What reasons may drive one to appreciate research and engage in it?

1. A Tool for Building Knowledge and

Efficient Learning
Research is required not just for students and academics, but for all professionals. It is
also important for budding and veteran writers, both offline and online.

Among professionals and scribes, finding an interesting topic to discuss and/or to write
about should go beyond personal experience. Determining either what the general public
may want to know about or what researchers want others to realize or to think about can
serve as a reason to do research.

The Brain Research Trust acknowledges the importance of research. Undoubtedly, it is

crucial to finding possible cures for diseases, as well as how to prevent them. Thus,
research becomes a must to ascertain if one’s ideas are supported by previous studies or if
these ideas still need proof to be considered as knowledge. An example of this is the 2016
study of several psychologists who examined how sleep affects memory reactivation. In
"Relearn Faster and Retain Longer: Along With Practice, Sleep Makes Perfect", they
"found that interleaving sleep between learning sessions not only reduced the amount of
practice needed by half but also ensured much better long-term retention. Sleeping after
learning is definitely a good strategy, but sleeping between two learning sessions is a
better strategy." This study supports the fact that: "Both repeated practice and sleep
improve long-term retention of information". Their findings also emphasize how highly
important sleep is to healthy brain function.

Research by The World Bank in 2006 likewise underscored sleep as a key factor
of efficient learning or the process of gaining optimal learning using few resources. The
study reiterates the role of sleep in: (1) protecting and restoring memory, (2) advanced
learning, and (3) enhancing mathematical ability and problem solving. It further notes
that "knowledge is better consolidated when people study at the time when they are
supposed to be awake rather than, say, late-night sessions." It also recommends the need
for research on "the memory capacity of the poor in low-income countries" to enable
teachers in helping underprivileged students learn basic skills.

Said studies on the effects of sleep on the human brain are among the many research
topics that have already been examined by academics and specialists in various
universities and medical institutions. A myriad of research ideas likewise awaits the
attention of avid scholars and inquisitive writers. Indeed, research is instrumental in
building and improving knowledge, as well as in facilitating efficient learning.
Research and development (R&D) plays a crucial role in business success and in a
thriving national economy. | Source

2. An Aid to Business Success and Job Search

Research has a vital role in business. Many successful companies, such as those that
produce consumer goods or mass-market items, invest in research and development or
R&D. Different business industries with science and engineering processes like
agriculture, food and beverage, manufacturing, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, computer
software, semiconductor, information and communication technology, construction,
robotics, aerospace, aviation, and energy have high R&D expenditure because it is critical
to product innovation and to improving services.

R&D also helps secure a vantage point over competitors. Finding out how to make things
happen and what could differentiate them from others that offer similar products and
services can raise the company’s market value. Certainly, having relevant knowledge in
achieving a good commercial image through sound business strategies like investing in
R&D can boost its profitability.

In addition, R&D in various firms and industries is essential to supporting a country's

economy. For instance, the United Kingdom's Department of Business Innovation and
Skills (BIS), now known as the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy,
used to publish an annual R&D Scoreboard. The report served "...as a benchmarking tool
for companies, investors and policymakers" for 20 years. However, due to the UK
government's austerity measures, it was last produced in 2010.

For those looking for a job or for greener pastures, research is likewise a necessity.
Through this process, not only will the unemployed increase their chances of finding
potential employers either through job posting sites or employment agencies, but it can
inform them if work opportunities are legitimate. Without research, the gullible, yet
hopeful jobseeker or migrant worker may fall prey to unscrupulous headhunters who
might be involved in illegal recruitment and/or human trafficking. Indeed, doing research
can help make important decisions that can affect one's life and future.

3. Means to Understand Various Issues

Television shows and movies ooze with research - both on the part of the writer(s) and
the actors. Though there are hosts who rely on their researchers, there are also those who
exert effort to do their own research. This helps them get information that hired
researchers missed, build a good rapport with the interviewee, and conduct a good
interview in the process.

For their part, some film and TV actors would take time to interview detectives, boxers,
scientists, business people, criminals, and teachers, among others. Others would even
immerse themselves in situations that would make them understand social and personal
issues like living behind bars or in a drug rehabilitation center. Many would read
literature, biographies, or journals to have a better view or context of the story.

As what Terry Freedman says in "The Importance of Research for ICT Teachers" (2011):
"Research can shed light on issues we didn’t even know existed, and can raise questions
we hadn’t realised even needed asking." Thus, almost all writers of imaginary and non-
fictive tales also do research because doing so helps them create a good story and/or
achieve strong credibility as an academic.

The Internet provides people a convenient way to do research.

4. A Way to Prove Lies and to Support Truths

Ever experienced feeling that your mate is having an affair behind your back? Some
people would overlook that and say that it's better not to know; others though would take
discreet action, hiring detectives to do the work. What does research have to do with that
situation? A lot.

Doing research to reveal lies or truths involving personal affairs contributes in either
making a relationship work or in breaking away from a dysfunctional one. For the
monogamous lot, doing research to disprove or prove infidelity is not simply a trust issue,
but a right to find out the truth - unless one's intimate partner has already admitted
being polyamorous even before the relationship started. When a person dislikes
answering relationship-related questions, including her or his whereabouts, it is better to
see that as a red flag and take baby steps to save yourself from what could become a more
serious emotional mess later.

Scientists also deal with research to test the validity and reliability of their claims or those
of other scientists'. Their integrity and competence depend on the quality - and not just
quantity - of their research. Nonetheless, not everything scientists come up with get
accepted or learned by everyone, especially when factors like religion, state suppression,
and access to resources and social services (e.g., education and adequate health programs)
either feed the poor majority with lies or deter them from knowing truths to preserve the
status quo.

Professional and credible journalists undertake thorough research to establish the veracity
of their stories. The movie "Shattered Glass" shown in 2003 tells the rise-and-fall story of
a real-life journalist who used to work for the long running The New Republic based in
New York City. Sans investigative research done by fellow journalists, Stephen Glass
could have written more fictitious pieces for said editorial magazine.
 With the use of internet technology and social media, pseudo journalism has become a
social concern. Fake news took center stage during the 2016 presidential campaign period
in the United States. For instance, Snopes.com, a rumor research site, debunked the
following "scoops" posted online:

 An FBI agent believed to be responsible for the latest email leaks “pertinent to the
investigation” into Hillary Clinton’s private email server while she was Secretary of
State, was found dead in an apparent murder-suicide... (Reported on November 5, 2016
by the Denver Guardian)
 In a final speech to the synod, Pope Francis endorsed Senator Bernie Sanders for
President of the United States... (Reported on October 26, 2015 by the National
Report and USAToday.com.co)
 Thousands of pre-marked ballots for Hillary Clinton and other Democratic candidates
were found in a warehouse in Ohio. (Reported on September 30, 2016 by the Christian
Times Newspaper)
 Assange: Bernie Sanders Was Threatened To Drop Out Of The Race (Reported on August
29, 2016 by USA Supreme)
 News outlets around the world are reporting on the news that Pope Francis has made the
unprecedented decision to endorse a US presidential candidate. His statement in support
of Donald Trump... (Reported in July 2016 by the WTOE 5 News)
 After Gay Club Massacre - Phoenix LGBT Officially Endorses Trump (Reported on June
13, 2016 by the Gateway Pundit)
 African-American supporter of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has died
after allegedly sustaining gunshot wounds in the aftermath of Friday night's chaos in
Chicago. (Reported on March 12, 2016 by the Christian Times Newspaper)
According to Pew Research, social media, especially Facebook, serve as the source of
news for over 60 percent of adult Americans (Chang, Lefferman, Pedersen & Martz,
2016). Besides the platform, fake news have become profitable for pseudo journalists
whose main goal is to attract reader clicks that lead to Google Adsense revenues.

Fact-checking to know the truth is integral to the process of research, for it is fueled by an
inquisitive and critical mind. Murray, Social News and UGC Hub (2016) suggest that
before news readers share information on social media, they need to assess the integrity
of the news source and check for similar news on legitimate media outlets.

Genuine journalists do not rely on imagination for their news reports nor do they avoid
doing research. They eschew propaganda and have no intention of misleading the public.
They are messengers of truth, not lies.

Even with the Internet, reading books is still important to doing research. | Source
5. A Seed to Love Reading, Writing,
Analyzing, and Sharing Valuable
Information
Research entails both reading and writing. These two literacy functions help enable
computation and comprehension. Without these skills, it is less likely for anyone to
appreciate and get involved in research. Reading opens the mind to a vast horizon of
knowledge, while writing helps a reader use her/his own perspective and transform this
into a more concrete idea that s/he understands.

Apart from reading and writing, listening and speaking are also integral in conducting
research. Interviews, attending knowledge-generating events, and casual talks with
anyone certainly aid in formulating research topics. They can also facilitate the critical
thinking process. Listening to experts discuss the merits of their studies helps the listener
to analyze a certain issue and write about such analysis.

With the wide array of ideas available, scholars and non-scholars involved in research are
able to share information with a larger audience. Some view this process as ego-boosting,
while others see it as a means to stimulate interest and encourage further studies about
certain issues or situations.

As literacy is integral in improving a person's social and economic mobility and in

increasing awareness, research then hones necessary basic life skills and makes learning
a life-long endeavor.

"Despacito (Remix)"
(with Daddy Yankee)
(feat. Justin Bieber)

[Justin Bieber:]
Coming over in my direction
So thankful for that, it's such a blessin', yeah
 Turn every situation into Heaven, yeah
Oh, you are my sunrise on the darkest day
Got me feelin' some kind of way
Make me wanna savour every moment slowly, slowly
You fit me tailor-made, love, how you put it on
Got the only key, know how to turn it on
The way you nibble on my ear,
The only words I wanna hear
Baby, take it slow so we can last long

[Luis Fonsi:]
Oh, tú, tú eres el imán y yo soy el metal
Me voy acercando y voy armando el plan
Sólo con pensarlo se acelera el pulso

[Daddy Yankee:]
Oh, yeah ya, ya me está gustando más de lo normal
Todos mis sentidos van pidiendo más
Esto hay que tomarlo sin ningún apuro

[Justin Bieber:]
Despacito
Quiero respirar tu cuello despacito
Deja que te diga cosas al oído
Para que te acuerdes si no estás conmigo
Despacito
Quiero desnudarte a besos despacito
Firmo en las paredes de tu laberinto
Y hacer de tu cuerpo todo un manuscrito

[Daddy Yankee:]
Sube, sube, sube
Sube, sube

[Luis Fonsi (Daddy Yankee):]

Quiero ver bailar tu pelo
Quiero ser tu ritmo
Que le enseñes a mi boca
Tus lugares favoritos
(Favorito, favorito, baby)
Déjame sobrepasar tus zonas de peligro
Hasta provocar tus gritos
Y que olvides tu apellido

[Daddy Yankee:]
Si te pido un beso, ven, dámelo
 Yo sé que estás pensándolo
Llevo tiempo intentándolo
Mami, esto es dando y dándolo
Sabes que tu corazón conmigo te hace bang-bang
Sabes que esa beba está buscando de mi bang-bang
Ven, prueba de mi boca para ver cómo te sabe
Quiero, quiero, quiero ver cuánto amor a ti te cabe
Yo no tengo prisa, yo me quiero dar el viaje
Empecemos lento, después salvaje

[Daddy Yankee & Justin Bieber:]

Pasito a pasito, suave suavecito
Nos vamos pegando, poquito a poquito

[Daddy Yankee:]
Cuando tú me besas con esa destreza
Veo que eres malicia con delicadeza

[Daddy Yankee & Justin Bieber:]

Pasito a pasito, suave suavecito
Nos vamos pegando, poquito a poquito

[Daddy Yankee:]
Y es que esa belleza es un rompecabezas
Pero pa' montarlo aquí tengo la pieza
¡Oye!

[Justin Bieber:]
Despacito
Quiero respirar tu cuello despacito
Deja que te diga cosas al oído
Para que te acuerdes si no estás conmigo
Despacito
Quiero desnudarte a besos despacito
Firmo en las paredes de tu laberinto
Y hacer de tu cuerpo todo un manuscrito

[Daddy Yankee:]
Sube, sube, sube
Sube, sube

[Luis Fonsi (Daddy Yankee):]

Quiero ver bailar tu pelo
Quiero ser tu ritmo
Que le enseñes a mi boca
Tus lugares favoritos
 (Favorito, favorito, baby)
Déjame sobrepasar tus zonas de peligro
Hasta provocar tus gritos
Y que olvides tu apellido

[Luis Fonsi:]
Despacito
This is how we do it down in Puerto Rico
I just wanna hear you screaming, "¡Ay, Bendito!"
I can move forever cuando esté contigo
¡Bailalo!

[Daddy Yankee, Luis Fonsi & Justin Bieber:]

Pasito a pasito, suave suavecito
Nos vamos pegando, poquito a poquito

[Luis Fonsi (Daddy Yankee):]

Que le enseñes a mi boca
Tus lugares favoritos
(Favorito, favorito, baby)

[Daddy Yankee, Luis Fonsi & Justin Bieber:]

Pasito a pasito, suave suavecito
Nos vamos pegando, poquito a poquito

[Luis Fonsi:]
Hasta provocar tus gritos (Fonsi)

[Daddy Yankee:]
Y que olvides tu apellido (D.Y.)

[Justin Bieber:]
Despacito