I would define research as a means of gaining information that you did not know about in the past in order to prove a point or for personal gain. For example if you were writing a paper on poverty but had no prior knowledge on the subject except what you see on television you would conduct research so that your paper would have correct information. It also helps in conversations. You would do your research so that when you talk to people or if people ask you about a topic you can respond factually. What is the purpose of business research? The purpose of business research is to search out the market and gain an understanding of what other products and costs are out there. This will help you choose products that sell and at a cost that will gain customers. How has the Internet changed the quality and quantity of research? The internet has changed the quality and quantity of research by allowing sites that have answers to assignments for pennies on the dollar which decreases the quantity of time students spend in their books. It also diminishes the quality in that students look for a quick markup or fix of the assignment they bought instead of creating one on their own. Describe the research conducted by your own business?The research conducted by my business is that of clinical trials. We try to find new indications for drugs or new drugs altogether.