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

Contents Characteristics of Scientific Research Types of Research Basic Research Applied Research Academic Research Industrial 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 clear eg to increase gain of EDFA to reduce Optical Beat Interference to 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 knowledge Understanding 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, 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..