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. E

    Other Advice for Writing a Research Plan for a Postdoc Position

    Hi! I would like to apply to a postdoc position, but one of the requirements is to detail at least a 2-page research plan on a certain topic. I haven't worked on that topic specifically before, so, I would need to research it. However, this may take sometime to know exactly what to do, and I...
  2. L

    B Dark matter research paper question

    I'm writing a thesis for my high school research paper on dark matter. It's difficult to come up with a claim that is argumentative, engaging, and related to the research I've done on the scientific process in relation to theories about dark matter. Do you think I could reasonably argue that...
  3. M

    Material Science & Advanced Thin Film Technologies: Postgraduate Research

    Is it advisable to have a Material Science background if I would like to pursue a postgraduate research studies in advanced thin film technologies?
  4. T

    Slowing down the aging process: facts and latest research?

    Hi there, I would like to know all the ways or what I can do that actually works when it comes to slowing down or stopping the aging process for human males in both the brain and the body. I am one of those people that want to stay as youthfull as possible and to live as long as I can so...
  5. mcabbage

    Admissions Can additional research make up for a low GPA in graduate school admissions?

    Just looking for extra critique here: I'm a 2nd year math and physics student at a good uni in Canada. My average is in the 70s (B range, hoping to bring up to an 80/A- by the end of second year). The good thing is that Canadian unis will only look at my most recent 4 semesters or so (though I'd...
  6. astroman707

    Physics Is gravitational wave research a smart direction to go in?

    Is it a fair prediction to state that in the next several years or so, globally, there will be major investments into gravitational wave research, and many more ‘LIGOs’ being developed? Is it a good idea to venture into that area of physics?
  7. A

    A Quantum Gravity Research Group -- any standing in mainstream Physics?

    I would like to know if this group http://www.quantumgravityresearch.org/ and its Emergence Theory has any standing in main stream Physics. Thanks Andrew
  8. H

    News Free access to research databases

    https://www.scribendi.com/whitepapers/101_Free_Online_Journal_and_Research_Databases_for_Academics_Free_Resource.pdf
  9. Wrichik Basu

    Studying How to prepare for a life in research?

    I am student who wants to do research in physics, and aims for a life in research. Being in the final year of high school, I do not get a lot of time to devote to my passion - physics and related experiments. About 30mins in a day can be spared for extra studies, and I utilise this time fully...
  10. Ashley1999

    Programs Should I switch my major to Molecular Genetics?

    Hi, currently I am a freshman who is majoring in Biosystems Engineering. I selected this major because I did a lot of research into biology undergrads and I didn't like what I saw. I got the notion that these majors did not emphasize the technical skills necessary to do well in a science...
  11. astroman707

    Schools Do graduate schools look favorably upon published research?

    Do graduate schools in physics look more favorably upon undergraduate students with published research, rather than just research experience? How would an admissions committee weigh two students if one had done published research, but not in the field of physics of which he was applying for, and...
  12. astroman707

    I What areas of nano/optical research applies to astrophysics?

    I'm an undergraduate and there is a very good optical spectroscopy and nano-materials physics lab at my college. I have FULL access to all equipment and a professor in that field is offering me a ridiculous amount of co-research time during the school year. However, I'm really only interested...
  13. K

    Physics Dark Matter theoretical research

    Hello! I am currently applying for graduate schools in the USA and during my undergraduate career I was mainly involved in Dark Matter research. However, my research focused on testing different models (experimentally or using numerical simulations) and doing some basic calculations, basically...
  14. Hawkingo

    I Want some suggestions for research papers on quantum entanglement

    I want to know more about quantum entanglement and I am a undergrad student in physics.Can someone suggest some research journals or articles to easily understand the concept deeply?
  15. shemerk

    Research for a book - question

    Anyone knows if there's any kind of mineral that's relatively abundant on Earth but rare on other planets? thanks!
  16. PrinceWalnut

    Physics How to recommend a research mentor for a faculty position?

    Hi all! I'm an undergrad in physics in the USA, and a research professor I've been working with for the past ~2 years is applying for an open faculty position at an Australian university. She hasn't asked me to recommend her in any way, and I know that in all likelihood the word of some...
  17. B

    Schools Teaching vs. Research in Graduate School: Personal Statements

    I'm currently compiling materials for my graduate school applications this fall, and I'm having a bit of trouble deciding what to emphasize in terms of my experiences as an undergraduate, as well as my future career goals. I have a couple years of research experience (in computational...
  18. W

    Which Math Topic Should I choose for Research

    I am finishing up my undergraduate degree in Mathematics, for my last semester I need to choose a topic of research with a particular professor. I am interested in applied math, mostly mathematical physics but there are certain fields of math that may not seem like they relate to mathematical...
  19. L

    Programs Chemistry-Based Research Program or more Math/CS Courses?

    To sum up the current biggest stress of my life into a question: do you recommend that I stay in a biology/chemistry-based research program or pursue proof-based math courses? I am a freshman physics major at a good research university. I was invited into a very difficult program for "future...
  20. G

    Physics of Light/Infrared for Solar Stills Research

    Hi, I am doing my dissertation for Mechanical Engineering on Solar Stills and my mentor has suggested it would be a good idea to research the physics of light/infrared absorption, transmission, water evaporation and condensation. I am wondering if anyone has good book recommendations for me to...
  21. S

    Physicists who do research on complex systems

    Hi everyone. I have followed with interest in the work of physicists who have conducted research in the area of complex systems and nonlinear dynamics. For example, consider researchers such as Mark Newman from the University of Michigan, Jim Crutchfield of USC, or Doyne Farmer and David Wolpert...
  22. I

    Exploring the World of Science: A Warm Welcome to PF!

    I am an eleventh class student from India. Good in chemistry.
  23. N

    Astrophysics/solar physics research

    Which s the best topic in the following to do research n astrophysics...Solar flares,Coronal mass ejections, Geomagnetic storms
  24. FourEyedRaven

    Other The HB-11 Plasma Pinch: A Solution to Fusion Energy?

    Hi. I have a growing interest in fusion energy. For a couple of very important reasons, it seems to me that fusion energy is a major scientific priority, if not the most important technology to try to develop right now. I have a BSc and an MSc in math and I've always had an interest in...
  25. S

    Research about magnetic stick-on signs for cars

    <Moderator's note: advertisement link removed.> So I was making a research and would highly appreciate your help. I am making a research about car magnets as to how it is being made, materials, etc. any additional information from you would highly be appreciated...
  26. MichaelCadeOwen

    Researching Realistic Nuclear Fusion & Relativistic Physics for a Book

    I’m wanting to write a realistic sci-fi book but there are a few concepts I don’t understand how to apply. I’m not good with physics so what I’m wanting to know is how to calculate what pressure and temperature would be required for sustained nuclear fusion for something comparable to a star...
  27. CivilSigma

    Admissions Acceptable format of a Research Staement?

    I have read online that a research statement should follow an essay format. However, I am having a hard time transitioning from my introductory paragraph into my main body paragraphs. So, I was wondering if it would be possible to section my essay as follows: Would this be acceptable, or...
  28. Wrichik Basu

    Have you suffered for delay in submission of research paper?

    Say you were doing some research on some topic. You were very enthusiastic with it, and you had devoted a large amount of time in the research. Perhaps you would have been the first to discover something or make a theory on it. Then all of a sudden, one day you discover that someone else has...
  29. Avi Nandi

    A What are the frontiers of cosmology research?

    I have completed post grad in Physics and in the transition phase between post grad and Ph.D. I am interested in cosmology and also completed a post grad course on Astrophysics and Cosmology. Can anyone enlighten me about what are the current debates and active topics of research going on in...
  30. L

    Physics Looking For Research Experience in the future

    Hi all, I am a coming Year 4 Student majoring in physics in Asia. I started to think about my career path in the coming year, one thing for sure is that I would definitely go for a M.Phil Degree in my school that I am studying at right now. I have been thinking to go for PhD at oversea, such as...
  31. K

    What Are the Best Ways to Contribute and Exchange New Algorithms?

    I am someone who likes to come up with new algorithms. Is there a platform to exchange such ideas. Any mailing lists to advance computer science? Perhaps there are programs that accept new algorithms. Sorry if this is a vague post but this is a broad topic.
  32. binbagsss

    Other Operations research, stochastic dynamic programming, sources

    My lecture notes and recommended textbook Hillier and Liberman are not enough for me. My methodology and formulation of problems still seems like too much guess-work. Can anyone recommend any good resources, lecture notes or textbooks, for stochastic DP? Many thanks
  33. Mayur Sinha

    Physics How to do independent research in Physics?

    Hey folks! I have a degree in Electrical,Electronics and Communication Engineering and I work in Computer networking/Cybsersecurity field. Lately, I met one guy and we both decided to do some indepdendent research in electromagnetism as we both have fare amount of love for Physics( I'm in...
  34. bhobba

    Masters of Research in Australia: Pros and Cons

    Here in Australia some universities are transitioning to a new preparation program for a PhD called a Masters Of Research: https://www.mq.edu.au/research/phd-and-research-degrees/explore-research-degrees/master-of-research/Master-of-Research-propectus-2018.pdf If you want to go on and do the...
  35. jim mcnamara

    NASA Ars Technica: Pew research indicates other NASA priorities

    https://arstechnica.com/science/2018/06/nasas-priorities-appear-to-be-out-of-whack-with-what-the-public-wants/ Title: NASA’s priorities appear to be out of whack with what the public wants "The public thinks that we should have a space program that saves Earth." In the list presented in the...
  36. Wrichik Basu

    Other Internship/research project topics in Physics

    I recently found that Jagadis Bose National Science Talent Search (JBNSTS), (located in Kolkata near my house) allows students to use their laboratory for a fee. Moreover, I have received a scholarship from them, and as a consequence, they will let me do anything I like in their lab provided...
  37. Jacob Daniel

    Nice to meet you all. I am a 2nd year chemistry undergrad.

    Hello, Like the title suggests, I am a 2nd year chemistry undergrad. I am pursuing my degree at the University of Waterloo, in Ontario, Canada. I was wondering if any of you have come across some area of research that you think might potentially interest me. I am looking for inspiration, as I...
  38. M

    Engineering Tips for a research assistant internship

    i , I am a nuclear engineering " bachelor "student , I will be spending my summer at a university as a research assistant I know the topic I will be working on . Any tips ? may sound silly even when it comes to dealing with people ? or clothes to wear . thank you
  39. A

    Programs Gaining Research Experience as a Mathematics Major

    So I am about to switch to mathematics, as I absolutely adore pure mathematics as well as applied mathematics and I cannot stand learning mathematics without going deep into rigor of it for now(I am aware however that at times one just has to quickly learn sth to proceed with a project). But in...
  40. M

    Programs Applying for SULI: Tips for Success with 3.81 GPA

    I have applied to SULI the past two summers and have been declined. I believe I am a strong candidate; I have a 3.81 gpa, have done chemistry research in a materials science and computational chem lab, and been published twice as an undergrad. The two labs I applied for are NREL and Argonne for...
  41. Y

    Other Gap Year Physics Research for an International Student?

    Just got rejected by nearly all of my grad schools (one hasn't reply but the chance is pretty small). The funding is super harsh this year in my field and even worse for a student from China. Is there any way for an international student to take a gap year for physics research in the U.S? ( My...
  42. Robin04

    Studying Managing individual research projects, how to self study

    I’m starting my undergraduate physics degree next semester but I really like to study different fields on my own without any external motivation or obligation related to school. As I want to be a theoretical physicist I think this is something that I really have to be good at, because I imagine...
  43. S

    Research Guidance on Tropical Cyclones (Hurricanes)

    Hello, I am undergraduate student doing research and I am studying hurricane Katrina my completed math course is Calculus 3 which is up to Vector calculus. For my research I want study only wind force of the hurricane Katrina and I have a process but I want to know if its valid and what...
  44. binbagsss

    Operations Research: Simplex table, unbound optimal solution

    Homework Statement Hi I am looking at this question attached part c). 2. Homework Equations The Attempt at a SolutionI can by my notes which tell me that if I reach a column with a negative reduced cost and also all of that column is negative, then to stop, as z is unbounded, to conclude...
  45. BiGyElLoWhAt

    Other Research Proposal For Senior thesis - GR Solar System Model

    Hi All. On Tuesday I have to present my research proposal for my undergrad research. I intend to model our solar system using general relativity and compare and contrast my results with observations. Attached is my paper that I had to submit to my adviser. He suggested that I talk about some...
  46. F

    Other Questions about research in mathematics

    A person told me that doing math research independently (alone) is very difficult, because the findings of someone who is not interacting with the experts in a given field of study will most likely not be "novel", that is, they would have already been published before. Is that true ? Can the...
  47. Q

    Programs Is studying physics as a part time degree effective?

    Hi I have come to a conclusion that I cannot study physics master's in any form since I don't have the necessary background. I am considering the option of pursuing physics degree in part time while working. My question is, if I were to complete bachelor's and master's, would I be eligible to...
  48. G

    How Can PhD Students Manage Deepening Research Complexities?

    Hey folks, I'm a PhD student that stumbled into some stuff that's a bit over my head. My program is broad covering and geoscience is under the umbrella of the program. I had been a part of some scientific work in the past regarding magnetic anomalies and it sparked my interest. I wanted to...
  49. R

    Schools How can a high school student get involved in research?

    I'm currently in high school and interested in physics. I want to get involved in research somehow - whether it be as an intern, or actually conducting a project, so I can expose myself to the process and community. First of all, is this worth it? Will it help me get accepted into a good program...
  50. Dadface

    Funding Research: Pros & Cons of Popular Science

    [This thread was forked from https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/the-pros-and-cons-of-pop-science.943499/] I think that some scientists in particular theoreticians, need to occasionally use some popularising skills in order to justify their work to those who hold the purse strings. Quite...
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