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
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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
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Rigorous
Based on good theoretical base and sound
methodology
Careful and scrupulous
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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
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Testability
Test theoretical model by simulation or
experiment
Analysis of performance parameter against
design parameter
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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:
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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
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
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:
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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
UG
One is ready to learn
MSc
One is ready to explore
PhD
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
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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..