What is the three general research tools?

There isn't a universally agreed-upon list of only *three* general research tools, as the specific tools used depend heavily on the field of research and the research question. However, we can categorize research tools into broader groups, and from those, identify three encompassing categories:

1. Databases and Information Retrieval Systems: This includes library catalogs, academic databases (like JSTOR, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science), online archives, and search engines (like Google Scholar). These tools allow researchers to locate relevant existing information, literature, and data.

2. Data Collection Methods: This encompasses the various ways researchers gather primary data. Examples include surveys, interviews, experiments, observations, and document analysis. These tools are crucial for generating new data relevant to the research question.

3. Data Analysis Tools: These tools are used to process, interpret, and present the data collected. They range from simple statistical software packages (like SPSS or R) to qualitative data analysis software (like NVivo or Atlas.ti), and even specialized software for specific research methods (e.g., GIS for geographical data). This category focuses on making sense of the collected data.

While other tools exist (e.g., citation management software, statistical programming languages), these three categories represent fundamental and broadly applicable research tool types.