In this paper addressed to graduate students in reading, the nature and problems associated with graduate student research are described. It is noted that the purpose of research is seen in different ways by those engaged in it. However, regardless of how a profession defines research, it must contain and reflect scholarship; any other research is vacuous and pretentious. There are four pathways to initiate graduate students into research functions: inquiry, observation, cooperative effort, and consistency. In addition, graduate students should not be satisfied with what they are told. They should explore, probe, and ask questions. By being resourceful and persistent, young faculty members and graduate students can find opportunities and sources of funding for research. Armed with a well-founded idea, in part based on readings of the original research in the topic area, all that is required to pursue funding sources is organization, energy, and enthusiasm. To earn and deserve credibility, researchers must also produce well-written manuscripts within specified deadlines, and limit their efforts to two or three themes throughout their career. Obstacles to the researcher, such as poor training, lack of time, and inability to see problems or issues that warrant research can be overcome by independent study, time management, and further reading in the subject area. The researcher must acquire the convictions that only through research can truth come, and that truth emerges through the shared findings of many. Finally, conviction, faith, and patience will help shape the quality of future reading research and instruction. (CRH)