Though the Internet is a valuable tool, it is not the only research skill a person needs in order to find the facts. Using basic research methods can help you not only find the information you need, but also find information that you can trust.

Whether you need to do research for a class or for another sort of assignment, there are many advantages to using as many research tools as you can.

• More fact corroboration: When you find a fact in one reference source that is supported in another reference source, you can be assured that the fact you are using in your business paper or assignment is accurate.
• More viewpoints: The more resources you use, the more viewpoints you will consider during your topic exploration. This allows you to consider more ideas than the original one you may have been assigned.
• More facts: When you use more research skills and sources, you will be able to gain more facts for your final project.
• Larger frame of understanding: Because different research sources offer different kinds of information, you can find different ways to understand your topic, depending on the manner in which you need to present your findings.
• Gain knowledge quickly: If you need to prepare for a presentation or a test, you want to be able to find the facts about your topic quickly. With basic research skills, you will find what you need promptly.

The many benefits of good research are not surprising, though many people still believe that research is something that can be neglected until the last minute.
 

Where to Use These Research Skills

When you learn these basic research skills, you will begin to see that these skills are not just useful in a classroom. You can also develop these skills to help you at:

• Work. If you need to give a presentation at work, having done some basic research will allow you to present your facts without worrying about their validity.
• Writing. Communication is something you need to do every day. The more you research, the more effective your writing and communication will be.
• Local organizations. If you are involved in local organizations, being able to research your needs ahead of time is a great way to ensure you are prepared for meetings, discussions, and more.
• Family matters. Within your family, you might want to learn about different topics that you have heard about in school or in the newspaper. As a family, you can work together to find out more and to teach others the facts you have obtained.
• Family history. When your family is interested in its history, using research skills will allow you to find the information you want, even if you are not sure what you are looking to find.
• Interview preparation. Before a job interview, it can be helpful to learn about the position or about the market. Learning how to research these topics helps you become the perfect job candidate.
• Board meeting preparation. If you are sitting down with top executives, you need to know what you are talking about and what it means in terms of your board meeting. The more you can prepare, the more you will be able to offer to others in the meeting.

Instead of simply going to the computer to type in the questions you think you need to answer or using the first search result you find as the answer, it is time to look into what other ways you can begin to research the questions that pop up.

While you might not know everything there is to know about everything, there are many ways in which you can find the information you are looking for, if you know where to go.
 

How to Do the Best Research

When you are collecting information, you need to do more than to just look for the answers you need. You also need to ensure that the information you have gathered is truthful.

Here are some ways to make sure your research is accurate:

• Check the author. When you read a book or find an article, find out who the author is and consider that person's credentials. This will allow you to determine whether the writing is supported by expertise.
• Check the publisher. The publisher's reputation can also help you begin to see whether the information is credible. If the publisher publishes only work by people with strong backgrounds, then the book is trustworthy.
• Find the information in another way. Though the information might seem accurate, it is always best to look for the same information in another place. This will ensure that the facts are supported.

As you compile your research, make a list of the sources you have used, when you found them, and what you found in them. This will help you in case you have further questions later on.