Research Questions

[Elenwenn]

Hi, I am kind of new to the game and just started my first INT caster. In a few levels I will be 16 and can start research, but I am kind of confused about how it works.

I got the list of research components from "The Library" section here, but does anyone know of a good practical skilling guide?

Do I just keep doing combines until it goes up? Is the cap tied to my level or is it like a trade skill? If tied to my level how do I make spells for a new level without failing?

My friend tells me that there were research mod items later in the game but he isn't sure about classic. Anything like that availible?

I am totaly new to this so any help anyone can offer will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!