research vs refer

research is a noun but refer is not a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
research	Yes	No	Yes	No
refer	No	No	Yes	No

As verbs, refer is a hyponym of research; that is, refer is a word with a more specific, narrower meaning than research:

Other hyponyms of research include consult, look up.

research (noun)	refer (noun)
systematic investigation to establish facts
a search for knowledge

research (verb)	refer (verb)
inquire into	think of, regard, or classify under a subsuming principle or with a general group or in relation to another
attempt to find out in a systematically and scientific manner	have as a meaning
	make reference to
	use a name to designate
	seek information from
	send or direct for treatment, information, or a decision
	be relevant to