These questions are paramount in the realm of scientific discovery, because of the importance we late-20th century folk attach to science.
Good science is much easier to define.
Quality research is a dedicated search for truth that can be discovered through scientific methods. A good piece of research also places itself accurately within the context of prior literature and ideas, specifying with exacting detail the methodological procedures used to collect information relevant to the question being examined, so that subsequent researchers can replicate the study. Finally, good science presents a complete description of the information collected, and those conclusions and varying interpretations that may be derived from the data to answer the questions posed. Good public policy follows good science, but we must be especially wary of science that seems to follow politically favored but heretofore unsubstantiated positions. Politicized science is treated as a techno-talisman, with magical powers capable of shutting down all debate, rendering opponents speechless.