Final answer:
The correct answer is 'research', encompassing methodologies such as surveys, experiments, and observations. The digital world has expanded students' capabilities to conduct various types of research, including field research, online surveys, and the use of existing records, each carrying unique strengths and limitations.
Step-by-step explanation:
As students learn in this digital world, they have the opportunity to find and conduct various types of research that were not possible before — and the information is right at their fingertips. The correct answer to the question is 'research', which includes an array of methodologies such as surveys, experiments, and observations to gather facts and understand phenomena. Modern technology has greatly expanded the capacity for data collection, making it easier to conduct field research, online surveys, and utilize existing records to explore new questions.
For instance, students now have the ability to effortlessly collect large-sample survey data online which can be generalized to a broader population. They can also engage in field research, recording observations and collecting data in natural environments. Additionally, the use of existing records—archival research—provides a cost-effective way to gather information, though it comes with limitations like no control over data collection methods. Ultimately, each research method comes with its own strengths and weaknesses, and the choice of method depends on the nature of the research question being posed.