Research
Research governs research tasks and can unlock use of certain items. GameBanshee says researching enemy organs often grants a 25% damage bonus against the relevant enemies, and that certain items become available only after research.
How it works
GameBanshee notes a minimum Research requirement for the Toxin-A Sample and says a LabAssistant implant can reduce the skill level needed for some research. The other guide says additional Research points reduce research time. These sources describe distinct benefits, so the choice depends on access, damage bonuses, and time savings.
Read the supporting references
Character attributes, technical skills, combat weapon skills, and operating-system upgrades supported by the supplied System Shock 2 reference windows. Guidance explains the referenced mechanics; it is not a tested damage ranking. Check the stated edition and source version before applying a patch-specific detail.