Research skills are practically any skill used to investigate or analyze information relevant to a topic of interest. 

Broadly, it includes a range of talents required to:

  • Find useful information

  • Perform critical analysis

  • Form hypotheses

  • Solve problems

What are basic research skills?

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

  • Organization

  • Decision-making

  • Investigation and analysis

  • Creative thinking

  • Evaluation

What are primary research skills?

  • Time management
  • Problem-solving 
  • Critical thinking 
  • Communication 

Importance of research skills 

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

 

Research skills examples

  • Searching for information

  • Attention to detail

  • Taking notes

  • Problem-solving

  • Communicating results

  • Time management

Improve your research skills

  1. Make an outline, and set your intention(s)

  2. Know your sources

  3. Learn to use advanced search techniques

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