Path for Learning Skilled Research

Getting Started

  1. Research.
    • What: Research is the process of getting high-quality information.
    • Why?: Consistently make better decisions and get better results.
    • How?: Apply the QPSR Method: Questions → Primary + Secondary Research → Repeat*.

Fundamentals of Skilled Research (QPSR Method)

1. Questions in Research (Q)

What: Asking a question is the process of figuring out what information might be useful.
Why: Well-formed questions guide you toward finding the most relevant, high-quality information.
How: Use the 6W1H Method — Generate Best Questions → Do your research → Review and revise Best Questions → Repeat.

2. Primary Research (P)

What: Getting information directly by using methods such as observation, experiments, measurements, investigative journalism, and so on.
Why: Primary research does not involve anyone opinion; it is direct. d How: Select the best method (observation, experiment, interview, survey, measurement, etc.) → Design → Do Primary Research.

3. Secondary Research (S)

What: Collecting information from existing, credible sources such as books, articles, reports, and databases.
Why: Secondary research is efficient, helps you build on existing knowledge, and can fill gaps in your primary research.
How: Search systematically → Evaluate sources for credibility → Extract and organize relevant information.

4. Repeat (R)

What: Iterating the research process to refine and improve your results.
Why: Each cycle deepens understanding, corrects mistakes, and fills in missing details.
How: Review your findings → Revise your questions → Conduct more primary and/or secondary research as needed.

Additional Skills for Skilled Research

A. Good (High-Quality) Information

What: Information that is accurate, relevant, timely, and complete.
Why: Decisions based on poor information can lead to errors, wasted resources, and missed opportunities.
How: Use the ART-C Test — Accurate → Relevant → Timely → Complete.

B. Trustworthy Sources of Information

What: Sources that are reliable, unbiased, and verifiable.
Why: Even good methods fail if the sources are untrustworthy — “garbage in, garbage out.”
How: Check the CRAP Test — Currency → Reliability → Authority → Purpose.