This document defines research and nursing research. Research is a systematic, scientific process used to answer questions or solve problems. Nursing research specifically aims to improve nursing care, education, and administration. The purpose of nursing research includes developing the scientific knowledge base of nursing and providing an evidence base for practice. Research uses scientific methods, which are systematic, empirical processes involving formulating hypotheses, collecting data, and analyzing findings. There are two main types of research: quantitative research, which collects numerical data to test theories, and qualitative research, which collects descriptive data to understand phenomena.