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.