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. Q

    B Research Ideas For High School Student (Astrophysics/Cosmology)

    Hello, I am a high school student, I'm kind of interested in astrophysics and cosmology. Anyways, I am starting a research this year for my school research. I would love some ideas about what to research on, I'm not too good with quantum physics. I have been looking into multiple topics but I...
  2. Beliver

    Other Looking for a Research topic at PhD level in mechanical engineering

    Can you help me what can be the science contribution in mechanical engineering in the Research field robotics and automation?
  3. L

    Studying When can I start research as a PhD in HEP?

    I'm in the first year of HEP PhD program and currently learning QFT. The reason why I'm still learning QFT as a grad student even though it has been almost 9 months since I started PhD is because I started physics lately - I changed major when I was junior. I haven't studied SUSY, Supergravity...
  4. M

    Electronic Noise General Questions - Laboratory Setting

    Hello all, I'm an undergraduate at a large research university in Massachusetts working in a lab where my group contributes to the Muon g-2 experiment at Fermilab in chicago. Essentially what I'm working on is optimizing an optical rotation (Faraday) magnetometer system for use in magnetic...
  5. Indiana

    Studying Can I solve research problems with only BS in Mathematics?

    Currently I'm undergrad in Mathematics and confused about getting a Phd. I'm not interested in academia. I'm more interested in startups or jobs in the industry. The only thing that is making me to do PhD is solving research problems. Say I'm reading a machine learning book or QFT book or a...
  6. Marco Masi

    Medical Major breakthroughs of medicine in the last 20 years?

    We hear so often of the great advances of medicine. Every day one reads of breakthroughs in research in the news. But then I never hear of it again. I'm not a doctor or biologist, but am wondering what are the important discoveries ***and which had practical applications*** of the last 20 years...
  7. Dr. Courtney

    Insights Real Research in Unexpected Places - Backyards, Barns, Bayous - Comments

    Dr. Courtney submitted a new PF Insights post Real Research in Unexpected Places - Backyards, Barns, Bayous Continue reading the Original PF Insights Post.
  8. D

    Studying Funding PhD Research: Personal Experiences

    How does one fund their PhD research? Do you live very poor? I want to study to be a physicist but I kind of a have a time frame to make some money within 4-5 years (I'm currently doing undergraduate studies). How does it all work? I just want insight from personal experiences. Thanks
  9. F

    I Connections of Putnam and IMC with research in Mathematics

    Is it true that some problems from Putnam and IMC have connections to Mathematics at the research level and it's necessary to use techniques at that level to solve them ? If so, could someone give me examples of Real Analysis problems of this type ?
  10. Rod Alexei

    Schools Research Topic for Science High School Freshman in Physics

    I am having trouble creating new ideas for a physics research paper. My group has three members and we are all interested in generators that run on renewable energy. Unfortunately, we haven't found a topic yet, and the deadline is looming. We don't have a research adviser as well because to get...
  11. Indiana

    Other Will a PhD help me as a startup founder?

    I'm planning to get double honours in CS and Pure Math. But I'm very confused about getting a PhD? Will it help me as a startup founder? (Link to my post on academia stackexchange, but I'm still confused) The only thing that is stopping me from getting a PhD is time. I have excellent...
  12. P

    Other Should I research outside of my school?

    Currently I am at the University of Texas at Arlington where I am studying the physical and chemical properties of supernova remnants to figure out the state of its progenitor star. Now, I was thinking of going someplace else to research for the summer, not because I am not interested in the...
  13. N

    Admissions Put down Multiple Research interests in application?

    So most application have three slots for research interests. My question is should we put down our top three or would this look like we are indecisive about what we want and should only put down one? That is, would the committee consider us for all three separately since each one has a different...
  14. P

    What is the scope of analytical research in astrophysics?

    Nowadays much of the community of astronomy and astrophysics is focused on simulations and data analysis. Thus people, who do not have access to grids and data, must resort to analytical analysis. What are the challenging areas of astronomy and astrophysics that rely on analytical workout rather...
  15. P

    Quantum QM Textbooks (Education + Research purposes)

    Hello fellow physics enthusiasts! Apologies in advance, I wanted to make the most out of this post and so it ended up being quite long + detailed. I thank you for your patience and any efforts to help! What I'm looking for: TWO good Quantum Mechanics textbooks for the rest of my undergraduate...
  16. P

    How Can I Explore Research Topics Independently?

    So, I talked to my professor about doing research and he said that I can start next semester either with his group which is working on supernova or I can find my own topic and work independently (or do both). I have decided to work with his group just because I really like the research topic and...
  17. M

    Schools Is math/physics dual major worth it?(to get into grad school

    Hi everybody! To be concise -My undergraduate majors are math and physics -I want to go on and do research in physics (probably theoretical/mathematical physics) and be a professor. -My GPA is a 3.98 and Real Analysis and Abstract Algebra will likely drag down my GPA (I'm currently in these...
  18. Cosmology2015

    Studying Research Opportunities as an Amateur

    Hello everyone! My goal has always been to be a researcher in physics. I am graduated in Electrical Engineering. My idea was to perform a master's degree and then a PhD, both in physics, with the aim of becoming a researcher. However, at this time I need to work, but I always have the night off...
  19. C

    Is current HEP-th research necessarily collaborative?

    For anyone pursuing and/or successfully doing hep-th research in grad school and beyond, it is necessarily a collaborative process? What is the extent of the collaboration required? I've noticed that a lot of the research being done seems to either happen as part of large groups or at the very...
  20. Apollo16

    Research Area for Nuclear Engineering Ph.D

    So I'm currently a senior undergraduate nuclear engineer at a respected university and I've been considering getting my Ph.D for a while now. I'm having difficulty deciding on a specific research area, however. I'd like my research, optimally, to be applicable outside the nuclear sector as well...
  21. G

    Other Find Research Ideas for an Undergrad Summer Program

    I'm an undergrad interested in doing a summer research program so I asked a prof about what's available. However when she asked "What do you want to research" I was kinda stumped. Any suggestions on how to figure out what research areas I would be interested in?
  22. O

    Admissions Strong GPA, Research, References--Bad GRE Score

    Here's my situation. I have a high GPA at a very well known university, three research internships (including an REU and SULI,) a senior thesis, a potential publication, and strong recommendation letters. My physics GRE score for the September test? 510. BEYOND terrible. I'm taking it again but...
  23. A

    Studying How Do I Present Incomplete Research at My First International Conference?

    I am doing a poster next week at an international conference, and it is my very first. The only other time I did a poster was after a undergrad summer program, and it was kind of low-key. Now, the thing is, the project is far from done. Part of the reason for that is that I was working on...
  24. Astronuc

    Landslides and Landslide Research, and Geomorphology

    An important matter for folks like in hilly or mountainous areas. Around the world, and in every state in the US, landslides occur wherever there is elevated terrain. Thousands are killed every year. One year, in 7 months, 222 landslides around the world resulted in nearly 1500 deaths...
  25. P

    Stargazing How to build an optical telescope for research?

    So, my SPS group is building an optical and a radio telescope (using a typical TV dish). The trouble is, these are merely for showing kids and sometimes for us to just see the sky. Because of their small size, we won't be able to do a lot of research. What I need is a telescope like the...
  26. S

    Schools Math Research for High Schoolers

    Does anyone here have any experience in mathematical research since high school? Or even if you only started as an undergrad, do you have any advice? 1. How did you secure the research position? Who did you talk to? 2. What area of math did you do research in? Was it necessary to know a lot...
  27. G

    I ITER high neutron flux research?

    I remember reading that in addition to the ITER, that they're also building a facility to study the intense neutron flux that is expected from the reactor in order to study how to better protect materials from the flux. Anyone remember the name of the facility? I'm having trouble finding it.
  28. Rachelle77

    Schools Elite School vs. Perfect Overseas Undergrad Research Opportunity

    Hi, thank you for taking the time to read my thread. Since the historic discovery by LIGO earlier this year and NASA's apparent intention to rejoin the LISA (Laser Interferometer Space Antenna) project being spearheaded by the ESA, I am considering studying and eventually researching...
  29. Akshat

    Programs Should I do research my freshman year?

    I'm an incoming freshman to the University of California San Diego as a Materials Science and Nanoengineering major, and I'm interested in doing research. I've been a research assistant for over 5 years at the University of Nebraska Lincoln (2 in biochemistry, 3 in physical chemistry, and 1 in...
  30. R

    What are some obscure but useful Linux software for PhD students?

    Hi, I am a PhD student studying fluid dynamics, and have a heavy interest in numerical programming and simulations. I come from a background in Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics. I have an ubuntu system set up and I have the typical software I plan to be using regularly, ie MATLAB...
  31. S

    Other Writing a Paper on the Multiverse: Tips for Quality Language & Content

    I'm currently writing a paper on the Multiverse. I do have a theory of my own and have made the outline and started working on it. However, the language seems to unscientific, in the sense, its not very objective and crisp. How do i improve the quality of language and content of the paper. Any...
  32. R

    Linux for Physicists: Best Distro for Beginners

    I am starting my PhD soon, and I want to properly start learning linux. I have mainly used windows for most of my life, but I have been apart of two research placements using linux mint, where I did simulations attaining to Nano-Photonics. I am curious as to if you guys have any opinion on the...
  33. The GodWhiz

    Physics Research in wireless energy transfer or Future space engines

    Hi, i am a 2nd year B.E student in India,and a new user to this site(sorry for any mistakes :) ) .My question is i want to do research that primarily concerns these 2 areas viz.Wireless energy transfer, and future space engines(starwhisps,solar sails,etc),is there any way to achieve my dream,i...
  34. H

    Other Want to be an engineer, but do research on the side?

    So, I really want to be an Aerospace Engineer, but I also love chemistry, physics, math, and etcetera. Most of what I love tends to be application focused, rather than pure. Regarding chemistry, I really like synthetic physical organic stuff; especially geometrically strained compounds and...
  35. P

    Help with our research topic: Electrical Conductivity

    my research is about "The effectiveness of different basic substances on the Eletrical conductivity" and i need " significance of the study " 1) who are the beneficiaries and what benefits will they get ?Please help I am a high school student struggling with my research
  36. Willy_d13

    Programs Which type of research position would best prepare me for a career in cosmology?

    I just transferred to a university with quite a few undergrad research opportunities. My goal is to go to grad school for cosmology after my b.s. in physics, which will come with a minor in mathematics and 18 hours of astronomy and astrophysics courses. My question is, would I benefit from...
  37. R

    B Lenovo Thinkpad E460: Ideal Laptop for Research and Code Writing

    Hi, I am starting at a CDT (Integrated MSc, and PhD) next month in Fluid Dynamics, a large part of my work will include running simulations and writing code. I am in need of a new laptop, I am going to dual boot windows and fedora scientific. Between the student discount and mobility of the...
  38. C

    Other Switching Research Groups Without Burning Bridges

    I am seriously considering switching research groups. To be brief: I am a graduate student in condensed matter physics who had just passed the PHD candidate qualification exam. I have been working in my current lab for a year. I am unsatisfied with my working conditions in terms of interactions...
  39. F

    Other Questions about Undergrad research

    I will be a senior at UC Berkeley studying Computer Science, and I am looking for some research experience in the fields of CS for next fall. The CS class that I have done best in is machine learning and I also enjoy working with big data (2 internships related to it), so any type of research...
  40. Manoj Sahu

    Other How to write an IEEE level research paper?

    So I want to write a research paper and publish it before I complete my engineering degree this year. I have selected the topic which is "Analysis of the voltage regulation of Self excited induction generator using STATCOM". I have collected all the resources required and am also doing research...
  41. J

    Schools Graduate Schools that do Turbomachinery Research

    Hi, I have a Bachelors in Aeronautical Engineering and am looking forward to getting a Masters Degree in Engineering. But the catch is that I have not been able to find schools that conduct the research I am interested in. I am particularly interested in Gas Turbine Research, specifically...
  42. Quentin_alex

    Engineering Mechanical or Materials for Automotive Research

    Hello, I am wondering if getting a mechanical or materials PhD will grant me more access to industrial automotive research opportunities. I understand the difference between materials and mechanical, but I am wondering if there's greater opportunity in materials research related to automotive...
  43. Qiao

    Other Recommend research groups for PhD position

    So I've been thinking of continuing after my MSc degree to do a PhD. But I have trouble getting a good feel on research groups of quantum optics and nanophotonics in the world. So my situation is: I life in the Netherlands and I have a good feel on most research groups in the country, but I'm...
  44. P

    Job Skills How to work on weapons research for a government Agency?

    And by weapons I mean the new revolutional weapons, like lasers, plasma, bio-weapons, EMP, drones... Can a physicist work on these Projects? Do you need a PhD? How do they employ scientists? You just ask for job or do they ask and find you? Is there a competition? What degree is recommended...
  45. D

    What research field is concerned with the mechanics of sand?

    I am interested in conducting a research project involving the design of a tool to aid astronauts to perform experiments on lunar surfaces (for the NASA Micro-g NExT student challenge), but I do not know appropriate key words or questions to ask to begin my research. The specific scenario of...
  46. G

    B Could a research base on Mercury be the key to unlocking solar mysteries?

    Lets suppose in not so far future we want to build a research base on Mercury. What would be the main hardships and benefits? For the later, it could gain lots of information about solar flares and storms, solar panels could give it more than enough energy, and if it is landed on North pole it...
  47. O

    PhD Metallurgy Research Design Template Request

    Hello everyone, I have a request. Can someone please provide me with a metallurgy research design template? I'm starting my 5th year in a MSE PhD program and for the last 3 years my advisor has instructed me to perform experiments on my alloy without reason. And while I thought this was...
  48. Manoj Sahu

    New Electrical Engineering Student Seeks Guidance on Writing Research Paper

    Hi. I am an electrical engineering student in my final year. I want to write a research or review paper this year before completing my degree. I haven't written any paper before. I don't know where to start. Will someone please guide me? In addition to that I haven't selected any topics so I...
  49. martinbandung

    B Analysis Of Stilts Movement Research

    Hello all, I'm planning to do a research about stilts movement. I chose it because stilt is a traditional game in my country. In my plan, i want to analyze the velocity of the walker, the frequency of stilts, and the length of steps. I need some other idea to be added to my research. Such as the...
  50. S

    Anyone on PF involved in complex systems research?

    Hi everyone! I have been perusing PF for some time, and what's struck me is how little discussion there has about research in complex systems & complexity, such as the research conducted in places like the Santa Fe Institute or the Center for the Study of Complex Systems at the University of...
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