Human Nature0302 What is research? Asking questions
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Research, we have observed, begins with the asking of questions, a deeply human act of wonder and humility. Asking a question is a powerful act requiring honesty, self-confidence, and integrity. Honesty and self-confidence because asking a question reveals one's ignorance and yet, also, one's lack of pride in expressing ignorance publicly. Integrity, because the question communicates our interest in learning. In seeking answers to difficult questions, researchers often perform experiments. Question-asking and critical thinking continues here as well, as scholars report both evidence that helps to confirm their current hypothesis and evidence that may help to undermine it.
Question asking is powerful for another reason. Entrenched authorities and traditional rulers may feel threatened by questions, as the Church's response to Galileo makes clear. In such cases, research requires courage and a dedication to academic freedom.
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