3. Discuss why research is important to human beings. Give specific examples.

Research is a process that has become a major part of our daily routine whether it’s academic or non-academic research.  We use research to find sources in writing and then use those sources in our own individual manner to form something brilliant that is our own. Research is not based on the process of copy paste or using others ideas as our own rather it is about expanding our way of thinking as research encourages creators not imitators. We can get inspiration from other people’s work and capture useful information from their experiences or even backgrounds but only as long as we maintain our individuality. Life is full of doors that are yet to be opened and truth that is yet to be uncovered, and through research we can open these doors and uncover the truth that lies behind. Research helps us follow the path that others found success through and avoid mistakes that others made. How did we get to where we are today? The answer is simple, we did it through working with one another, learning and growing together, expanding our thoughts and ideas and basically thinking outside the box. We begin to view life differently through other people’s eyes but one thing we must never do is get caught up and let our originality and individuality die along the road.

Research is prompted by curiosity about the possibilities and opportunities that could emerge. As humans we are guided by the blind impulse of curiosity, an impulse that must be satisfied. Even though we live our entire life trying to find that satisfaction and great fulfillment to all our wonders and questions, it still remains a goal that will never be achieved.  As there is always something new around the corner whether it’s newfound art or entertainment or even exploration. We are compelled by this force that triggers us, a force that is poking and prying within us for one purpose and one purpose only, and that is to enter the world of research, creativity, originality and modernism.

Cooking and going online to find recipes is research. Finding resources for an essay or a project is research. Learning how to leverage those resources so they are most beneficial is research.  As an architecture student research is a major part of our course.  We don’t only learn about the aspects of design and creativity, we also put major focus on building with the natural system and maintaining an environmental ethic. In order to achieve smart design we research and study the environmental conditions in certain regions, the climate, the on-site resources and we combine that knowledge gathered to come up with an integrated sustainable design that is beneficial to the environment, the economy as well as our social standings. The built form can be a danger to nature through its energy consumption and waste production but through research we learn to build with nature rather than against it so we can achieve a more effective lifestyle.  For me research and originality go hand in hand whether it’s in design or writing a paper for English class. In architecture we research to find renewable, on site resources that is beneficial to the environment but how we leverage those resources is acieved through our own interpretation and perspective of  that specific site, occupation and available technologies, and that to me is originality. Same concept applies to writing, even though we can find everything we need by surfing the internet and we can find scattered information throughout, building that information according to our perspective and specific goal is a form of originality. It is a challenge but as long as we are capable of thought that challenge remains achievable. We manipulate the information discovered by others in our own individual manner to make it us and that is what originality is all about.

We are always on the hunt for new discoveries. research helps us make sound decisions based on factual facts, use resources effectively, modify our  direction, strengthen our credibility , validate the assumptions and approaches we take, learn from others detours and mistakes and do strategic, planning that is our own. What we have become unaware of is that research is such a common part of our life that we begin to forget we are even doing it. Like Albert Einstein said “If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?.”  When we were little, our parents always told us that through education we can enter a whole new world. They show us the door and tell us that what lies behind that door is beyond comprehension, it is a new life of independence, strength and wealth of mind, soul and pocket book. Though our parents and teachers hand us the keys and guide us, it is journey of self-fulfillment that we must take on our own. This new world that we grew up learning about and we attend college so one day we can get the chance to experience is triggered by research because research creates the new knowledge that exists behind that door. Research creates knowledge, fulfillment, satisfaction, originality and most importantly the future. Maybe our parents and teachers hand us the key but that key remains and forever shall remain research and how we choose to use it is what determines the life we will have on the other side.