I.A. THE PURPOSE OF RESEARCH

 Research is a real life situation, the process of locating and evaluating information.  We use these skills when we buy a car, consider a prospective job opportunity, or decide upon a doctor.   In all cases we need to find relevant information, organize it so that we can see what is most relevant to our needs, and come to a conclusion as to how we should proceed. Research skills, therefore, help us to better our thinking skills, and the clear expression of our thoughts leads to better writing skills.
 Writing a research paper is an important learning experience.  As you select and narrow your topic, choose your sources, separate fact from opinion, eliminate unnecessary information, and organize your materials, you will refine your thinking and analysis skills.   Completing a research paper will also give you practice at clear written expression as you revise and refine it through several drafts.
 Writing a research report allows you to explore a particular topic in considerable depth and to organize and clearly express what you have learned.  Writing a term paper allows you to present information you have researched to support and defend an idea.   The clarification of this central idea in your mind and the organization of its defense develop thinking skills that will benefit you during your entire life.