Research Methodology

EPH 7112

LECTURE 2: CHARACTERISTICS AND TYPES OF RESEARCH

Contents

Characteristics of Scientific Research Types of Research

Basic ResearchApplied ResearchAcademic ResearchIndustrial Research

Scientific Research

How is it different from non-scientific research?

Focuses on solving problems and pursues a step-by-step logical, organized, and rigorous method to identify the problems collect data analyze and draw valid conclusions

Scientific Research

Non-scientific research based on hunches, experience and intuition

Pilot study, exploratory

Characteristics of Scientific Research Aim Rigor Testability Replicability Precision and Confidence Objectivity Generalizability Parsimony

Characteristics of Scientific Research

Aim The purpose of scientific research is

cleareg to increase gain of EDFAto reduce Optical Beat Interferenceto reduce Noise Figure

Characteristics of Scientific Research Rigorous Based on good theoretical base and sound

methodology Careful and scrupulous

eg all design parameters concerning the gain in EDFA must be considered; EDF length and concentration, pump power, input signal power and wavelength.

eg resolution of OSA, stability of current source for pump laser

Characteristics of Scientific Research Testability Test theoretical model by simulation or

experiment Analysis of performance parameter against

design parameter eg EDFA theoretical model show low gain

with high input signal power. Experiment to test this relationship while

other design parameters are fixed can be carried out.

Gain is measured against input signal power

Characteristics of Scientific Research

Replicability The same relationship stands

repeatedly under the same design parameters

Characteristics of Scientific Research

Precision and Confidence Precision refers to closeness of the

findings to reality Confidence refers to the probability

that our estimations are correct

Characteristics of Scientific Research

Objectivity Conclusions drawn from the analysis

of data must be objective Proven from trend in data Supported by theoretical model

Characteristics of Scientific Research

Generalizability Scope of applicability The wider, the better Eg. Rate Equation Model applicable

for lasers and fiber amplifiers

Characteristics of Scientific Research

Parsimony Simplicity in explaining the

phenomena or problem Assumptions are critical Minimize the dependant variable

Types of Research

Basic Research Applied Research Academic Research Industrial Research

Basic Research

Also known as pure or fundamental research

Objective: Advancement of knowledgeUnderstanding of theoretical

relationship between variables

Basic Research

Exploratory in nature Without any practical end in mind

Basic Research

Examples of questions asked in basic research:Which aspects of genomes explain

organismal complexity? Is it possible to prove or disprove

Goldbach's conjecture? (i.e. that every even integer greater than 2 can be written as the sum of two (not necessarily distinct) primes)

Applied Research

Solve specific, practical questions Can be exploratory, but descriptive Involves precise measurement of the

characteristics and describes relationships between variables of a studied phenomenon

Applied Research

Can be carried out by academic or industrial institutions

Investigation directed “to discovering new scientific knowledge that has specific commercial objectives with respect to products, processes or services

Applied Research

Examples of question asked in applied research: How can Canada's wheat crops be

protected from grasshoppers? What is the most efficient and effective

vaccine against influenza? How can the Great Lakes be protected

against the effects of greenhouse gas?

Academic research

carried out in universities and research institutes

expanding the extant levels of knowledge and technology

does not have any limits as it does not have any bounds in terms of tangible goals or outputs

Industrial Research

carried out in commercial organizations

a goal or a set of outputs that apply to the sector or industry

focuses on application of knowledge

Defining MSc and PhD

MSc

UG

One is ready to learn

PhD

One is ready to explore

One is ready to create

MSc, a process of

Identifying a research area of interest Learning to carry out a research

project Identifying problems Analyzing/ dissecting problems Designing/developing solutions Proving/Substantiating solution Reporting

Outcome of MSc program

Understand the issues of concerns within the area of specialization

Update with the latest development in the area of specialization

Master some of the tools (analytical, programming, simulation) required within the scope of study

Master some of the test and measurement skills

Outcome of MSc program

Be able to analyze results Be able to report results ; oral and

written Have published papers Know the primary references for the

area of specialization

Outcome of MSc program

Know the leading researchers/research groups in the area of study

Know the relevant industries/companies Identify his/her research strength and

weaknesses (theoretical, experimental; materials, processes, components/devices, system)

Conduct research with minimal guidance Smile..