Research is defined as the systematic process of collecting and analyzing information to increase understanding of a phenomenon. It aims to answer "how" questions rather than "what" questions. Computer science and IT research both involve solving problems using technology, validating solutions, and creating new knowledge. However, computer science research focuses more on investigating raw technologies and improving existing solutions, while IT research focuses more on applying technology to solve organizational problems. Overall, research requires identifying a problem to solve, using a scientific methodology, applying technology, validating solutions, and creating new knowledge.