Library Toolkit for Student Research: Academic Research

1. Gathering information and collecting data
2. Being methodical and systematic in one's methods
3. Answering questions and solving problems
4. Creating new knowledge
5. Achieving conceptual/theoretical insight and understanding

*The primary intention underlying the conduct of research is to make a contribution to a larger disciplinary or social group.

Åkerlind. "An academic perspective on research and being a researcher: an integration of the literature." Studies in Higher Education 33.1 (2008), 17-31.

1. Fulfilling academic requirements, with research experienced as an academic duty
2. Establishing oneseld in the field, with research experienced as a personal achievement
3. Developing oneslf personally, with research experienced as a route to personal understanding
4. Enabling broader change, with research experienced as impetus for change to enefit a larger community

Åkerlind. "An academic perspective on research and being a researcher: an integration of the literature." Studies in Higher Education 33.1 (2008), 17-31.

Qualitative: Of or relating to quality or qualities; measuring, or measured by, the quality of something.

Quantitative:  That is, or may be, measured or assessed with respect to or on the basis of quantity; that may be expressed in terms of quantity; quantifiable.