1. EPH 7112 LECTURE 2: CHARACTERISTICS AND TYPES OF RESEARCH
Research Methodology
EPH 7112
LECTURE 2: CHARACTERISTICS AND TYPES OF RESEARCH

2. Contents Characteristics of Scientific Research Types of Research
Basic Research
Applied Research
Academic Research
Industrial Research

3. 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

4. Scientific Research
Non-scientific research based on hunches, experience and intuition
Pilot study, exploratory

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

6. Characteristics of Scientific Research
Aim
The purpose of scientific research is clear
eg to increase gain of EDFA
to reduce Optical Beat Interference
to reduce Noise Figure

7. 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

8. 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

9. Characteristics of Scientific Research
Replicability
The same relationship stands repeatedly under the same design parameters

10. 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

11. Characteristics of Scientific Research
Objectivity
Conclusions drawn from the analysis of data must be objective
Proven from trend in data
Supported by theoretical model

12. Characteristics of Scientific Research
Generalizability
Scope of applicability
The wider, the better
Eg. Rate Equation Model applicable for lasers and fiber amplifiers

13. Characteristics of Scientific Research
Parsimony
Simplicity in explaining the phenomena or problem
Assumptions are critical
Minimize the dependant variable

14. Types of Research Basic Research Applied Research Academic Research
Industrial Research

15. Basic Research Also known as pure or fundamental research Objective:
Advancement of knowledge
Understanding of theoretical relationship between variables

16. Basic Research
Exploratory in nature
Without any practical end in mind

17. 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)

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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?

21. 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

22. 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

23. Defining MSc and PhD

24. 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

25. 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

26. 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

27. 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..