Abstract: In this paper we introduce the basics of dark matter research, and also discuss recent progress in this field, including the evidence of dark matter, the cold dark matter model, the search of weakly interacting dark matter, researches on dark matter halo, and other astrophysical constraints. The current method of dark matter investigation differs from the traditional approach of reductionism, it might serve as an example of the "synthetical approach" of research. This has some reference value for reseaches in other fields.

Key words: dark matter, cosmology, synthetical approach