Research Definition and 998 Threads

Research is "creative and systematic work undertaken to increase the stock of knowledge". It involves the collection, organization, and analysis of information to increase understanding of a topic or issue. A research project may be an expansion on past work in the field. To test the validity of instruments, procedures, or experiments, research may replicate elements of prior projects or the project as a whole.
The primary purposes of basic research (as opposed to applied research) are documentation, discovery, interpretation, and the research and development (R&D) of methods and systems for the advancement of human knowledge. Approaches to research depend on epistemologies, which vary considerably both within and between humanities and sciences. There are several forms of research: scientific, humanities, artistic, economic, social, business, marketing, practitioner research, life, technological, etc. The scientific study of research practices is known as meta-research.

View More On Wikipedia.org
Recent contents Top users
  1. ZapperZ

    Insights Initiating Research Work - Comments

    ZapperZ submitted a new PF Insights post Initiating Research Work Continue reading the Original PF Insights Post.
  2. C

    What Are the Best Books for Operations Research and Modelling?

    Hi Guys, I'm looking for a good text on operations research and modelling. Specifically, I want to look at developing models for transportation and inventory management. Any good books that you would recommend? Thanks,
  3. ZapperZ

    Insights Choosing a Research Area and an Advisor - Comments

    ZapperZ submitted a new PF Insights post Choosing a Research Area and an Advisor Continue reading the Original PF Insights Post.
  4. G

    What are Government research jobs like in physics?

    I am going to be a college freshmen majoring in physics and am trying to learn about all of the different options I have in the future. I can't seem to find any good information about what government research jobs in physics are like. What does a day look like as a government researcher? Are...
  5. V

    Physics Research career on particle physics and quantum theory

    I want to do research as a physicist on either particle physics or quantum theory.For that I wish to pursue higher degrees in world's leading institutions of physics.What should be my career path after i complete my graduation in Physics which i am presently persuing.
  6. P

    What are Pritom Roy's research interests in Physics?

    Hey fellow members, This is Pritom Roy. I'm currently a B.Sc in Physics student in Khulna University Bangladesh. I've research interest in Renewable Energy and Health Physics. Thanks
  7. EternusVia

    Welcome to Graduate School Research in Mathematics

    Hi everyone, I'm currently researching graduate schools in mathematics. I would like to go for a PhD. My question is, do I apply directly to the PhD program? Or do I apply to the Master's program and apply for the PhD afterwards? What do people normally do?
  8. L

    Download Knowledgebase / Suggestions for Research Sites

    I wasn't sure if this was better here, or somewhere in the Education sub-forums. I'm not in school, though. This is just for personal use; for fun and for research. At a glance: Looking for downloadable encyclopedias/knowledge-bases (non-Wikipedia, already have), and suggestions for research...
  9. P

    Motivation for research and careers in physics

    I've been struggling to find my own motivation for studying and researching physics, so I wanted to pose this question to anyone willing to answer. What is your motivation/drive/ambition to study physics? What do you hope to accomplish with a career in physics? And finally, was there a moment...
  10. P

    Schools Can I Do Research in CS for My Physics Major?

    Alright, so I am a physics major but I am 99% sure that I am going to get a minor in Computer Science. My question is that, I know I have to do some type of research in college, and I was wondering if I would be able to in Computer Science instead of Physics? Or is that a bad idea
  11. B

    PhD Program: Biophysics vs. Physics w/ biophysics research

    Hi everyone, Long time lurker here coming out to make my first post. I just finished my B.Sc. in Physics and I am getting ready to apply to graduate schools in the Fall of 2015. I did some undergraduate research in experimental biophysics (understanding the statistics of the transport of...
  12. K

    Complementing my Management Sciences/Operations Research

    Hey there, I am an undergraduate student doing Management Sciences. I love my subjects, the courses and projects. However I personally feel I should choose a minor to complement my major. As Management Sciences/OR deals "problem solving" at the core and does not "specialize" into a specific...
  13. B

    How to do mathematics research as undergraduate?

    Dear Physics Forum friends, I am a college sophomore in US with double majors in mathematics and microbiology. My algorithmic biology research got me passionate about the number theory and analysis, and I have been pursuing a mathematics major starting on this Spring semester. I have been...
  14. Z

    Which of these is most relevant to photonics research?

    I have been assigned to research one of three topics as a term paper. This is for an upper level undergraduate course in electromagnetism. Could you advise me on which topic best aligns with research in photonics? Hall Effect: Research the classical, quantum, and anomalous Hall effect...
  15. metapuff

    CMT vs HEP-PH Research: Which is Better for Grad School?

    I want to do hep-th in grad school (like everyone else!). My school doesn't have anyone working in formal hep-th, so I need to take a roundabout track in research (I've been working in cosmology recently). I have two options: work with a well-known prof in CMT (very mathematical) work with a...
  16. S

    Schools Research and Graduate School .

    Hi Guys! Perhaps this a commonly asked question on Physics forums. If this has been addressed before then I apologize. I really value the input on this board from the experienced folks, hence the question. My first question : 1) What is required to be accepted for internships for places such...
  17. I

    ?Learning MCNP for Research Reactor Analysis

    I just started learning MCNP for research reactor analysis. Can anybody advise where and how I could easily get material to read and practice
  18. metapuff

    Which Is Better for Grad School Prep: Independent Study or Research in Physics?

    Hey guys, I'm an undergrad looking to do hep-th / mathematical physics in grad school, and have a free summer to kill. I have two options: a) Independent studies in QFT and GR. b) Research in hep-ph that won't be very mathematical, but will probably lead to a paper. If you were in my position...
  19. D

    Unsure what undergraduate research to pursue

    I'm a sophomore electrical engineering student. I've decided to apply to the honors college at my school. Part of the program includes writing a senior thesis and doing undergraduate research. One of the essay questions on the application asks me to describe a topic that I might be interested in...
  20. M

    Researching Set Theory as an Undergrad

    I'm currently an undergrad in math who's going to graduate next year. I'm interested in doing research in set theory (not now of course, perhaps in grad school). Unfortunately, I'm at a liberal arts school and there are no set theorists in the math department. All they offer is a naiive set...
  21. djh101

    How important is potential advisers' research?

    It's almost April 15 and I am currently choosing between schools that seem to have a perfect inverse correlation between a) correlation between my research interests and the schools (though I am still somewhat undecided at the moment) and b) niceness of location. I can see how a potential...
  22. I

    Writing an essay for summer research as an undergraduate

    I'm a second year physics undergrad getting ready to apply for a summer research program at my school. These positions are very competitive so I'd like to ask for some advice. The main component of the application is a 500 word essay stating why I want to participate in the program and what I...
  23. X

    Research in Differential Geometry

    I am currently looking at grad schools, and I am wondering if anyone knew who are the leading researchers in differential geometry. I know that question is a little vague considering how diverse differential geometry is, but I was hoping that something could direct me in the right direction...
  24. M

    Admissions Relevance of past research during PhD admission

    Hello everyone, I'm a physics student and have got a matter that has been bothering me, therefore I would like to hear your opinion and perhaps your experiences. So now I have been doing my master thesis and I plan to find a PhD position after graduation. The problem is I want to take a topic...
  25. Brian T

    Schools Research Experience for Grad School

    Hello all, just a quick question. In terms of gaining research experience for applying to physics grad school, does the research experience necessarily have to be in a lab? Would only independent research (but supervised) be worse than actually lab experience? Thanks for your input, Brian
  26. O

    Superconductivity Research ideas

    Hello, I have to do a little research for school. My partner and I liked the topic Supercondutivity. Do you guys know any interesting research topics in this area? We are 16 years old and have basic Physical knowledge. There is an university in our area where we can do research at (if we have a...
  27. M

    Schools University of Nebraska-Lincoln REU - advice?

    Hi there PF, I've been accepted to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's REU program, with my adviser being Dr. Angela Pannier. The project is: Nanostructured Thin Films as Biomaterial Interfaces for Enhanced Substrate-mediated Gene Delivery I'm a physics major, and DNA is not my thing, really...
  28. P

    Sources of funding for undergrad summer research

    Hey guys, I found summer work with a post-doc in my University. I will be working with him on a side project that he's had an interest in for some time, but could only start it this coming summer because of lack of time. However, because he's only a post-doc (and I only got the position by...
  29. P

    Undergraduate research for prospective graduate students

    I'm beginning to look at grad schools for theoretical physics and was wondering how important research is in this field. As an undergrad there really isn't any theoretical physics research I could pursue and I was wondering if I should be looking for any research opportunities in other branches...
  30. Dishsoap

    Schools Diverse or concentrated research experience for grad school?

    Hey there, I'm a junior in undergrad and I'll be applying to grad school next fall. I have a 4.0 and very good letters of recommendation, but other than a sub-par GRE score, my main dilemma is research experience. Here is the research experience I have: 3 years, 3 papers in AMO/QFT (pair...
  31. Entanglement

    Physics Quantum Biology: Exploring the Hot Research Topic

    How hot is Quantum Biology these days? Is there much research being done on this subject ?
  32. E

    Research Question - How to find novel research ideas?

    Hey! So I've been reading a ton of papers on magnetic hyperthermia research (implanting nanoparticles into cancerous tissue and heating up the implanted area with an AC magnetic field to melt away the tumor cells). And now it's to the point where I would like to actually do something of my own...
  33. Bassirou

    Research Areas for PhD in Physics & Industry R&D

    Which research areas for a PhD in Physics may lead to good positions in the Industry's R&D? Please, excuse my English and thank you for any suggestion.
  34. Jalo

    Research theme about semiconductors involving programming

    Hello. I'm currently taking a physics course that gives me the freedom to take any subject related to semiconductors and do some research on it, presenting it at the end of the semester. I know I want to do something related to programming, but I'm having a hard time finding a theme. Hence me...
  35. A

    Best major to become operations research analyst?

    What is the best major to become an operations research analyst? http://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/operations-research-analysts.htm Most schools don't offer majors in operations research or industrial engineering (mine doesn't!), so what is the next best alternative?
  36. GiantSheeps

    Stargazing Are there astronomy competitions?

    I run an astronomy club at my school, and I recently discovered that the robotics club gets $2000 from the school every year to build a robot. They then go on to compete in tournaments with that robot, so that justifies the $2000. It would be great if I could get the school to give us $2000 to...
  37. R

    How Can a Physics Undergrad Secure Research Opportunities with a Low GPA?

    Hey everyone, I'm currently into my second semester of a physics B.S with a math minor. After a poorly planned dabble in a chemistry double major and some mental health issues, I left last semester with a 3.1 GPA, and it likely won't get much better after this semester either. Grad school has...
  38. M

    Nuclear fusion/fission research question

    Hi everyone, I hope this type of question is allowed on these forums. As part of my school curriculum, we are required to develop a research question in any field of science that we choose, and were given a reasonable length of time to do this. I, however, entered the school late and thus...
  39. S

    Nuclear waste and depleted uranium research paper (No math)

    Homework Statement (This isn't a typical problem here so feel free to suggest an alternative forum category or website.) I'm trying to do research for a paper about nuclear waste and depleted uranium storage by the DOD. I have a lot of questions I need to answer before I can get too far into...
  40. A

    Sacrificing research to study abroad?

    I need some advice regarding studying abroad for someone planning on going to graduate school in physics. I've always wanted to study abroad for a semester and I've heard nothing but great things about people's experiences. Last semester I got involved with a nuclear physics research group...
  41. hideelo

    Should I do undergrad experimental research if my goal is theoretical physics?

    I'm currently an undergraduate double majoring in physics and math and hoping to go into theoretical physics. It seems to me that there is very little I can do now in terms of research on theoretical physics, simply because of the knowledge required (please correct me if I'm wrong). I can get...
  42. K

    Engineering Help identify traits for Engineering Vs Research

    Hi all, I was just curious and wanted to know how to identify whether I like doing research or I like engineering. The best thing I can think of is to look what personality traits I have and compare those against required for research or engineering professions. For ex: An engineering trait...
  43. N

    Current Areas of research in Optics?

    Hello, I'm not sure whether this thread should be in a guidance section or here, but I think its more closely related to this area. As the title of the thread says, what are some current areas of research in Optics, if any? Thanks for any and all replies
  44. W

    Getting involved with research without graduate degree?

    Hello, I am studying mathematics and biology as an undergrad. I have always want to do a PhD, but due to having a B- average, I need to set up a realistic plan, (i.e, not going to grad school and try to find a job) although I have not given up hope entirely. I am seriously interested in aging...
  45. P

    Exploring Research Methodology: Maximizing Options and Possibilities

    hello is there a resource, book, website, online course, or whatever that will tell me the principles of research? to give you an example of what I mean you want to create a mechanism that transmits motion you can do that mechanically, but what are the available options? but again you can do...
  46. F

    Marketing Research (Cost, Revenue, Etc.)

    Homework Statement A local grocery store has agreed to sell your homemade bread. You will use the following information along with some ideas from Chapter 3 to decide how many loaves should be manufactured each week and what price should be charged. After tracking weekly sales at several...
  47. B

    Not sure where my research interests lie in undergrad?

    Hello, I am currently studying astrophysics in my undergrad. I am concerned with the fact that I do not know what field I want to explore during grad school yet. I am in my junior year and will probably finish my undergrad in five years due to double majoring in math as well. I realize I have...
  48. M

    What is my future after studying Theoretical Physics?

    Hi everybody! I'm an Italian high-schooler (but I'm living in California for an exchange year) and I love Physics. I decided kinda 6 years ago that I was going to study Physics at the University, and only now I started deciding the field of physics (but I'm still not sure if Cosmology...
  49. A

    Summer research spot without REU at a school with REUs

    I want to find an undergrad research spot at UC Davis over the summer since I'll be in the area; however, I believe I've missed the deadline for summer REU applications. Seeing as Davis gets an influx of undergrad researchers from their REU program, do I have any chance in scoring a spot by...
  50. Xsnac

    Stargazing Research with Ritchey–Chrétien 400 mm telescope

    Hello! I'm a first year undergrad student and I have the oportunity to do research durring summer with an Ritchey–Chrétien 400 mm telescope. Can you guys recommand me something to research? I don't even know where to start with my search for interesting topics that are not too hard and that will...
Back
Top