Research activities are often attributed only to scientists and students. However, it is successfully used by many people outside the scientific field. Research can be viewed in different contexts, but its essence remains the same. This activity is performed to obtain additional knowledge that confirms specific theories or helps make a decision. I use research almost all the time, both in my studies and in my daily life. For example, for sufficient preparation for performing a given job or passing exams, collecting as much information as possible from various sources is necessary. These sources should also be found and verified as relevant to the issue at hand. This type of research allows understanding the subject under study more deeply, which, for example, will enable to respond to the teacher more confidently.
Besides, I often use research to broaden my horizons and get different views on the same issue. Instead of accepting the news shown on television, it is usually much more productive to do your own research. This is especially important in the political sphere, since the largest media outlets often take the side of the current government, as, for example, in the case of President Trump. In such situations, comparing different news sources allows for getting a more realistic perspective of what is happening. The more information is known about a problem, the easier it is to draw a conclusion and form a more objective opinion and perspective.
An article written by Leann Zarah confirms my words about the importance of research as a tool for building knowledge and practical learning. Besides, I would like to note the article’s section devoted to combating lies and supporting the truth. As Zarah writes, “Scientists also deal with research to test the validity and reliability of their claims or those of other scientists’.” This problem is faced by all who are engaged in research since, in any situation, it is necessary to separate false information from real and adequately assess relevance and credibility. On the one hand, the spread of Internet technologies has made it much easier to find information. However, at the same time, many pseudo-journalists appeared, presenting their opinions as factual information either out of a sense of their superiority or out of a deliberate desire to spread fake news.
There are many examples of this behavior, for instance, from the 2016 election campaign, in which there were a vast number of specially launched rumors. The reason for this may be both a desire for profit at the expense of high-profile headlines and specially established disinformation for political purposes. According to Zarah, “Fact-checking to know the truth is integral to the process of research, for it is fueled by an inquisitive and critical mind.” I completely agree with this approach, since I use it frequently. Before using any source, it is necessary to verify its integrity by comparing the available data with similar resources and, where applicable, with specialized databases.
In my opinion, this process should be part of the everyday life of any person. At the moment, too many people blindly believe the information that is brought to them from TV screens or written on Facebook. Thus, people’s opinions are easily manipulated by those people who know how to conduct research and control facts in the way they need. Therefore, as many people as possible need to learn how to use research in their daily lives, checking facts, looking for more reliable sources of information, using critical thinking, and drawing conclusions on their own. Secondly, such an approach will ultimately make it possible not only to find answers but also to broaden horizons and increase the knowledge base. Thereby a person will be able to formulate their opinion and position on a large number of questions. The availability of timely, relevant, and reliable information is crucial for a person’s existence and the formation of his views on the world. The research process is one of the few ways to obtain such information, which is why it is so important.