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.

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  1. trollcast

    Exploring Career Options in Research and Development: A Student's Perspective

    I'm struggling to choose between degree courses (I'm in my last year of HS, well uk equivalent) but I've sort of realized where / what I'd want to do at the end of it. Out of all the people my parents know and from my work experience / university tours the only real careers I've seen and thought...
  2. F

    What are some tips for starting research in Physics as a high school student?

    I'm going into my Junior year of high school and as of now I am worrying about what I have to do to get into the university of my choice. Until recently I haven't heard of the USAMO of Physics Olympiad competitions that would make me stand out, and I am not sure if I will be able to do them. I...
  3. S

    What Are the Best Career Options for a Physics Major Who Dislikes Research?

    Hi all, I'm a confused sophomore physics major. I love studying physics, but after completing 2 REUs (one in experimental AMO, one in computational atmospheric) I've started to realize that research is not for me. Basically, I'm not a very hands-on person, I dislike coding and I don't have the...
  4. N

    Programs Which major is best for technology research?

    I know that when I get out of college I want to work with all types of technology from computers to warp drives to automobile engines etc. I don't want to limit myself to just one area of technology. I thought a major in physics would be the best option to work with all types of technology but...
  5. teroenza

    Schools Graduate School Research Expenditures by Sub-Field

    I am looking for a central source of physics graduate school research expenditures, broken down by sub-field (nuclear, condensed matter, AMO, HEP, etc.). I can find the total amount spent here http://www.petersons.com/graduate-schools but I am not sure where to go for this kind of...
  6. B

    Engineering Combining Chemistry/Physics/Engineering Research

    Hello, I have a Monbusho scholarship(Japan) Bachelors in robotics(thesis: Molecular Dynamics for biofuels), have done an Erasmus Mundus fellowship dbl masters in Quantum Chemistry/Phys (thesis: DFT for solar cells) and am just pursuing a Marie curie fellowship in Theoretical Physics (thesis...
  7. O

    Are research papers published by universities in china available to us

    or vice versa? does the language barrier impede the exchange of knowledge?
  8. L

    Operations research word problem help appreciated

    I was wondering if anyone would be able to help me in answering these two questions related to this problem. I'm rather stuck! Problem - Ronald has just discovered four new ingredients for making a very potent potion that will raise his IQ by 15 points. We can only identify the ingredients as...
  9. C

    First undergrad math/philosophical research project (working proposal)

    The aim of my research is to show that some set (#) axiomatically perceived as deviating from the non-'0' entity will subscribe to a non-'0' collection (#) of perspectives (interpretations) on said finite characters from the finite interpretations (predicated on only 1 of 5 senses a.k.a. vision...
  10. S

    Being involved in research without knowing everything about the topic?

    So I was at an astrophysics summer program and one of the professors offered to help, as he has connections at this university near where I live, if I ever wanted to research/intern there. I know some people at my high school who have done similar things, so I was pretty excited. Trouble is, I...
  11. N

    Difficulties in choosing a research area

    Hello people, I'm new here, but i already read some topics with this similar question. I'm just about to finish my master degree in theoretical physics (more specifically in qft) and besides i have really enjoyable moments studying it... I feel that something isn't right. It's a hard area...
  12. T

    An Invitation to Mathematics: From Competitions to Research

    ''This Invitation to Mathematics consists of 14 contributions, many from the world's leading mathematicians, which introduce the readers to exciting aspects of current mathematical research. The contributions are as varied as the personalities of active mathematicians, but together they show...
  13. G

    Schools Graduate Schools for Photovoltaic Research

    Hello! First post on Physics Forums. I am a rising junior majoring in physics at a small liberal arts college. I'm very interested in renewable energy, and this summer I've been introduced to a bit of research in this area. I'm working with a semiconductor material and characterizing thermal...
  14. P

    Drawing schematics for solid state physics research

    Hello, I'm working on a poster and senior thesis in materials science research and need to draw schematic diagrams of a few objects including: -a PLD chamber -Thin films -XRD -SEM -energy diagrams -a sin wave I've downloads inkscape and have tried to draw in powerpoint so far. Are...
  15. T

    What are the most promising research studies on cancer's cure?

    Every now and then, a news appears saying a new research could revert cancer on mice or something similar. But then I don't hear about them anymore. So what are the most promising research studies on curing cancer, and were there any promising researches before that failed when tested on humans?
  16. M

    Programs What to research while deciding on a major?

    I'm in the process of settling on a major (either Comp. Sci. or EE) and here are some things I've considered: A. Subject description & relevance on a personal level I. Hobbies B. Subject description & relevance as a career choice I. Industries within the major II...
  17. B

    Can Community College Professors Pursue Effective Theoretical Physics Research?

    Hello, Let's suppose a person has procured a Ph.D in Physics, and chooses to affix themselves to some community college faculty as a physics professor. Is it possible for this person to still do research in some aspect of theoretical physics?
  18. Astrum

    Preparing for UnderGraduate Research

    I'm interested in getting some research under my belt starting during the 2014 academic year. What should I study over the next year, so I can try and get some research in right away? The obvious ones: Undergrad QM, EM (in the process), Class Mech (doing Morin now, the questions are much...
  19. M

    Pathway to Learning and Research in Graph Theory

    Hi All As the title suggests I want to get to a level where I can approach research problems in Graph Theory. Specifically in the areas of Algebraic Graph Theory and Random Graphs. I know this is no small endeavour but I atleast want to put some direction into my extra studying. My...
  20. dkotschessaa

    My role in this research I'm doing (semi-rant?)

    I have a professor who doesn't tend to do undergraduate research with people, but has graciously taken on me and one other student to do some work in group theory/geometry. Me because of my enthusiasm, and her because... Well she's light years ahead of me, though she doesn't speak very good...
  21. S

    Asking for Research; Aloof Prof.

    Hello. I'm an undergraduate physics/applied math major hoping to go to grad school. I have a professor in my school who I'm interested in doing research under because the subject of his research is, well, interesting to me. Also I'm consider it in graduate school. I had him last semester...
  22. jlefevre76

    Which Research Path Should I Choose at ASU for a PhD in Mechanical Engineering?

    Ok, so, I'm going to ASU this Fall to start a PhD program in mechanical engineering. Specifically, all of my expertise is in thermodynamics and heat transfer. So, I plan on doing research related to such a field if possible. ASU (Arizona State) has two avenues of research that interest me...
  23. K

    Tips for searching volunteer jobs in the research lab?

    Hi all If I want to volunteer in the research lab in the summer, how should I contact the professor to inquiry about this opportunities? I am an undergraduate electrical students, and I am interested in the the signal processing and data communication. However, I don't have any related...
  24. Ascendant78

    How do you learn the latest research without it costing tons of money?

    I have been trying to learn more about some of the latest research in different fields. I had been given some good websites to take a look at a while back here on the forums. However, though the sites give a nice overview of the research, they are not very in-depth or technical. In order to...
  25. N

    Schools Best Universities for Superconductivity Research

    please let me know the best universities for everything about low temperature superconductivity research
  26. M

    Advice on Mathematically Intensive Research For a CS major

    I finished a bachelors in computer science a year ago and now work full-time. I completed calculus I/II, linear algebra, and numerical computing in undergrad and also wrote a brief term paper on numerical computations for PDEs (but only from the computational side). I want to apply to graduate...
  27. B

    What is the best way to search for research papers?

    Hello all, Suppose I want to find all publications by X author. What is the best way to do this? I am overwhelmed by all the options out there. Also, how does it all work? What I mean by this is, when you publish something, say in Phys. Rev., does Web of Knowledge and Arxiv get automatically...
  28. M

    Research topics for personal statement and A2 physics

    Hi everyone I'm new to physics forums so sorry if this is in the wrong section. I'm currently in Year 12 going into Year 13 and for my physics A2 I have to find a research topic (which would be in the form of a question) on which I would have to write a 1200 word report on. My problem is that...
  29. S

    Access to physics (especially astrophysics) research journals

    Hello My association with a University is coming to an end and with it ends my free access to a panoply of research journals. Can anyone suggest how someone without University affiliations (and who is unable to pay the fee for private use!) could go about accessing at least some journals/...
  30. L

    Schools Grad school with little/no research experience in between.

    Here goes another wild stab in the dark: As a quick refresher, I will be graduating with a bachelors in physics in a month. I was not successful in getting into grad school this year (I got waitlisted at UMN but was ultimately turned down, I also should have applied to more schools/bigger...
  31. S

    DNA Origami: Research & Study Resources for Trapping & Folding Processes

    I'm working on a project in the field of DNA origami and need links to research papers and study content for the trapping processes and folding processes. Can anyone help?
  32. B

    Undergraduate math research advice

    I will be graduating in one year with a B.A in math. I do plan to transfer to graduate school in area of statistics. The problem is I have no analysis or abstract algebra background since I will be taking those this next semester and I would like to do a "research project (I am interested in...
  33. K

    My Research Project centered around Faraday's Law: Help and Discussion

    Quick question. I'm currently(started today) working on research centered Faraday's Law with an application in automobiles, and I'm just looking for some good articles/academic journals/research papers on Faraday's law to get a better understanding of it. I gained a brief understanding of the...
  34. M

    Physics study abroad or research?

    I am a sophomore physics major from a small liberal arts college in the US, with excellent placement services into study abroad programs. It's always been my dream to study abroad for a semester, and I have looked into physics study abroad programs that would fit into my schedule since freshman...
  35. S

    PhD research on theoretical physics without supervisor's help?

    Recently I joined a PhD program in a small unknown university in Asia. In the department, most of the faculties work on material and nano science except a professor who works on Astrophysics. The astrophysics professor agreed to be my supervisor and he asked me to work in the field of X-ray...
  36. L

    Tips for summer research position interview.

    To my delight I was just called in for an interview for a summer position at a big research institute in the UK, as a graduating physics senior (advertised for undergrads). It's been a while since I last had a job interview and I've never had one at the professional/academic level, I would like...
  37. K

    Wish to help out in a research lab, which comp lang to learn?

    Hello I am a undergrad electrical engineering student. I took two courses on C before. With C, this seems to be not enough because I am hoping to help out in some engineering related research project at school. Currently, I have no idea what type of research I am looking for. I am just...
  38. G

    WHETHER TO DO A RESEARCH IN PHySICS OR SHOULD I OPT FOR ENGINEERING

    Presently i am in class 11th...and recently i have done my boards exam and i hope to get good marks specially in physics...now..as only two years are left for my entrance exams i am fully confused :confused:. I was always interested in Physics and so I left myself only two options- Physics...
  39. O

    Please recommend a textbook to prepare me for math research in econ

    Next semester I'll be doing some independent research in the mathematics of trading. Specifically I'm looking for a text that will teach me to grapple with Markov Chains, Brownian motion models, mean reversion models, and models with regime switching.
  40. P

    Strange request from research advisor

    So I was 3rd author of a paper published by our group. I then applied for a fellowship which requested me to describe my research activities. I cited the paper I had my name on. My advisor reviewed the application and told me to put my name first on the fellowship application. She even wrote...
  41. chwala

    Adomian Decomposition method research Ph.D ADVISE NEEDED

    Hi, I hope i have posted this in the right forum I am requesting to get a supervisor who is willing to supervise me in the areas of differential equations hence get an admission for Ph.D overseas I did my M.sc project in ADM METHOD IN SOLVING THE STURM LIUVILLE EIGENVALUE PROBLEM(see...
  42. R

    How can I avoid having my research ideas stolen?

    I work in a network of teacher training universities in Europe and am evaluating a science education program as my PhD project. My supervisors and advisor have warned me to take great care in sharing my ideas with a young researcher, Dr. New. This new reseacher has been, much to our surprise...
  43. T

    Who owns your research if you work in academia? In industry?

    I am planning on working as a researcher and am wondering if it is possible to do any kind of entrepreneurialism with my findings. I am sorry if this is a stupid question and see no way that a company would allow me to make money off of the research I did for them, but I thought that a...
  44. schrodingerscat11

    Professor or Research Group that works on Nanotechnology-agriculture

    Greetings! I have this friend who had synthesis of nanomaterials as his MS thesis. After talking with him, I realized that his passion is on helping the farmers in the agriculture industry. I want to help him find a research group or professor (for his Phd) in which he can apply what he...
  45. C

    Schools How Important is Undergraduate Research for Grad School?

    I was wondering how much graduate admissions look at your research experience. I have worked with two projects with a professor, and I am going to be working with him on another project this summer. Two of these things were not "new" physics, but they were either new for our department, or were...
  46. Ascendant78

    Where to find what research has been done on a specific topic?

    I am curious as to how you find all the various research that has been done on a particular topic? Though I am fairly new to the study of physics, I have been told that prior to becoming involved in a particular research project, you want to look into who else has researched that particular...
  47. C

    How Relevant is Master's Research to Career Choice?

    Hello forum, I am concerned with choosing the correct area of specialization within the electrical engineering masters program I will be starting this Fall; I hope to choose a research area that will prepare me the most for working in the space technology industry. My ideal career would be...
  48. S

    Electrochemistry research project

    Hey guys I need to do a research project in my high school course on factors affecting internal resistance of an electrochemical(primary) cell which i need to make.I need to take an experimental approach and before that , i need to know what are the expected results when i experiment with some...
  49. M

    Resume Question - Where/What to put for research experience

    I've done research with a professor at my university and I am curious what to put on my resume for this experience. Do I list it as a job, skills, or campus involvement? Currently I have this listened under my 'Work Experience' section: Research Assistant, Kutztown University • Assisted...
  50. S

    Maximizing Research Success for Medical Physics MS Program: Tips and Strategies

    I'm an undergrad studying physics now. I plan on applying to a medical physics M.S. program in the next few years. The program is in partnership with a hospital, and in the second year, I'll do a research project with a faculty member of the hospital. My question concerns what I should be...
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