Scientific Research I Overview

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.

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.