# Research and reasoning

Methods for asking careful questions, judging evidence, and revising explanations.

Canonical page: https://givegigs.com/wiki/research
Last updated: 2026-11-09T18:58:11.921Z
Parent topic: [knowledge](https://givegigs.com/wiki/knowledge)

## Contents
- [Overview](#wiki-section-overview-1)
- [Knowledge grows by correction](#wiki-section-shared-practice-2)

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## Overview

Research begins by making a question clear enough to investigate. Researchers choose methods that fit the question, gather evidence, examine alternative explanations, and communicate what the evidence can and cannot show. Strong practice records methods and uncertainty so others can inspect or extend the work.

Explore related topics:
- [evidence](https://givegigs.com/wiki/evidence)
- [scientific-method](https://givegigs.com/wiki/scientific-method)
- [critical-thinking](https://givegigs.com/wiki/critical-thinking)
- [statistics](https://givegigs.com/wiki/statistics)
- [research-ethics](https://givegigs.com/wiki/research-ethics)

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## Knowledge grows by correction

Peer review, replication, open methods, and public criticism can identify errors and improve explanations. They are safeguards with limits: review can miss problems, replications can differ for valid reasons, and access to research resources is unequal. A responsible account describes the specific evidence and process behind a claim.

## Sources

- [National Academies: Reproducibility and Replicability in Science](https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/25303/reproducibility-and-replicability-in-science)

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