a method of and apparatus for performing a research task within a searchable database by interchangeably utilizing a multitude of search methodologies including keyword search , hierarchical search , and dichotomous key search . a search criteria is correlated to a searchable database for generating one or more matching items , wherein each matching item corresponds to a segment of the searchable database , and repeatedly utilizing one of the search methodologies to correlate a subsequent search criteria to one of the matching items for generating one or more subsequent matching items until the research task is completed . utilizing the search methodologies can be performed by a server , preferably accessible over the internet through the public switched telephone network . according to another aspect , the method utilizes keyword search , hierarchical search , and parametric search methodologies . according to yet another aspect , the method utilizes keyword search , dichotomous key search , and parametric search methodologies . according to still yet another aspect , the method utilizes dichotomous key search , hierarchical search , and parametric search methodologies .