Scientific Research I Overview

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Questions and Answers

What was the first hypothesis tested regarding the problem with the lamp?

The wire from the lamp to the wall outlet is defective.

The bulb has burned out. (correct)

You forgot to pay your electric bill.

The lamp is not plugged into the wall outlet.

Which hypothesis was ultimately supported by the testing process?

You forgot to pay your electric bill.

The lamp is not plugged into the wall outlet.

The wire from the lamp to the wall outlet is defective. (correct)

A late afternoon thunderstorm interrupted the electrical service.

Why is it important for research to accept certain assumptions?

Assumptions can be ignored if they are not proven.

Assumptions allow researchers to bypass data collection.

Assumptions limit the scope of the research to specific areas.

Valid assumptions ensure the quality and relevance of the research. (correct)

What is the first step in the research process as described?

Observing and asking questions. Signup and view all the answers

What happens after data is gathered in the research cycle?

The data is processed and interpreted. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the nature of research, according to the content?

Research is open and continuous. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when the temporary hypothesis is not supported by the data?

A new set of hypotheses is formed. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a valid assumption in research?

It must be clearly communicated to understand the study's context. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the questioning process play in research?

It helps frame the research problem and guides data collection. Signup and view all the answers

What is the result when the research cycle is complete?

New questions and hypotheses might arise for further research. Signup and view all the answers

What is considered the essential unit of thought in writing?

The paragraph Signup and view all the answers

Which section of a scientific paper summarizes the major elements?

Abstract Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an essential part of a scientific paper?

Literature Review Signup and view all the answers

What is necessary to ensure an experimental design is reproducible?

Detail the materials used Signup and view all the answers

What should not be confused with research?

Gathering information Signup and view all the answers

When should ideas be recorded during the research process?

Whenever they come to you Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'Methods' section of a paper describe?

The experimental procedures Signup and view all the answers

What approach is essential for extracting knowledge from systematically collected data?

Knowledge Discovery Approach Signup and view all the answers

What should the 'Summary' section do?

Summarize the findings Signup and view all the answers

What is a common mistake writers make regarding their experiments?

Overcomplicating sentence structures Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of research?

To systematically collect and analyze information. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of good research questions?

The question is vague. Signup and view all the answers

What does a research problem typically consist of?

Areas of concern. Signup and view all the answers

What is involved in the first step of research?

Identifying a question or problem. Signup and view all the answers

What is required for research questions to be considered proper?

They must be based on observable evidence. Signup and view all the answers

Which is an example of a research question characteristic?

The question should be clear. Signup and view all the answers

What type of research question seeks to eliminate difficulties?

Prescriptive questions. Signup and view all the answers

What does conducting research typically involve?

Breaking down the main problem into sub-problems. Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential aspect of research concerning the scientific community?

To communicate discoveries made. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is NOT a component of a specific research plan?

Ignoring previous findings. Signup and view all the answers

What initiates the process of research?

A question or problem Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential to articulate a clear goal in research?

It provides a specific focus on the problem Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of dividing a principal problem into sub-problems in research?

To simplify the problem-solving process Signup and view all the answers

What does successful research require regarding data?

Data to be available and accessible Signup and view all the answers

Which question would NOT typically start a research inquiry?

Is this the best option? Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of research as described in the content?

It is open and continuous Signup and view all the answers

What does organizing data in logical relationships facilitate in research?

Extracting meaningful conclusions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a step in planning the research process?

Creating a personal narrative Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate goal of research as described?

To resolve a specific problem Signup and view all the answers

What approach should be taken towards data when conducting research?

Carefully plan the collection and interpretation of data Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Course Information

Course Title: Scientific Research I
Course Code: HUM 207
Instructor: Dr. Marian Mamdouh
Department: Faculty of Engineering, Electronic and Communication department
Institution: AHRAM CANADIAN UNIVERSITY

Introduction to Research

"Research" has multiple meanings, varying by context.
It can include finding information, taking notes, and writing a documented paper (information gathering).
It's also the process of learning about something unknown through investigating sources and gathering information (library skills, documentation).
Research also involves creating revolutionary products or improving existing ones.

What Research Is Not

Research is not simply gathering information.
Research is not just transferring information from one place to another.
Research is not about gaining attention.

Defining Research

Research is a systematic process for collecting, analyzing, and explaining information (data) to understand a phenomenon.
The goal of research is to increase understanding of a phenomenon and communicate findings to the scientific community.
Research occurs when a problem or question needs solving, even if the answer seems obvious beforehand.

Research Problems

A research problem is a situation that needs addressing or changing.
This can include areas of concern, conditions needing improvement, difficulties to eliminate, and questions needing answers.

Research Questions

Proper research questions require collecting data to produce possible answers.
Good research questions must be based on observable evidence.

Characteristics of Good Research Questions

Feasible: The question can be realistically answered.
Clear: The question is easy to understand.
Significant: The question is important and significant.
Ethical: The question is approached responsibly and morally.

Essential Characteristics of Research

Originates with a question or problem
Requires a clear articulation of a specific goal
Involves a specific plan for implementation
Often divides a primary problem into smaller, manageable sub-problems
Guided by a specific research question
Accepts certain assumptions that must be valid
Is an open and continuous process.

Origin of Research

Research begins with unanswered questions and unresolved problems.
Requires contemplation, speculation, and questioning to understand.
Requires looking around and considering situations that spark questions.

Articulation of Research Goals

A clear and unambiguous statement of the problem is crucial for a research endeavor.
This statement should reflect intellectual honesty.
The ultimate goal of research should be a grammatically correct sentence that directly answers the research question.
Clearly defining the problem helps determine the necessary actions.

Research Planning

Research requires careful planning and direction.
Research isn't haphazard; a clear route is necessary for achieving the research aim.
A well-planned approach is needed to find and access required data and to effectively process it leading to meaningful conclusions.

Divide into Sub-problems

Breaking down main problems into smaller, manageable sub-problems makes research more manageable.
Solving these sub-problems will, in turn, provide a solution to the bigger problem at hand. (Example used of travelling)

Research Is Guided by a Specific Research Problem

Research involves formulating and testing hypotheses to solve a particular problem.
Research is about identifying and resolving issues (Example used of a faulty lamp).

Assumptions in Research

Research depends on valid assumptions; invalid or incorrect assumptions render research meaningless.
Important that other researchers know and understand the assumptions made.

Nature of Research

Research is an ongoing process; it follows a cycle of development and questioning.
This cycle begins by observing a situation, asking a question, and formulating a problem.
Data is collected to either support or refute a hypothesis leading to a conclusion.
The process is continuous, cyclical, and ultimately aims to answer research questions and form conclusions.

Language Points

Poor writing can mask poor experimentation, but brilliant writing cannot mask poor experimentation.
Avoid complex sentence structures.
Use clear and simple English.
Paragraphs are the essential units of thought

Preparation before Writing a Paper

Record readings and results in a structured manner, including tables and graphs.
Keep detailed notes for all observations, even seemingly insignificant ones.
Date and organize files properly.
Revise readings and repeat experiments when needed to ensure accuracy.
Write down ideas as they emerge.

Essential Parts of a Scientific Paper

Title: Briefly describe the paper's content.
Abstract: Summarize the paper's key elements.
Introduction: Provide context and rational for the study.
Materials: Outline the experimental design (reproducible).
Methods: Describe the experimental procedures.
Results: Summarize findings without interpretation.
Discussion: Interpret the study's findings.
Summary: Summarize the main findings.
Acknowledgements: Credit helpers.
References: List sources.

Summary

Research differs significantly from simply gathering or transforming information.
Research involves the systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of data to enhance understanding of phenomena.
Knowledge discovery, drawing upon systematically collected information, is vital for conducting successful research.
Understanding existing research papers enhances understanding of current research projects.

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Description

This quiz introduces the basics of research, defining what it is and what it is not. It covers the systematic processes involved in collecting and analyzing information, helpful for understanding various research contexts. Discover the importance of research in both academic and practical applications.