What Is Research?

No matter the discipline...

Research encompasses activity designed to expand knowledge and understanding of people and their environment as well as activities aimed at interpreting and enhancing that environment.

Intellectual or creative contribution refers to new knowledge, understanding, or innovation that results from the research process and is shared with others in the discipline or community through presentation, publication, exhibition and/or performance.

Such intellectual or creative contributions are often documented in essays, posters, slide decks, look books, recordings and more.

Many students engage in research as part of a course or apprenticeship-style experience with a professor or other research professional.

To qualify as a research experience, the student is expected to be involved in all aspects of the research process.