Here are those eight characteristics. Research originates with a question or a problem. Research requires a clear articulation of a goal. Research follows a specific plan of procedure. Research usually divides the principal problem into more manageable sub-problems.
Research is guided by the specific research problem, question, or hypothesis.
Research accepts certain critical assumptions. These assumptions are underlying theories or ideas about how the world works. Research requires the collection and interpretation of data in attempting to resolve the problem that initiated the research. In the KanCRN project the helical nature of research is represented by connecting Vee diagrams. The KanCRN research process is represented by the Vee diagram below, a modified version of the Vee diagram created by Bob Gowin and others at Cornell University.