Research involves investigating a topic through questioning to discover truths and gather accurate information. It requires higher-order thinking like analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. Research is similar to inquiry but also involves carrying out specific research stages in a particular order. Research is important as it allows professionals to critically examine their work, develop guiding principles, and test new theories to advance their fields. It is a tool for building knowledge, understanding issues, aiding business success, proving truths, finding opportunities, and exercising the mind.