Well, I go about research this way when I can:
   When I hear history, I look for the opinion of Historians.
   When I hear science, I look for the opinion of Scientists.
   When I hear religious things, I look to theologians of the
   appropriate church/religion.
   When I hear math, I look for mathematicians.
   I go about things that way because I want to get the experts in
   each field and then I try to tie it together in a way that makes
   sense in my brain. I don't always agree with the experts; but at
   least I feel a firm footing when I state my opinions. But that's
   because I'm a nerd about stuff tongue emoticon