://library.soton.ac.uk/data .

Grey literature is the term given to non-traditional publications (material not published by mainstream publishers). For example - leaflets, reports, conference proceedings, government documents, preprints, theses, clinical trials, blogs, tweets, etc.. 

The majority of Grey literature is generally not peer-reviewed so it is very important to critically appraise any grey literature before using it.

Most aspects of life are touched by national governments, or by inter-governmental bodies such as the European Union or the United Nations.  Official publications are the documentary evidence of that interest. 

Our main printed collections and online services are for British and EU official publications, but we can give advice on accessing official publications from other places and organisations. Find out more from our web pages  http://library.soton.ac.uk/officialpublications .

Patents protect inventions - the owner can stop other people making, using or selling the item without their permission. This applies for a limited period and a separate application is needed for each country.

Patents can be useful since they contain full technical details on how an invention works. If you use an active patent outside of research - permission or a license is probably needed.

Related resources:

Checking for CRAAP - UMW New Media Archive

How to Develop a STRONG Research Question - Scribbr

Guide to dissertation and project writing - by University of Southampton (Enabling Services)

Guide to writing your dissertation - by the Royal Literary Fund  

Guidance on the Conduct of Narrative Synthesis in Systematic Reviews  - by ESRC Methods Programme

Guidelines for preparing a Research Proposal - by University of Southampton

Choosing good keywords - by the Open University

Developing a Research or Guided Question  - a self-guided tutorial produced by Arizona State University

Evaluating information - a 7 minute tutorial from the University of Southampton which covers thinking critically, and understanding how to find quality and reliable information.

Hints on conducting a literature review  - by the University of Toronto

Planning your literature search  - a short tutorial by the University of Southampton

Using Overleaf for scientific writing and publishing  -  a popular  LaTeX/Rich Text based online collaborative tool for students and researchers alike. It is designed to make the process of writing, editing, and producing scientific papers quicker and easier for authors. 

Systematic reviews  - by the University of Southampton. 

Create your own research proposal - by the University of Southampton

• Last Updated: Mar 13, 2024 3:14 PM
• URL: https://library.soton.ac.uk/sash/introduction-to-research-skills

Research Skills

• First Online: 19 November 2023

Cite this chapter

• Eelko K. R. E. Huizingh 2 , 3  

150 Accesses

Doing research requires both academic competences, such as critical inquiry, independent judgment, rigorous analysis, and clear expression, and methodological competences, which are related to designing and executing your research project. Since Ph.D. projects intend to generate new knowledge, understanding the state-of-the-art knowledge is a prerequisite. Upgrading your knowledge is done by selecting, analyzing, and reflecting on the right literature. Doing high-quality research results from critical characteristics of both the study and the research environment. As any field offers many research opportunities, it is essential to select the right focus for your project in an iterative process. Which knowledge gap do you intend to fill? The next step is to define a research question. Seven requirements for a ‘good’ research question are discussed in detail.

Research is formalized curiosity . It is poking and prying with a purpose . Zora Neale Hurston (1891–1960) .

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

• Available as EPUB and PDF
• Read on any device
• Instant download
• Own it forever
• Compact, lightweight edition
• Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
• Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Derived from: Gill and Johnson ( 2010 ).

Papert ( 1999 ).

Berente et al. ( 2022 ).

Yeager et al. ( 2019 ).

Hunter ( 2007 ).

See for an extensive overview of the characteristics of successful research environments: Bland and Ruffin ( 1992 ).

Cao et al. ( 2019 ).

Lewis ( 2003 ).

Bland, Carole J., and Mack T. Ruffin (1992), Characteristics of a productive research environment: literature review, Academic Medicine , 67 (6), 385–397.

Google Scholar  

Cao, Cathy Y., Xinyu Cao, Matthew Cashman, M. Kumar, Artem Timoshenko, Jeremy Yang, Shuyi Yu, Jerry Zhang, Yuting Zhu and Birger Wernerfelt (2019), How do successful scholars get their best research ideas? An exploration, Marketing Letters, 30, 221–232.

Derived from: Gill, John and Phil Johnson (2010), Research Methods for Managers , 4 th edition, Sage Publications, London, p. 11.

Hunter, David (2007), The roles of research ethics committees: implications for membership, Research Ethics Review , 3 (1), 24–26.

Lewis, Jane (2003), Design Issues, in: Ritchie, Jane, and Jane Lewis (editors) (2003), Qualitative Research Practice: A Guide for Social Science Students and Researchers , Sage Publications, London, p. 48.

Miranda, Shaila, Nicholas Berente, Stefan Seidel, Hani Safadi, and Andrew Burton-Jones (2022), Editor's Comments: Computationally Intensive Theory Construction: A Primer for Authors and Reviewers, MIS Quarterly , 46 (2), iii-xviii (p. xiv).

Papert, Seymour (1999), Child Psychologist Jean Piaget, Time , March 29, https://content.time.com/time/subscriber/article/0,33009,990617,00.html .

Watson, Tony J. (1994), Managing, Crafting and Researching: Words, Skill and Imagination in Shaping Management Research, British Journal of Management , 5 (special issue), 77–87.

Yeager, David S., Paul Hanselman, Gregory M. Walton, Jared S. Murray, Robert Crosnoe, Chandra Muller, Elizabeth Tipton, Barbara Schneider, Chris S. Hulleman, Cintia P. Hinojosa, David Paunesku, Carissa Romero, Kate Flint, Alice Roberts, Jill Trott, Ronaldo Iachan, Jenny Buontempo, Sophia Man Yang, Carlos M. Carvalho, P. Richard Hahn, Maithreyi Gopalan, Pratik Mhatre, Ronald Ferguson, Angela L. Duckworth, and Carol S. Dweck (2019), A national experiment reveals where a growth mindset improves achievement, Nature, 573, 364–369. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-019-1466-y .

Download references

Author information

Authors and affiliations.

University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands

Eelko K. R. E. Huizingh

Huizingh Academic Development, Assen, The Netherlands

You can also search for this author in PubMed   Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Eelko K. R. E. Huizingh .

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2023 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this chapter

Huizingh, E.K.R.E. (2023). Research Skills. In: Unlocking PhD Success. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-40651-5_2

Download citation

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-40651-5_2

Published : 19 November 2023

Publisher Name : Springer, Cham

Print ISBN : 978-3-031-40650-8

Online ISBN : 978-3-031-40651-5

eBook Packages : Economics and Finance Economics and Finance (R0)

Share this chapter

Anyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content:

Sorry, a shareable link is not currently available for this article.

Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative

• Publish with us

Policies and ethics

• Find a journal
• Track your research

• Board Members
• Management Team
• Become a Contributor
• Volunteer Opportunities
• Code of Ethical Practices

KNOWLEDGE NETWORK

• Search Engines List
• Suggested Reading Library
• Web Directories
• Research Papers
• Industry News

• Become a Member
• Associate Membership
• Certified Membership
• Membership Application
• Corporate Application

• CIRS Certification Program
• CIRS Certification Objectives
• CIRS Certification Benefits
• CIRS Certification Exam
• Maintain Your Certification

• Upcoming Events
• Live Classes
• Classes Schedule
• Webinars Schedules

• Latest Articles
• Internet Research
• Search Techniques
• Research Methods
• Business Research
• Search Engines
• Research & Tools
• Investigative Research
• Internet Search
• Work from Home
• Internet Ethics
• Internet Privacy

What are Research Skills and why are they important?

Most jobs actually require some level of problem-solving. You may come across an impediment and come up with a question that you must answer in order to proceed. To answer this question, you will almost certainly need to conduct some research. People with research skills can identify a problem, gather informational resources that can help address the problem, assess the quality and relevance of these resources, and come up with an effective solution to the problem.

By the way, to diversify your research paper process you can find unique research paper topics .

What is Research?

Internet Research is the practice of conducting research using Internet information, particularly free information on Internet-based educational resources (such as Internet discussion forums).

Simply put, research is the process of discovering new knowledge. This knowledge can be either the development of new concepts or the advancement of existing knowledge and theories, leading to a new understanding that was not previously known.

In fact, almost every profession or job necessitates some level of research and research skills. As long as you encounter a question, which is a natural occurrence in almost everything, you should encounter an opportunity to conduct research. When there is a need for research, strong research skills come in handy.

What are Research Skills?

Research skills enable you to focus on a specific goal, gather relevant information, and communicate your findings to others. We are taught from a young age to develop research skills, and for good reason.

Teachers in academia required answers to a series of topic-related questions in an essay. Similarly, your boss may eventually request that you investigate a work-related topic or figure out how to solve a problem.

Why are Research Skills Important?

Research skills are important in the workplace for a variety of reasons, including the ability for individuals and businesses to:

• Develop new processes and outcomes. You don't have to be involved in research and development to improve the way your team works. Any sensible employer will value your efforts in researching new processes that will make your job (and those of your team) more efficient.
• Personal Growth. People who have a knack and a passion for research are never satisfied with doing things the same way they've always done them. Organizations require independent thinkers who will seek their own answers and continually improve their skills. These employees will also learn new technologies more quickly.
• Customer relationship management. In almost every industry, being able to conduct research on your customer base is critical. It's difficult to move products or sell services if you don't know what people want. It is a valuable responsibility to research your customer base's interests, needs, and pain points.
• Cost Effective. Whether your organization is launching a new product or simply trying to cut costs, research is critical for identifying wasted resources and redirecting them to more worthy causes. Anyone who goes out of their way to find ways for the company to save money will be praised by their boss.
• Competitor Analysis. Knowing what your top competitors are up to is crucial for any company. If a company wants to stay functioning, it must research what works for its competitors, what they do better than you, and where it may improve its standing with the least amount of resources.

Types of Research Skills

Experienced researchers understand that conducting a worthwhile investigation necessitates a wide range of abilities. Consider which research abilities you have naturally and which you could improve.

Goal Setting

You must first know what you're looking for before you can conduct any form of productive research. Setting goals is a skill just like any other. It will be lot easier to construct a path there if you can imagine the conclusion you're aiming to attain by investing effort into research. Goal-setting skills include:

• Specificity
• Time-Management
• Planning ahead
• Organization
• Accountable

Data Collection

The collection of data is often the first thing to remember when thinking about the research process. It is a systematic process to collect and measure information on variables of interest that allows one to respond to research questions, to test hypothesis and to assess results.

Simply collecting facts and information on the internet can meet your needs for some purposes. More direct and popular research may be needed by others. You will be more impressive with your experience in different methods of data collection. Methods of data collection are:

• Questionnaires and surveys
• Observations
• Documents and records
• Focus groups
• Oral histories

Evaluate and Analyze Information and Sources

In research, it is important to find reliable information suitable for your task. Some tasks may require the use of certain types of sources, such as primary or secondary sources or certain types of journals, like scientific journals. You may need to restrict the numbers sources you use for other assignments.

In all cases, the information contained in your assignments should always be assessed. Knowing how to assess information helps you with research tasks and with your life's bigger decisions. Knowing where to go for information that is relevant, credible, and accurate can assist you in making informed decisions about graduate school, a new car purchase, financial aid opportunities, daycare options, and other topics.

• Published books
• Encyclopedias
• Scholarly journals
• Library catalogs

Using the internet to gather information

Search engines are used to find the majority of information on the Internet. A search engine is an online service that employs web robots to query millions of web pages and compile an index of the results. Internet users can then utilize these services to search the web for information. While it is beneficial to consult different sources, today's research is driven by good online research skills.

One of the greatest things about the internet is how much information it holds; unfortunately, getting to the data you need requires sifting through a lot of rubbish. Employers value the ability to efficiently utilise the large reservoir of knowledge available on the internet without getting lost in the clutter. The following are some examples of internet research skills:

• Source checking
• Searching relevant questions
• Exploring deeper than the first options
• Avoiding distraction
• Giving credit
• Organizing findings

Due to the sheer size of the World Wide Web, and with the rapid growth of indexed web pages, finding relevant and reliable information demands specialized training and Internet research skills . We provide a centralized virtual platform for knowledge professionals that use the Internet as a primary source of information. This AofIRS is more than just a virtual collaboration and networking platform for researchers and knowledge professionals. The website is filled with free, up-to-date content and reference material that is ideal for research.

Interviewing

Some research projects may demand a more hands-on approach than relying just on online resources. In the research process, being prepared with great interviewing skills can be really beneficial. Interviews can be a good way to get first-hand knowledge for your research, and knowing how to conduct an effective interview can help you improve your research skills. Interviewing abilities include:

• A plan of action
• Specific, pointed questions
• Respectfulness
• Considering the interview setting
• Actively Listening
• Taking notes

Report Writing

Report writing skills can help you in both your employment and your academic studies. In any case, the overall goal of a report is to transmit specific facts to its audience.

Communication is crucial for effective report writing. Your supervisor, professor, or general reader should comprehend your findings and conclusions clearly. Skills in report writing include:

• Formatting is important.
• Including a synopsis
• Keeping your focus on your main goal
• Developing a plan
• Proofreading\sDirectness

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking skills can help you a lot in the research process and in general as an employee. Your data analysis skills are referred to as critical thinking. When you're conducting research, you'll need to be able to interpret your findings and make rational judgments based on them. The following are examples of critical thinking skills:

• Observation
• Assessing issues
• Problem-solving
• Communication

Planning and Scheduling 

The development of baseline productivity and success standards is one of the most significant components of planning and scheduling. You won't know if you're meeting goals until you have a particular strategy in place with a specific desired outcome defined by a completion date.

It also makes time management considerably easy. Employers value planning and scheduling abilities because they suggest a well-prepared employee. Skills in planning and scheduling include:

• Setting objectives
• Identifying tasks
• Prioritizing
• Delegating if needed
• Time-management

Note-taking

Research involves sifting through and taking in lots of information. Taking thorough notes ensures that you do not overlook any findings and allows you to communicate these findings to your coworkers. Being able to take good notes aids in the summarization of research. Here are some examples of note-taking abilities:

• Using short-hand
• Keeping your goal in mind
• Emphasizing important points
• Reviewing notes afterward

Time Management

Unfortunately, we only have 24 measly hours in a day. In a professional setting, the ability to effectively manage this time is extremely valuable. Hiring managers look for candidates who can complete tasks within a specific time frame.

Strong time management skills imply that you can organize a strategy for breaking down larger tasks in a project and completing them by a deadline. Improving your time management skills can significantly boost the productivity of your research. Time management abilities include the following:

• Creating task outlines
• Thinking strategically
• Stress-management
• Utilizing resources
• Setting reasonable expectations
• Meeting deadlines

Other Helpful Research Skills

The definition of research skills is broad, and there are many traits that could help you in the research process. Consider some of the additional research skills below.

• Attention to detail
• Reading and writing skills
• Considering keywords
• Competitor comparison
• Multitasking
• Summarization
• Presentation

How to Improve Your Research Skills

The great thing about research skills is that many of us use them on a daily basis. When you use a search engine to find information on a topic, you are conducting research. However, there are more proactive ways to begin improving your research skills today:

• Make a distinction between source quality. A researcher's worst source determines how good they are. Start paying attention to the quality of the sources you're using, and be wary of anything you read until you've double-checked the attributions and works cited. Examine the author's bias, the author's research's alignment with the greater body of confirmed research in the subject, and the journal that sponsored or published the research.
• Verify information from several sources. It gets increasingly trustworthy when you can verify information from a variety of sources. If you want to strengthen your belief in one source, check if you can locate another that agrees with it. When you run into contradictions and conflicts in your study, you know you need to keep going until you reach a more definitive conclusion.
• Don't be influenced by confirmation bias. Confirmation bias occurs when a researcher expects a specific result and then searches for data to support that hypothesis, ignoring any sources that contradict or invalidate the researcher's initial idea. Be ready for unexpected responses and keep an open mind. Also, keep in mind that you might not be able to discover a definitive answer. It's preferable to provide the important points of your research to someone (such as your employer) and explain that it didn't lead to a concrete plan of action than to alter your data and give the answer you or your boss want to hear.
• Stay organized. You'll encounter a lot of material during the data gathering process, from webpages to PDFs to videos. To avoid losing something or not being able to properly mention something, it's critical that you maintain all of this information organized in some way. There are numerous methods for keeping your research project structured, but here are a few of the most common: Bookmarks in your browser, index cards, and an annotated bibliography that you update as you go are all useful tools.
• Develop your research skills. Professional certification will help you improve your research skills. CIRS™ (Certified Internet Research Specialist), is by far the only professional credential that meets this challenge. Professional researchers owe it to themselves to seek structured certification programs and stay in touch with new materials and tools that are available to transform research problems from very difficult or impossible to quick and simple tasks. We have developed a CIRS Certification (Certified Internet Research Specialist) to educate and train Online Researchers that now form a significantly large group of people involved in digital information research work.
• Get specific as you go. There's nothing wrong with commencing your investigation in a broad sense. After all, it's critical to become acquainted with the vocabulary and substance of the researcher's results before delving into the details. Orienting yourself to a new topic is an important step that will prevent you from being discouraged and working backwards.
• Learn how to spot a reliable source. Because not all sources are trustworthy, it's critical to be able to distinguish between the good and the bad. To find a trustworthy source, utilize your critical thinking and analytical skills to ask yourself the following questions: Is this source consistent with other sources I've discovered? Is the author a subject matter expert? Is there a conflict of interest in the author's point of view on this subject?

If you're ready to conduct research to enhance your search efforts, the following resources will be useful:

• Educational Search Engines for Students
• Top 100  Academic Search Engines
• 3 ways to help students do efficient online research

Live Classes Schedule

• MAY 24 CIRS Certification Internet Research Training Program Live Classes Online
• MAY 24 Web Search Methods & Techniques Live Training Live Classes Online

World's leading professional association of Internet Research Specialists - We deliver Knowledge, Education, Training, and Certification in the field of Professional Online Research. The AOFIRS is considered a major contributor in improving Web Search Skills and recognizes Online Research work as a full-time occupation for those that use the Internet as their primary source of information.

Get Exclusive Research Tips in Your Inbox

• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions
• Advertising Opportunities
• Knowledge Network

Empowering students to develop research skills

February 8, 2021

This post is republished from   Into Practice ,  a biweekly communication of Harvard’s  Office of the Vice Provost for Advances in Learning

Terence D. Capellini, Richard B Wolf Associate Professor of Human Evolutionary Biology, empowers students to grow as researchers in his Building the Human Body course through a comprehensive, course-long collaborative project that works to understand the changes in the genome that make the human skeleton unique. For instance, of the many types of projects, some focus on the genetic basis of why human beings walk on two legs. This integrative “Evo-Devo” project demands high levels of understanding of biology and genetics that students gain in the first half of class, which is then applied hands-on in the second half of class. Students work in teams of 2-3 to collect their own morphology data by measuring skeletons at the Harvard Museum of Natural History and leverage statistics to understand patterns in their data. They then collect and analyze DNA sequences from humans and other animals to identify the DNA changes that may encode morphology. Throughout this course, students go from sometimes having “limited experience in genetics and/or morphology” to conducting their own independent research. This project culminates in a team presentation and a final research paper.

The benefits: Students develop the methodological skills required to collect and analyze morphological data. Using the UCSC Genome browser  and other tools, students sharpen their analytical skills to visualize genomics data and pinpoint meaningful genetic changes. Conducting this work in teams means students develop collaborative skills that model academic biology labs outside class, and some student projects have contributed to published papers in the field. “Every year, I have one student, if not two, join my lab to work on projects developed from class to try to get them published.”

“The beauty of this class is that the students are asking a question that’s never been asked before and they’re actually collecting data to get at an answer.”

The challenges:  Capellini observes that the most common challenge faced by students in the course is when “they have a really terrific question they want to explore, but the necessary background information is simply lacking. It is simply amazing how little we do know about human development, despite its hundreds of years of study.” Sometimes, for instance, students want to learn about the evolution, development, and genetics of a certain body part, but it is still somewhat a mystery to the field. In these cases, the teaching team (including co-instructor Dr. Neil Roach) tries to find datasets that are maximally relevant to the questions the students want to explore. Capellini also notes that the work in his class is demanding and hard, just by the nature of the work, but students “always step up and perform” and the teaching team does their best to “make it fun” and ensure they nurture students’ curiosities and questions.

Takeaways and best practices

• Incorporate previous students’ work into the course. Capellini intentionally discusses findings from previous student groups in lectures. “They’re developing real findings and we share that when we explain the project for the next groups.” Capellini also invites students to share their own progress and findings as part of class discussion, which helps them participate as independent researchers and receive feedback from their peers.
• Assign groups intentionally.  Maintaining flexibility allows the teaching team to be more responsive to students’ various needs and interests. Capellini will often place graduate students by themselves to enhance their workload and give them training directly relevant to their future thesis work. Undergraduates are able to self-select into groups or can be assigned based on shared interests. “If two people are enthusiastic about examining the knee, for instance, we’ll match them together.”
• Consider using multiple types of assessments.  Capellini notes that exams and quizzes are administered in the first half of the course and scaffolded so that students can practice the skills they need to successfully apply course material in the final project. “Lots of the initial examples are hypothetical,” he explains, even grounded in fiction and pop culture references, “but [students] have to eventually apply the skills they learned in addressing the hypothetical example to their own real example and the data they generate” for the Evo-Devo project. This is coupled with a paper and a presentation treated like a conference talk.

Bottom line:  Capellini’s top advice for professors looking to help their own students grow as researchers is to ensure research projects are designed with intentionality and fully integrated into the syllabus. “You can’t simply tack it on at the end,” he underscores. “If you want this research project to be a substantive learning opportunity, it has to happen from Day 1.” That includes carving out time in class for students to work on it and make the connections they need to conduct research. “Listen to your students and learn about them personally” so you can tap into what they’re excited about. Have some fun in the course, and they’ll be motivated to do the work.

• Utility Menu

GA4 tracking code

Career navigator, a centralized professional development portal for bioscientists.

Office for Graduate Education @ Harvard Medical School

• Submit an Event

Research Skills

Nature masterclass - experiments: from idea to design.

‘Experiments: From Idea to Design’ equips you with the right tools to help develop, plan and refine robust, impactful experiments. All NMCs are free w/ HarvardKey.

Nature Masterclass - Interpreting Scientific Results

‘Interpreting Scientific Results’ is aimed at all researchers in the natural sciences who want to develop their skills in adequately interpreting results. All NMCs are free w/ HarvardKey.

Nature Masterclass - Data Analysis: Conducting and Troubleshooting

‘Data Analysis: Conducting and Troubleshooting’ introduces the key concepts, processes and methodologies of effective data analysis during research projects. All NMCs are free w/ HarvardKey.

Nature Masterclass - Data Analysis: Planning and Preparing

'Data Analysis: Planning and Preparing’ introduces the essential elements of robust data analysis during a research project. All NMCs are free w/ HarvardKey.

Nature Masterclass - Advancing Your Scientific Presentations

'Advancing Your Scientific Presentations' teaches you how to create more memorable and engaging presentations to your scientific peers. All NMCs are free w/ HarvardKey.

Nature Masterclass - Narrative Tools for Researchers

‘Narrative Tools for Researchers’ explains how to use narrative techniques to help you communicate your research to the scientific community in an effective, compelling and memorable way. All NMCs are free w/ HarvardKey.

Nature Masterclass - Managing Research Data to Unlock its Full Potential

‘Managing Research Data to Unlock its Full Potential’ covers the key elements of effective data management during research projects. All NMCs are free w/ HarvardKey.

Lunch’n’Learn Session on Peer Review with Cell Press Editors

Location: , [career navigator workshop] r3 (research rigor and reproducibility) and me; introduction to electronic notebooks.

PART 1: R3 and Me: A Toolkit for Rigorous and Reproducible Research (Jelena Patrnogić, PhD, HMS Curriculum Fellows Program)

4:00 PM - 4:45 PM

There is a reproducibility crisis in research.

In 2016, Nature reported results from a survey demonstrating that more than 70% of researchers...

FDA Pharmacovigilence & Drug Safety Presentation & Q&A

Molecular mechanistic biology virtual symposium, [nigms webinar] behavioral research in biomedicine.

• How the integration of social/behavioral sciences and biomedical sciences strengthens the health research enterprise
• Challenges to the integration of social/behavioral sciences and the biomedical sciences
• Examples of this integration in recent trans-NIH initiatives​

Dr. William T. Riley NIH Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research

https://www.nigms.nih.gov/News/meetings/Pages/webinars-for-trainees.aspx

[NIGMS Webinar] Cryo-EM: Present and Future

• What cryo-EM can do now and what it will be able to do in the future
• How you can learn to use cryo-EM for your research
• How you can get access to cryo-EMs and assistance using them

[NIGMS Webinar] Computational Biology and Biomedical Data Science

Dr. Susan Gregurick NIH Office of Data Science Strategy

[NIGMS Webinar] Infectious Disease Modeling Research and the MIDAS Network

• How you can become an infectious disease modeler
• What type of scientific problems you could study
• MIDAS Network training opportunities
• Academic Support and Advising (6)
• Concentrations, Consortia and Certificates (14)
• Student Affairs, Services and Support (13)
• Individual Development Planning (24)
• Narratives from Scientists (9)
• Dissertation Defenses - Instructions (2)
• Dissertation Defenses - Dates (348)
• Data and Outcomes (2)
• Personal and Public Safety (6)
• Identity and Culture (19)
• Physical Well-being (1)
• Mental Well-being (17)
• Spiritual Well-being (2)
• Financial Well-being and Planning (3)
• For Current and Future Faculty (1)
• Scholarships (2)
• Grant Writing (6)
• Fellowships_Graduate (12)
• Fellowships_Postdoctoral (11)
• International Fellowships (1)
• Research Skills (34)
• Time Management (3)
• Quantitative and Computational Skills (20)
• Written Communication (28)
• Oral Communication (21)
• Teaching (15)
• Business and Financial Skills (20)
• Diversity, Inclusion, and Avoiding Bias (29)
• Teamwork and Collaboration (8)
• Giving and Receiving Feedback (4)
• Conflict Management (9)
• Management and Leadership (6)
• Mentoring (22)
• Self-Assessment and Values (13)
• Range of Options (66)
• Student Organizations (25)
• Experiential Learning (22)
• Specific careers (99)
• Networking (37)
• Application Materials (28)
• Salaries and Negotiation (7)
• Searches and Applications (29)
• Global Mobility (6)

Top 12 Researcher Skills to Put on Your Resume

In the competitive world of academia and research, distinguishing yourself through a well-crafted resume is crucial. Highlighting the top researcher skills on your resume not only showcases your expertise and dedication to potential employers but also sets you apart as a highly capable and adaptable candidate in the field.

Researcher Skills

Python is a high-level, versatile programming language widely used in research for data analysis, machine learning, and automation due to its simplicity and extensive library support.

Why It's Important

Python is important for researchers due to its simplicity and readability, vast library ecosystem for data analysis and visualization (e.g., NumPy, Pandas, Matplotlib), and strong support for scientific computing, making it an accessible and powerful tool for conducting complex research efficiently.

How to Improve Python Skills

Improving your Python skills, especially as a researcher, involves a balance of learning foundational concepts, practicing coding, and understanding how to apply Python in your specific field. Here are concise strategies with direct links to enhance your Python proficiency:

Master the Basics : Ensure a strong grasp of Python syntax and basic programming concepts. The official Python documentation is a great starting point.

Learn Data Science Tools : Familiarize yourself with libraries like NumPy, Pandas, and Matplotlib for data analysis and visualization. DataCamp's tutorials are practical and research-focused.

Engage in Projects : Apply what you learn in real-world projects. Websites like GitHub offer a plethora of open-source projects where you can contribute and learn.

Take Online Courses : Platforms like Coursera and edX offer Python courses tailored to researchers.

Join Python Communities : Engage with communities on Stack Overflow or Reddit’s r/learnpython . They are excellent for seeking help and staying updated on best practices.

Read Books and Articles : Books like "Python for Data Analysis" by Wes McKinney can be invaluable. Keep up with the latest research and techniques by regularly reading relevant arXiv preprints .

Practice Coding Daily : Consistency is key. Use platforms like LeetCode to practice coding problems.

Attend Workshops and Conferences : Events specific to Python in research, like SciPy , provide workshops and presentations from leading experts.

Implement Peer Code Reviews : Sharing your code with peers for review on platforms like GitHub can offer new perspectives and improvement areas.

Experiment with Different IDEs : Explore IDEs like PyCharm or Jupyter Notebooks to find what enhances your productivity.

By incorporating these strategies, you can significantly enhance your Python skills, making your research more efficient and impactful.

How to Display Python Skills on Your Resume

R is a programming language and software environment used for statistical analysis, graphical representation, and reporting, widely adopted by statisticians, data analysts, and researchers.

R is important for researchers because it provides a comprehensive statistical analysis and graphical visualization toolkit, facilitating data manipulation, statistical modeling, and results communication, all within an open-source environment that encourages collaboration and reproducibility in research.

How to Improve R Skills

Improving your R skills, particularly as a researcher, involves a blend of learning new concepts, practicing coding, and engaging with the community. Here's a concise guide:

Take Online Courses : Platforms like Coursera and DataCamp offer courses tailored to different levels, from beginners to advanced users.

Read Books and Guides : Start with "R for Data Science" by Hadley Wickham, accessible for free at R for Data Science . It covers data visualization, transformation, and modeling.

Practice Coding : Apply what you learn on datasets. Websites like Kaggle provide datasets and challenges to test your skills.

Use R Packages : Familiarize yourself with popular R packages like ggplot2 for data visualization, dplyr for data manipulation, and tidyr for data tidying. The Tidyverse collection is a great starting point.

Join R Communities : Platforms like Stack Overflow and RStudio Community are great for getting help, sharing knowledge, and staying updated on R developments.

Attend Workshops and Conferences : Events like useR! provide opportunities to learn from experts and network with other R users.

Contribute to Open Source Projects : Engaging with projects on GitHub can enhance your coding skills and help you understand real-world applications of R.

Stay Updated : Follow R-related blogs like R-bloggers for tutorials, updates, and insights from the R community.

By integrating these resources and practices into your learning journey, you'll progressively enhance your proficiency in R, making your research more efficient and impactful.

How to Display R Skills on Your Resume

SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) is a software tool used by researchers for statistical analysis, data management, and data documentation, facilitating a wide range of statistical tests and modeling techniques.

SPSS is important for researchers because it provides a comprehensive set of statistical tools to analyze data, enabling them to derive insights, test hypotheses, and make evidence-based decisions efficiently.

How to Improve SPSS Skills

Improving your proficiency with SPSS as a researcher involves enhancing both your statistical analysis skills and your familiarity with the software. Here's a concise guide:

• Familiarize with Basics : Start with IBM's official SPSS tutorials to understand the interface and basic functionalities.
• Enhance Statistical Knowledge : Improve your statistical knowledge to know which tests to apply. Consider resources like the Khan Academy for free courses.
• Practice Regularly : Apply your knowledge on sample datasets or your own data. Regular practice helps in understanding the nuances of the software.
• Use Online Forums : Engage in communities such as IBM SPSS Community or ResearchGate. Asking questions and reading discussions can provide insights not found in tutorials.
• Learn Advanced Features : Once comfortable with the basics, explore advanced features like syntax scripting for automation and reproducibility. The UCLA IDRE Resource Pages offer excellent guides on advanced topics.
• Stay Updated : SPSS is regularly updated with new features and improvements. Keep an eye on the official SPSS software updates page to stay informed about the latest changes.

By systematically working through these steps and integrating SPSS into your regular research workflow, you can significantly improve your proficiency and efficiency with the software.

How to Display SPSS Skills on Your Resume

MATLAB is a high-level programming and numerical computing environment used by researchers for data analysis, algorithm development, and visualization, especially in engineering and scientific applications.

MATLAB is important for researchers because it provides a versatile environment for numerical computation, data analysis, and visualization, enabling the efficient handling of large datasets and complex algorithms essential for advanced scientific research.

How to Improve MATLAB Skills

To improve your MATLAB skills as a researcher, focus on these concise strategies:

Online Courses : Enroll in online courses on platforms like Coursera or MATLAB Academy for structured learning.

Official Documentation : Regularly consult MATLAB’s official documentation for comprehensive insights and updates on functions and features.

Coding Practice : Implement your learning through practice on platforms like Project Euler or by contributing to open-source projects relevant to your research area.

Networking : Join MATLAB communities on MATLAB Central or Stack Overflow to exchange knowledge and solve queries.

Workshops and Webinars : Attend workshops and webinars organized by MathWorks to stay updated on the latest tools and methodologies.

Toolboxes : Explore and experiment with specialized MATLAB Toolboxes that are relevant to your field of research for advanced analyses.

Code Optimization : Learn about code vectorization and preallocation to optimize your MATLAB code for efficiency.

Debugging Skills : Improve your debugging skills by utilizing MATLAB’s integrated debugging tools to identify and fix issues more efficiently.

By incorporating these strategies, you'll enhance your MATLAB expertise, thereby significantly contributing to the efficiency and effectiveness of your research.

How to Display MATLAB Skills on Your Resume

SQL (Structured Query Language) is a standardized programming language used for managing and manipulating relational databases, enabling researchers to efficiently query, update, insert, and delete data.

SQL is crucial for researchers as it enables efficient management, manipulation, and retrieval of large datasets, facilitating thorough data analysis and insights generation.

How to Improve SQL Skills

Improving SQL skills, especially as a researcher, involves a mix of theoretical understanding, practice, and exposure to real-world scenarios. Here’s a very short and concise guide:

Learn the Basics : Understand SQL syntax, commands (SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE), and concepts like joins, subqueries, and indexes. W3Schools offers a good starting point.

Practice Regularly : Apply what you've learned by solving problems. Websites like HackerRank and LeetCode provide numerous exercises.

Understand Database Design : Knowing how to design a database effectively is crucial. Learn about normalization, relationships, and constraints. Studytonight explains database normalization well.

Explore Advanced Topics : Dive into stored procedures, triggers, and views. Explore how to optimize SQL queries for performance. SQLShack is a valuable resource for advanced learning and performance tuning.

Learn from Real Scenarios : Analyze case studies or real-world scenarios where SQL was pivotal. This helps in understanding complex problems and their solutions. DB-Engines Blog discusses real-world database applications and trends.

Join SQL Communities : Engage with online communities on Stack Overflow or Reddit . These platforms are great for asking questions, sharing knowledge, and staying updated with the latest trends.

Utilize Online Courses and Tutorials : Platforms like Coursera and edX offer courses designed by universities and industry experts. They often cover both the basics and advanced topics.

Work on Projects : Apply your skills on real or simulated projects. This could be anything from creating a database for managing research data to analyzing large datasets with SQL queries.

Improving SQL skills is a continuous journey. The more you practice and engage with complex problems, the better you'll become at leveraging SQL for research and data analysis.

How to Display SQL Skills on Your Resume

Tableau is a powerful data visualization tool that enables researchers to interactively explore and present their data through intuitive graphs, charts, and dashboards, facilitating the discovery of insights and trends.

Tableau is important for researchers because it enables them to visually analyze and present complex data sets, facilitating the discovery of patterns, trends, and insights that might be missed in traditional analysis, thereby enhancing the understanding and communication of their findings.

How to Improve Tableau Skills

Improving your Tableau skills, especially as a researcher, involves a blend of enhancing your data visualization techniques, deepening your understanding of Tableau's features, and staying updated with the latest trends and updates. Here's a concise guide:

Master the Basics : Ensure you're comfortable with the fundamentals of Tableau. The Tableau Training page offers various resources from beginner to advanced levels.

Advanced Features : Dive into advanced features such as calculated fields, parameters, and Tableau's analytics pane to create more dynamic and interactive visualizations. The Tableau Help documentation is a great place to start.

Data Prep Skills : Learn to prepare and clean your data efficiently. Tableau Prep is a powerful tool for this purpose. Explore the Tableau Prep Training Videos for comprehensive learning.

Storytelling with Data : Enhance your ability to tell stories with your data. Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic’s blog, Storytelling with Data , offers valuable insights and tips on presenting data effectively.

Get Certified : Consider obtaining a Tableau certification. It not only validates your skills but also exposes you to a wider range of Tableau's capabilities. Check the Tableau Certification page for more details.

Join the Community : Engage with the Tableau Community through forums, social media channels, and attending Tableau Conference or local user groups. The Tableau Community Forums are a great place to start.

Analyze Public Workbooks : Explore and reverse-engineer workbooks available on Tableau Public . It's a fantastic way to learn new techniques and get inspired.

Stay Updated : Tableau frequently updates its software. Keep an eye on the Tableau Blog for the latest news, features, and insights.

By following these steps and consistently practicing your skills, you will significantly improve your proficiency in Tableau, enabling you to create more impactful and insightful data visualizations.

How to Display Tableau Skills on Your Resume

LaTeX is a high-quality typesetting system commonly used by researchers for the creation of scientific and mathematical documents, offering precise control over document layout and formula formatting.

LaTeX is essential for researchers because it offers precise control over document formatting, enabling the creation of high-quality, professional-looking academic papers, including complex mathematical expressions, references, and figures, ensuring consistency and adherence to publication standards.

How to Improve LaTeX Skills

Improving your LaTeX skills as a researcher involves practicing writing, learning advanced features, and utilizing resources effectively. Here’s a concise guide to help you enhance your LaTeX proficiency:

Practice Regularly : The best way to improve is through consistent practice. Start with simple documents and gradually increase complexity.

Learn Advanced Features : Familiarize yourself with advanced LaTeX features such as custom commands, environments, and packages that can simplify your writing and formatting.

Use Templates : Many journals and conferences provide LaTeX templates. Using these can help you adhere to submission guidelines effortlessly. Overleaf Templates

Incorporate Graphics : Learn to include and manipulate graphics within your LaTeX documents for more dynamic presentations of data. LaTeX Wikibook on Graphics

Bibliography Management : Master the use of BibTeX or BibLaTeX for bibliography management, crucial for research writing. BibLaTeX Documentation

Collaborate Online : Use platforms like Overleaf for collaborative writing and version control. Overleaf

Join LaTeX Communities : Engage with LaTeX communities on forums like Stack Exchange or Reddit for support and to stay updated on best practices. TeX - LaTeX Stack Exchange

Explore Packages : Continuously explore new packages to simplify tasks and enhance the presentation of your documents. CTAN (Comprehensive TeX Archive Network)

Follow Tutorials and Courses : Online tutorials and courses can provide structured learning paths. LaTeX Tutorials on Overleaf

Read Books and Documentation : Deepen your understanding by reading comprehensive LaTeX books and package documentation. LaTeX Wikibook

By following these steps and making use of the provided resources, you can significantly improve your LaTeX skills, making your research documentation more efficient and professional.

How to Display LaTeX Skills on Your Resume

SAS (Statistical Analysis System) is a software suite used by researchers for advanced analytics, multivariate analysis, business intelligence, data management, and predictive analytics.

SAS (Statistical Analysis System) is important for researchers because it provides a powerful and flexible tool for data management, statistical analysis, and reporting, enabling them to efficiently process large datasets, perform complex analyses, and derive insightful conclusions from their research data.

How to Improve SAS Skills

Improving your SAS (Statistical Analysis System) skills as a researcher involves a combination of enhancing your coding abilities, understanding statistical concepts, and practicing with real datasets. Here are concise steps with resources to help you improve:

Master the Basics : Ensure you have a solid understanding of SAS basics. The SAS Programming 1: Essentials course is a great starting point.

Understand Statistical Concepts : Deepen your statistical knowledge to apply the right analyses. Khan Academy offers a comprehensive Statistics and Probability course.

Practice with Real Data : Apply what you've learned by practicing with actual datasets. Kaggle is an excellent platform for finding datasets and participating in competitions.

Learn Advanced Techniques : Once comfortable with the basics, move on to advanced topics like macros and SQL. The SAS Programming 2: Data Manipulation Techniques course is an excellent resource.

Stay Updated and Network : Join the SAS Community to stay updated on the latest trends, ask questions, and network with other SAS professionals.

Utilize SAS Documentation : The SAS Documentation site is a treasure trove of information on all SAS procedures and functions.

Seek Feedback and Collaborate : Work on projects with peers or mentors who can provide feedback and offer new perspectives.

By following these steps and leveraging the provided resources, you can significantly improve your SAS skills and enhance your research capabilities.

How to Display SAS Skills on Your Resume

Stata is a powerful statistical software package used by researchers for data management, analysis, and graphics, supporting a wide range of statistical techniques.

Stata is important for researchers because it provides a comprehensive suite of statistical tools for data analysis, management, and visualization, facilitating robust and replicable research findings across various disciplines.

How to Improve Stata Skills

Improving your proficiency in Stata as a researcher involves a combination of enhancing your understanding of the software, learning to implement more efficient coding practices, and staying updated on the latest features and extensions. Here are concise tips with relevant resources:

Master the Basics : Start with a solid foundation by thoroughly understanding Stata's environment, commands, and data manipulation techniques. The Stata Getting Started guide is an excellent resource.

Utilize Online Courses and Tutorials : Engage with structured learning through online platforms. Udemy and Coursera offer courses tailored to different expertise levels.

Explore Stata's Documentation : Dive into Stata's official documentation for in-depth understanding and to learn about new features and commands.

Participate in Forums and Communities : Join platforms like Statalist , the official Stata forum, to share knowledge, ask questions, and learn from experienced users.

Automate Repetitive Tasks : Learn to write do-files for automating repetitive tasks, improving efficiency. The Stata Programming Reference Manual provides guidance on scripting.

Stay Updated : Follow the Stata Blog for updates, tips, and tricks from Stata professionals and enthusiasts.

Learn from Example Datasets : Practice with Stata's provided datasets to understand data management and analysis techniques. Access these through the sysuse command.

Enhance Your Statistical Knowledge : A deeper understanding of statistical methods will allow you to make the most of Stata's capabilities. Khan Academy offers free resources to brush up on statistics.

Optimize Performance : For large datasets or complex analyses, learn to optimize Stata's performance through efficient coding practices. The Stata Programming FAQ offers tips on improving execution speed.

By following these tips and utilizing the provided resources, you can significantly improve your Stata skills, contributing to more effective and efficient research.

How to Display Stata Skills on Your Resume

NVivo is a qualitative data analysis software that allows researchers to organize, analyze, and visualize unstructured data, such as interviews, open-ended survey responses, articles, social media, and web content, facilitating in-depth insights into their research topics.

NVivo is important for researchers because it facilitates the organization, analysis, and synthesis of qualitative data, enabling deeper insights and more robust findings.

How to Improve NVivo Skills

To improve your experience and efficiency with NVivo as a researcher, consider the following concise strategies:

Enhance Your Skills : Continuous learning about NVivo's features can significantly improve your proficiency. The QSR International's NVivo Resource Library offers tutorials, webinars, and guides tailored for both beginners and advanced users.

Leverage Import Options : Efficiently utilize NVivo's capability to import data from diverse sources (e.g., surveys, social media, interviews). Understanding the data importing guidelines can streamline your workflow.

Use Coding Queries : Master the use of coding queries to analyze your data deeply. NVivo's query functions help in identifying patterns, comparing themes, and extracting meaningful insights from your data.

Employ Collaboration Features : If working as part of a team, utilize NVivo's collaboration features. Understanding how to merge projects and share data can enhance team productivity and analysis consistency.

Optimize with Add-Ons : Explore NVivo add-ons for advanced functionalities like automated transcription and social media analysis. NVivo Transcription and NCapture are tools that expand your research capabilities .

Stay Updated : Regularly update your NVivo software. New updates often include bug fixes, new features, and performance improvements. Check the latest NVivo updates for optimal performance.

Seek Community Support : Join NVivo forums and user groups to share experiences, ask questions, and get advice from the community. The NVivo Community can be a valuable resource for troubleshooting and tips.

Implementing these strategies can significantly enhance your research process, making your work with NVivo more effective and enjoyable.

How to Display NVivo Skills on Your Resume

ArcGIS is a comprehensive geographic information system (GIS) software developed by Esri, designed for creating, analyzing, and managing spatial data and maps for research and application in various fields such as environmental science, urban planning, and public health.

ArcGIS is important for researchers because it provides powerful tools for spatial analysis, data management, and visualization, enabling them to uncover patterns, trends, and relationships in geographic data that can drive scientific discovery and inform decision-making.

How to Improve ArcGIS Skills

Improving your ArcGIS skills as a researcher involves a combination of enhancing your understanding of GIS concepts, practical application of tools, and integrating advanced technologies. Here are concise strategies:

Master the Basics and Beyond : Dive deeper into the essentials of ArcGIS by exploring Esri's training catalog . Focus on courses relevant to your research.

Learn Python for ArcGIS : Automate tasks and perform advanced data analysis by learning Python scripting. Start with ArcGIS API for Python .

Incorporate Spatial Data Science : Explore the ArcGIS Spatial Data Science course to integrate statistical models and machine learning in your GIS projects.

Utilize ArcGIS Online : Leverage ArcGIS Online for sharing and collaborating on GIS projects, accessing a wealth of datasets, and using web applications.

Engage with the Community : Join the GeoNet Community to share ideas, get help, and stay updated on the latest GIS trends and technologies.

Explore Advanced Tools : Delve into advanced tools like ArcGIS Pro for more powerful and efficient data analysis, visualization, and management.

Attend Workshops and Conferences : Participate in GIS-focused events like the Esri User Conference to learn from experts and network with peers.

By following these strategies and continuously practicing, you can significantly improve your ArcGIS capabilities and contribute more effectively to your research projects.

How to Display ArcGIS Skills on Your Resume

Hadoop is an open-source framework designed for distributed storage and processing of large data sets using simple programming models across clusters of computers. It is particularly useful for handling big data analysis for researchers.

Hadoop is important for researchers because it enables the processing and storage of large datasets across a distributed computing environment, facilitating complex analytical computations and the extraction of valuable insights from big data efficiently.

How to Improve Hadoop Skills

Improving Hadoop performance and functionality can be crucial for researchers dealing with big data analysis. Here are concise strategies with relevant resources:

Optimize Configuration : Fine-tune Hadoop's configuration parameters (e.g., heap size, block size) to match your specific workload requirements. Apache Hadoop Configuration

Use Compression : Implement data compression to reduce I/O and improve network bandwidth usage without significantly impacting CPU resources. Hadoop Compression

Enable Data Locality : Optimize task assignment to minimize data movement across the network, enhancing processing speed. Understanding Data Locality

Leverage High-Performance Computing (HPC) Techniques : Integrate HPC methodologies to improve computational efficiency and scalability. Integrating HPC with Hadoop

Incorporate Advanced Storage Solutions : Utilize SSDs for frequently accessed data and Hadoop Compatible File Systems (HCFS) for better scalability and performance. Hadoop and SSDs

Employ Parallel Processing Frameworks : Make use of frameworks like Apache Spark for faster in-memory processing capabilities. Apache Spark

Optimize Data Formats : Use efficient data formats (e.g., Parquet, ORC) that support schema evolution, compression, and improved read/write operations. Hadoop File Formats

Implement Automated Tuning Tools : Utilize tools like LinkedIn's Dr. Elephant or Apache Ambari for automatic detection and correction of performance bottlenecks. Dr. Elephant , Apache Ambari

Update Regularly : Keep your Hadoop cluster and related ecosystem components up-to-date with the latest releases to benefit from performance improvements and new features. Hadoop Releases

Invest in Training and Knowledge Sharing : Encourage continuous learning and sharing of best practices within your team or organization. Hadoop Training

By applying these strategies, researchers can significantly enhance Hadoop's performance and efficiency for processing large-scale datasets.

How to Display Hadoop Skills on Your Resume

Related Career Skills

• Market Researcher
• Survey Researcher
• Clinical Researcher
• User Experience Researcher

Critical Thinking in Academic Research - Second Edition

(4 reviews)

Cindy Gruwell, University of West Florida

Robin Ewing, St. Cloud State University

Copyright Year: 2022

Last Update: 2023

Publisher: Minnesota State Colleges and Universities

Language: English

Formats Available

Conditions of use.

Learn more about reviews.

Reviewed by Julie Jaszkowiak, Community Faculty, Metropolitan State University on 12/22/23

Organized in 11 parts, this his textbook includes introductory information about critical thinking and details about the academic research process. The basics of critical thinking related to doing academic research in Parts I and II. Parts III –... read more

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

Organized in 11 parts, this his textbook includes introductory information about critical thinking and details about the academic research process. The basics of critical thinking related to doing academic research in Parts I and II. Parts III – XI provide specifics on various steps in doing academic research including details on finding and citing source material. There is a linked table of contents so the reader is able to jump to a specific section as needed. There is also a works cited page with information and links to works used for this textbook.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

The content of this textbook is accurate and error free. It contains examples that demonstrate concepts from a variety of disciplines such as “hard science” or “popular culture” that assist in eliminating bias. The authors are librarians so it is clear that their experience as such leads to clear and unbiased content.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

General concepts about critical thinking and academic research methodology is well defined and should not become obsolete. Specific content regarding use of citation tools and attribution structure may change but the links to various research sites allow for simple updates.

Clarity rating: 5

This textbook is written in a conversational manner that allows for a more personal interaction with the textbook. It is like the reader is having a conversation with a librarian. Each part has an introduction section that fully defines concepts and terms used for that part.

Consistency rating: 5

In addition to the written content, this textbook contains links to short quizzes at the end of each section. This is consistent throughout each part. Embedded links to additional information are included as necessary.

Modularity rating: 4

This textbook is arranged in 11 modular parts with each part having multiple sections. All of these are linked so a reader can go to a distinct part or section to find specific information. There are some links that refer back to previous sections in the document. It can be challenging to return to where you were once you have jumped to a different section.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

There is clear definition as to what information is contained within each of the parts and subsequent sections. The textbook follows the logical flow of the process of researching and writing a research paper.

Interface rating: 4

The pictures have alternative text that appears when you hover over the text. There is one picture on page 102 that is a link to where the downloaded picture is from. The pictures are clear and supportive of the text for a visual learner. All the links work and go to either the correct area of the textbook or to a valid website. If you are going to use the embedded links to go to other sections of the textbook you need to keep track of where you are as it can sometimes get confusing as to where you went based on clicking links.

Grammatical Errors rating: 4

This is not really a grammatical error but I did notice on some of the quizzes if you misspelled a work for fill in the blank it was incorrect. It was also sometimes challenging to come up with the correct word for the fill in the blanks.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

There are no examples or text that are culturally insensitive or offensive. The examples are general and would be applicable to a variety of students study many different academic subjects. There are references and information to many research tools from traditional such as checking out books and articles from the library to more current such as blogs and other electronic sources. This information appeals to a wide expanse of student populations.

I really enjoyed the quizzes at the end of each section. It is very beneficial to test your knowledge and comprehension of what you just read. Often I had to return and reread the content more critically based on my quiz results! They are just the right length to not disrupt the overall reading of the textbook and cover the important content and learning objectives.

Reviewed by Sara Stigberg, Adjunct Reference Librarian, Truman College, City Colleges of Chicago on 3/15/23

Critical Thinking in Academic Research thoroughly covers the basics of academic research for undergraduates, including well-guided deeper dives into relevant areas. The authors root their introduction to academic research principles and practices... read more

Critical Thinking in Academic Research thoroughly covers the basics of academic research for undergraduates, including well-guided deeper dives into relevant areas. The authors root their introduction to academic research principles and practices in the Western philosophical tradition, focused on developing students' critical thinking skills and habits around inquiry, rationales, and frameworks for research.

This text conforms to the principles and frames of the Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education, published by the Association of College and Research Libraries. It includes excellent, clear, step-by-step guides to help students understand rationales and techniques for academic research.

Essential for our current information climate, the authors present relevant information for students who may be new to academic research, in ways and with content that is not too broad or too narrow, or likely to change drastically in the near future.

The authors use clear and well-considered language and explanations of ideas and terms, contextualizing the scholarly research process and tools in a relatable manner. As mentioned earlier, this text includes excellent step-by-step guides, as well as illustrations, visualizations, and videos to instruct students in conducting academic research.

(4.75) The terminology and framework of this text are consistent. Early discussions of critical thinking skills are tied in to content in later chapters, with regard to selecting different types of sources and search tools, as well as rationales for choosing various formats of source references. Consciously making the theme of critical thinking as applied to the stages of academic research more explicit and frequent within the text would further strengthen it, however.

Modularity rating: 5

Chapters are divided in a logical, progressive manner throughout the text. The use of embedded links to further readings and some other relevant sections of the text are an excellent way of providing references and further online information, without overwhelming or side-tracking the reader.

Topics in the text are organized in logical, progressive order, transitioning cleanly from one focus to the next. Each chapter begins with a helpful outline of topics that will be covered within it.

There are no technical issues with the interface for this text. Interactive learning tools such as the many self-checks and short quizzes that are included throughout the text are a great bonus for reinforcing student learning, and the easily-accessible table of contents was very helpful. There are some slight inconsistencies across chapters, however, relative to formatting images and text and spacing, and an image was missing in the section on Narrowing a Topic. Justifying copy rather than aligning-left would prevent hyphenation, making the text more streamlined.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

(4.75) A few minor punctuation errors are present.

The authors of this text use culturally-relevant examples and inclusive language. The chapter on Barriers to Critical Thinking works directly to break down bias and preconceived notions.

Overall, Critical Thinking in Academic Research is an excellent general textbook for teaching the whys and hows of academic research to undergraduates. A discussion of annotated bibliographies would be a great addition for future editions of the text. ---- (As an aside for the authors, I am curious if the anonymous data from the self-checks and quizzes is being collected and analyzed for assessment purposes. I'm sure it would be interesting!)

Reviewed by Ann Bell-Pfeifer, Program Director/ Instructor, Minnesota State Community and Technical College on 2/15/23

The book has in depth coverage of academic research. A formal glossary and index were not included. read more

Comprehensiveness rating: 4 see less

The book has in depth coverage of academic research. A formal glossary and index were not included.

The book appears error free and factual.

The content is current and would support students who are pursuing writing academic research papers.

Excellent explanations for specific terms were included throughout the text.

The text is easy to follow with a standardized format and structure.

The text contains headings and topics in each section.

It is easy to follow the format and review each section.

Interface rating: 5

The associated links were useful and not distracting.

No evidence of grammatical errors were found in the book.

The book is inclusive.

The book was informative, easy to follow, and sequential allowing the reader to digest each section before moving into another.

Reviewed by Jenny Inker, Assistant Professor, Virginia Commonwealth University on 8/23/22

This book provides a comprehensive yet easily comprehensible introduction to critical thinking in academic research. The author lays a foundation with an introduction to the concepts of critical thinking and analyzing and making arguments, and... read more

This book provides a comprehensive yet easily comprehensible introduction to critical thinking in academic research. The author lays a foundation with an introduction to the concepts of critical thinking and analyzing and making arguments, and then moves into the details of developing research questions and identifying and appropriately using research sources. There are many wonderful links to other open access publications for those who wish to read more or go deeper.

The content of the book appears to be accurate and free of bias.

The examples used throughout the book are relevant and up-to-date, making it easy to see how to apply the concepts in real life.

The text is very accessibly written and the content is presented in a simple, yet powerful way that helps the reader grasp the concepts easily. There are many short, interactive exercises scattered throughout each chapter of the book so that the reader can test their own knowledge as they go along. It would be even better if the author had provided some simple feedback explaining why quiz answers are correct or incorrect in order to bolster learning, but this is a very minor point and the interactive exercises still work well without this.

The book appears consistent throughout with regard to use of terminology and tone of writing. The basic concepts introduced in the early chapters are used consistently throughout the later chapters.

This book has been wonderfully designed into bite sized chunks that do not overwhelm the reader. This is perhaps its best feature, as this encourages the reader to take in a bit of information, digest it, check their understanding of it, and then move on to the next concept. I loved this!

The book is organized in a manner that introduces the basic architecture of critical thinking first, and then moves on to apply it to the subject of academic research. While the entire book would be helpful for college students (undergraduates particularly), the earlier chapters on critical thinking and argumentation also stand well on their own and would be of great utility to students in general.

This book was extremely easy to navigate with a clear, drop down list of chapters and subheadings on the left side of the screen. When the reader clicks on links to additional material, these open up in a new tab which keeps things clear and organized. Images and charts were clear and the overall organization is very easy to follow.

I came across no grammatical errors in the text.

Cultural Relevance rating: 4

This is perhaps an area where the book could do a little more. I did not come across anything that seemed culturally insensitive or offensive but on the other hand, the book might have taken more opportunities to represent a greater diversity of races, ethnicities, and backgrounds.

This book seems tailor made for undergraduate college students and I would highly recommend it. I think it has some use for graduate students as well, although some of the examples are perhaps little basic for this purpose. As well as using this book to guide students on doing academic research, I think it could also be used as a very helpful introduction to the concept of critical thinking by focusing solely on chapters 1-4.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Part I. What is Critical Thinking?
• Part II. Barriers to Critical Thinking
• Part III. Analyzing Arguments
• Part IV. Making an Argument
• Part V. Research Questions
• Part VI. Sources and Information Needs
• Part VII. Types of Sources
• Part VIII. Precision Searching
• Part IX. Evaluating Sources
• Part X. Ethical Use and Citing Sources
• Part XI. Copyright Basics
• Works Cited
• About the Authors

Ancillary Material

About the book.

Critical Thinking in Academic Research - 2nd Edition provides examples and easy-to-understand explanations to equip students with the skills to develop research questions, evaluate and choose the right sources, search for information, and understand arguments. This 2nd Edition includes new content based on student feedback as well as additional interactive elements throughout the text.

About the Contributors

Cindy Gruwell is an Assistant Librarian/Coordinator of Scholarly Communication at the University of West Florida. She is the library liaison to the department of biology and the College of Health which has extensive nursing programs, public health, health administration, movement, and medical laboratory sciences. In addition to supporting health sciences faculty, she oversees the Argo IRCommons (Institutional Repository) and provides scholarly communication services to faculty across campus. Cindy graduated with her BA (history) and MLS from the University of California, Los Angeles and has a Masters in Education from Bemidji State University. Cindy’s research interests include academic research support, publishing, and teaching.

Robin Ewing is a Professor/Collections Librarian at St. Cloud State University. Robin is the liaison to the College of Education and Learning Design. She oversees content selection for the Library’s collections. Robin graduated with her BBA (Management) and MLIS from the University of Oklahoma. She also has a Masters of Arts in Teaching from Bemidji State University. Robin’s research interests include collection analysis, assessment, and online teaching.

Contribute to this Page

Marketing91

What are Research Skills? And Why are they Important?

June 12, 2023 | By Hitesh Bhasin | Filed Under: Marketing

Research skills are essential to many employers since they help the organisation to develop new products and services, identify the wants and needs of the customer and improve in what they do to keep up with the competition in the industry and the market . Having research skills is an important trait which you can highlight to your employers and also help you in your career path .

Definition: it is the ability to find a solution and answer to a question. It includes the ability to collect relevant information regarding the topic, review on that information and interpret after analysing the information.

Research skills are essential which every candidate should possess while applying for jobs. Research skills are useful even in non-research areas, and such candidates are valued in almost every company or every sector. Having these skills will make your research process smoother, and you will be able to complete your research earlier than time.

Before you work on your research skills, you must have good knowledge about the research and the field in which you are doing the research. Technical expertise, along with research skills, will make it a success since one without another is incomplete.

Table of Contents

Importance of Research Skills

Research skills are loved by employers all around. This is because research is a vital part of the business and it helps the companies in many functions such as report writing , developing new products, keeping track of competitors, identifying the needs of the customer, keeping up with ever-changing technologies and improvements in the market, etc

Research skills also show companies that you will be able to suggest new ideas and assist the research and development team of the business in adapting to their changing world and dynamic market. Research helps to save money.

Launching a new product can be very expensive for a company and not to mention very risky also. The research will help the companies to predict if any customer will buy the product. It helps to predict the viability of the product in the market.

Research helps to minimise the risk, which companies take while launching the product. Also, research helps to analyse the competitor activities and determine the right course of action to get a competitive edge in the market and in turn, better business by increasing the number of customers.

Top research skills

Research skills often vary like research. For example, research which involves collecting primary information by the method of surveys then you have the expertise to form questionnaire , or if the research suggests data mining , then those are the skills that you should have.

However, following are few research skills which are common to every stream or industry or any research topic:

1. Searching information

Every researcher has to search for information from many sources. They may be primary sources or secondary sources. The researcher has to analyse the available information and the gathered information and then use it in his research.

This information is also analysed to solve the research. The researcher has to have the skill of searching for information and digging out the necessary part of that search for his research. Internet research skills are especially valued everywhere.

The Internet consists of a lot of data and information. Some information is accurate while some of it is false. The researcher needs to have the skills to distinguish correct details from the falsified information.

The reliable information will have links and sources from which the information is received, while the information which is not credible will be without bibliography or references.

2. Attention

The researcher should have the skill to pay close attention to details. It is a crucial skill not only for research but also for all the tasks at work. You may have chalked responsibilities like specifying procedures and policies and implementing them which are given by the company.

This means that you have to understand the details yourself first, and then you can ensure that others implement it.

Identifying the needs of the customer, knowing exactly what will be the limitations of your research, what are the alternative ways that you can find information which has not been tried, are few of the things which require extreme care and attention to specifics.

You will encounter a lot of information while conducting your research. For example, if you’re collecting primary data , then there may be a lot of information which is coming to you which you may not have asked for, but you think you might require it at some point in the research. You must have the skills and ability to make notes of all such information.

This information may or may not be used for your research, but you must collect it and store it safely.

The information should also be accessible to you, and the note should be clear and legible so that even if you look at it after many weeks, months or years, not only you but anyone who reads it should understand. Note-taking is a valuable skill to have in research as well as in non-research jobs.

4. Time Management

Time management is the skills in which you break down the entire project into small manageable parts. You have to approach the project with the deadline so that you complete the project before the stipulated time. Similarly, shorter deadlines should be applied to small sections which you have broken down and complete them accordingly. Time management also involves setting objectives, planning for it, organising and completing the task. The better you are at the time management, the better your research will be.

Apart from research skills time management is a valued skill for every employer

5. Problem-solving skills

The ability to manage stressful situations and overcome complex challenges in business is called problem-solving skills. Problem-solving skills are essential in research because the research itself is a big problem which you are going to provide a solution.

You have to analyse the available information critically, understand what are the resources with you and solve the problem. You may encounter numerous problems in your research process. For some problems, you can approach your peers, research guide and industry experts. But if you continuously approach someone for your problems, then it may not go well.

Not only with your research be devalued, but even though you will be able to complete the research, you may never have the complete knowledge of it. This is why problem-solving skills is an essential skill to have.

6. Communicating results

When you understand a result correctly then only you can communicate it properly. You have to present the information in a way that others can understand and comprehend your solution.

Communication involves verbal as well as non- verbal communication . Non-verbal communication is more important, but in the case of a research presentation, both verbal and non-verbal skills are necessary equally.

You have to develop active listening , excellent observation skills and fluent and natural speaking skills , which are a part of communication skills .

Excellent communication skills are something that employers are always looking out for, And it will help to boost your career since they are equally valued in non-research areas of the job as well.

Improving research skills

Following are the tips which you can use to improve your research skills.

1. Define the research properly

Defining the research properly as it relates to the area or assignment gives the research students the context which this act and the context that they require. More than 50% of students say that class discussions about conducting research are helpful for them.

You must define your research correctly and in sync with your division or speciality.

Well defined research is half work done if you are not aware of the research or its steps or you are partly knowledgeable about it so that you must ask your faculty or your research guide about the details of your research process.

2. Break down the research into smaller parts

Handling the entire research process at once, is a cumbersome thing. Especially for someone who is doing their first research. It is efficient to break down the research into manageable parts.

You can first work on the proposal of the topic then you can start on secondary research . Once you have a comparative framework of your research, then you can proceed with primary research , analysis of primary research and preparation of the report.

Instead of preparing the final report directly, work on making a draft which can be edited easily. Get the draft checked and evaluated from various research guides and use their inputs to improve your research.

3. Avoid plagiarism

Plagiarism is something that should be avoided. Best research reports have no plagiarism. This not only deteriorates the quality of the research but also reduces your value as a researcher. Plagiarised research is worse than having no research.

A small percentage of plagiarism is acceptable such as 2 – 5% but beyond that deteriorates the research. Find authentic first-hand information which will reduce your plagiarism and try to search on new perspective rather than copying second-hand information.

There are many software available these days which check for plagiarism in seconds and can direct you to the source from which the information is taken.

4. Research evaluation

Be accurate about how the research will be evaluated. If you have access to, then study the sample research and see how they were evaluated, what went wrong, what was right.

It is difficult for research students to define the expectations of their professors and evaluators. This is why they must work on the evaluation procedures before submitting the work and avoid the mistakes that can be avoided.

5. Consultant a librarian

Very few researchers think of consulting a librarian when doing their research. A lot of students said that they do not seek help with the librarian with the research related to the course. This is why many of the researchers end up getting frustrated or not finding the required resources for their study.

Finding through library database is a humongous task in itself. They need the help of a librarian who is expert in navigating through the library and in planning your research strategy .

They can locate any available book in the library within seconds or minutes, and on the contrary, a student who is not aware of navigating through the library will take hours on end to get the book. There are many online services available for the library in which the students can use to improve their research.

Liked this post? Check out the complete series on Market research

Related posts:

• Why customer reviews and recommendations are most important nowadays?
• What is the Importance of Marketing Mix and why are the 4 P’s important?
• Why Sales motivation is important and what are Objectives of Sales motivation?
• What is Brand Activation & Why is it Important?
• What is Sales Analysis? Why is it important?
• Importance of Retailing – Why Retail is Important?
• Brand Strategy – Steps, Components and Why it is Important for Business
• What is Authenticity and Why it is Important?
• What is Service Excellence? And Why it is Important & excellent
• 11 Reasons Why Importance of Research Advice for Business

About Hitesh Bhasin

Hitesh Bhasin is the CEO of Marketing91 and has over a decade of experience in the marketing field. He is an accomplished author of thousands of insightful articles, including in-depth analyses of brands and companies. Holding an MBA in Marketing, Hitesh manages several offline ventures, where he applies all the concepts of Marketing that he writes about.

All Knowledge Banks (Hub Pages)

• Marketing Hub
• Management Hub
• Marketing Strategy
• Advertising Hub
• Branding Hub
• Market Research
• Small Business Marketing
• Sales and Selling
• Marketing Careers
• Internet Marketing
• Business Model of Brands
• Marketing Mix of Brands
• Brand Competitors
• Strategy of Brands
• SWOT of Brands
• Customer Management
• Top 10 Lists

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• About Marketing91
• Marketing91 Team
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy
• Terms of Use
• Editorial Policy

WE WRITE ON

• Digital Marketing
• Human Resources
• Operations Management
• Marketing News
• Marketing mix's
• Competitors