How can we improve our research methods?

This question needs itself a thorough research to answer.

However, in my opinion, new topics of research invent new methods of research. Even if you take a topic, on which the work was already done can serve the purpose, if a new aspect of it is considered for new research.

Researchers should be encouraged to adopt innovations to proceed on their research work.

In my opinion, there is only way to improve research method that is closely monitoring of actual output of your method and expected one.  Also, the domain has to be closely studied where you are planning to implement research method to understand historical trend.

Research should be according to the topic..By reading, talking to people , using the internet etc

By doing more searching in that subject.