Yes the more research you do the higher your rewards are, however the Gridcoin blockchain is secured using Proof of Stake (PoS).

In simplified terms PoS means each wallet address that is online has a chance to create (stake) each block, the probability of an address staking a block is decided by the balance each address holds.

A block contains a set of transaction data for the network and is permanantly set in the blockchain.

When you stake a block one of the transactions created is the addition of your outstanding research rewards to your balance.

Because you only get your research rewards when you stake a block, you either need a decent balance yourself (solo) or you pool your balance with other people so you get regular payouts (pool).