What is Research: Definition and 998 Discussions

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. F

    Other Guidance for Undergraduate Research

    Hi everyone, I'm going to be a second year Applied Physics and Math student in the fall. I spent my freshman year working with a professor researching applications of titanium nanotubes. It was a great experience but I am looking for new opportunities to continue exploring the many...
  2. BillTre

    Exciting Potential IgNobel Prize Research

    Most mammals take only 12 seconds to poop (I must be getting old (and slow)). This exciting research follows upon last years IgNobel Prize concerned with mammals taking an average of 21 seconds to pee. I guess that would be 33 seconds for both.
  3. W

    Programs Interested in operations research, help choosing a major?

    I'm a high school junior trying to figure out what I may want to major in. I know that a lot of students change their majors, but I think I should at least have some idea, as it's relevant for deciding where to apply. One of my top choices is Cal Poly SLO, which requires applicants to declare...
  4. Dr. Courtney

    Insights Niches for Publishable Undergraduate Research - Comments

    Dr. Courtney submitted a new PF Insights post Niches for Publishable Undergraduate Research Continue reading the Original PF Insights Post.
  5. jedishrfu

    News Dangers of Using Statistics Wrongly in Scientific Research

    An interesting article in Ars Technica on p-hacking vs deep data dives: https://arstechnica.com/science/2017/04/the-peer-reviewed-saga-of-mindless-eating-mindless-research-is-bad-too/ We shouldn't look at data trying to find something interesting but should instead have a hypothesis in mind...
  6. binbagsss

    Programs What is involved in gravitational wave research?

    A professor from a UK university who is a member of LIGO kindly video called me the other day regarding potential PhD projects and said that a lot of gravitational research isn't about the dynamics and source-model nor application of general relativity but high performance computation and big...
  7. B

    Research for Science Fiction Story

    I'm researching a topic for a sci-fi story. One of the elements is a "space glove", basically a network of nets that "catch" rods of ballistic projectiles launched from the peaks of mountains by railgun. Any comments or insights would be helpful. Here is a data dump of my scribblings on the...
  8. D

    Other How does research work, as far as facilities are concerned?

    I am an undergraduate electrical engineering student, and I have thus far in my collegiate experience lived in the library. I've learned a lot, and have written lots of embedded software and developed my own boards for various projects. I recently started designing my own ASIC (an...
  9. TLU SPS

    Optics Research: Focus Light to <5mm, Cheap Lens Solutions

    Greetings, I am a student doing research and I have a diverging LED array light source outfitted with a diffuser and I need it to focus to a beam width of smaller than 5mm in order to image a optical trapping on a CCD camera. My apparatus has about 10cm of space underneath it, so I have to be...
  10. K

    Should top Universities engage in nonstring QG research

    many of the top universities like Princeton, Harvard, MIT, Stanford have a string theory research group and only string theory for QG. in light of non-susy @ lhc, no proton decay, no dark matter discovered no extra dimensions, is it now time for top universities like Princeton, Harvard, MIT...
  11. A

    Need help to begin research on M-theory

    Hi, I am very interested in superspring and M-theory and hope to begin reserches on these fields. Could anone provide me some advice on how to enter into this field ? or could anyone suggests some foremost paper for me to read ? Thanks a lot ! by the way, I am a student studying physics...
  12. Dembadon

    Proposed cut to publicly-funded research (NIH)

    Dr. Steven Novella contributes to a couple blogs I frequent: https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/ http://theness.com/neurologicablog/ A recent post addresses proposed budget cuts1 and the need for publicly-funded research...
  13. P

    PhD research to industry question

    Hello everyone, I am looking for advice from those who have experience with PhD going into industry. I am currently in the process of deciding on an aerospace engineering program. I have been accepted into a known university and also "accepted" into another lesser known school, I put accepted...
  14. Frippertronica

    Job Skills Fields of Physics I'm Most Likely Able to Do Research In?

    First, a bit of background. I am currently in a Master's program, studying specifically particle physics and astrophysics. I've always wanted to do research in astrophysics, even from my first day as an undergrad. I've thought about doing research in other fields, but I've never really given it...
  15. CivilSigma

    Schools Etiquette of writing research poster acknowledgments?

    I have written the following on my poster: Special thanks to: "Professor Name" and "Professor Name" for their support through out this project, my numerous colleagues, #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6 for their assistance during lab work and last but not least to my parents "Dad" and "Mom" for their...
  16. B

    Schools Having Trouble Finding a Math Undergraduate Research Project

    I am an undergraduate pursuing mathematics and computer science in the research university at U.S. Inspired from the applications of algebra to math and statistics, I have been trying to find a suitable project in the mathematics with supervision from a faculty member, or a reading course in...
  17. D

    Programs What Are Current Issues Whose Answers Lie in Physics?

    I have decided that I want to pursue a career in physics and chemistry. It is very important to me that my career helps people. While I know that there are current testing and research being done for cures and treatments to numerous diseases, I don' think that biology is the field for me. Thus I...
  18. Biscuit

    Exploring the Mysteries of Gravity: From the Higgs Field to Spaghettification

    For my senior project I am writing a paper on the Higgs Boson. Whatever project we decide to do we have to have an accompanying research paper. I am unable to write about anything that I mention in my paper (everything involving the Higgs). What are some related topics that I could do my second...
  19. H

    Studying Rotating black hole & Hawking radiation research

    I am an undergraduate student of a university, I have taken the research topic as Study of Rotating black holes and Hawking radiation which I am really interested. Research description as follows. The geometric invariant are computed in various black hole geometries in several different...
  20. G

    Other Undergraduate Research Paper: Physics & Differences

    What is an Undergraduate research paper? What would be an undergraduate research paper in Physics be like? How is this paper different from Masters research paper?
  21. K

    Who are the Iconic Characters in Physics and Mathematics?

    Dear PF Members! This is my first post. I've been reading these boards for some time now and the community as well as the pool of information is great and very inspiring. I realize this post may have seem better posted in fantasy section, however, I hope the discussion taking place focuses on...
  22. sams

    Admissions Getting prepared for a short-period visit in a research group

    Recently, I have applied for a Ph.D. position in a research group abroad. I have received an invitation as a respond to my request for a visit for a one week to their research lab. Actually, I am very interested in joining their research group and I have accepted the invitation. Could anyone...
  23. Alyssa P

    Schools Research positions outside home university

    I'm a freshman physics major at a small research university in Philadelphia. The majority of the university is geared toward the health sciences, so we have very limited opportunities for research in physics. I'm just starting to develop my interests in specific fields in physics, and I'd...
  24. Dr. Courtney

    Insights Real Research in Unexpected Places - Boat Ramps - Comments

    Dr. Courtney submitted a new PF Insights post Real Research in Unexpected Places - Boat Ramps Continue reading the Original PF Insights Post.
  25. a1call

    Collaborative Research: Resources, Tools & Protocols

    Hi all, I would like to know your thoughts on the subject of collaborative research. Are there resources on the internet to hook up potential individuals? Are there tools or protocols to ensure intellectual property protection in case of disclosure and collaborative exchange? Thank you in...
  26. S

    Suggestions about a book on managing research projects

    Hi all, I'm a researcher in engineering and sometimes, I feel to not have a solid control on the project I manage. For example, sometimes my PhD students haven't done that much about the project even if I assigned tasks to them. I think the main problem is also due to: the information is not...
  27. ExplosivePete

    Programs If math and physics research had a baby....

    Hello. Next fall I shall be applying to graduate programs in the fall. I will be graduating with undergrad degrees in both physics and math. This has made it difficult for me to figure out where to go from here. I am hoping to get some insight of what research fields would be a good fit for me...
  28. Rocky_Tseng

    Intro Physics Is there a book about how to do research in Physics?

    Is there a book about how to do research in Physics or Physicist's experience? especially in Astrophysics, if not, general physics is also very good. thanks.
  29. L

    Programs Areas of research in Medical Physics

    Hello everyone, I have an upcoming interview with 3 great CAMPEP accredited Medical Physics PhD programs soon. I have went through my BS and MS in physics, with a few courses in Medical Physics (MRI/MRS, Radiation measurement labs, and currently taking Radiation Oncology Undergraduate course)...
  30. L

    Other Graduate Research topic involving QFT and General Relativity

    Last year I finished the undergraduate course in Mathematical Physics. This year, more precisely in March, I'm going to start the graduate course to acquire a master's degree in Physics. Now, for this course I must choose a research topic and find an advisor. This is being a little bit...
  31. Hugo_Researcher

    Research on Lock-in Amplifiers

    Dear Physics Forums, For a research we are conducting, we're seeking some input from users of a Lock-in Amplifier. If you use a Lock-in Amplifier, could you provide me with a few answers to the following questions? What's your overall experience with lock-in amplifiers? Have you encountered...
  32. H

    Earth vs. Space Research: Which One Holds More Importance for Humanity?

    If you could only choose one to research which would it be and why? My priority would be Earth first then space based purely on personal interest. Of course I would like to see more about both.
  33. S

    A What are the current hot topics in phenomenology research?

    I am giving an informal talk in my research group and was wondering what are the hottest research papers in phenomenology as of now. Any help would be great.
  34. S

    Missing 24 Micron Counterparts for Methanol Multibeam Sources

    I was searching for 24 micron counterparts(in the MIPSGAL catalogue) for Methanol Multibeam sources but found them missing for most of the cases. What could be the posssible reason?
  35. R

    Other Publishing Book Review - PhD student

    Hi All, Happy 2017! I am a first year PhD student at a well respected research university for Fluid Dynamics research in England. My PhD research is in the field of Geophysical and Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics. I am interested in gaining some writing, and publishing experience and I thought...
  36. L

    Programs Regarding MSc and PhD research areas

    Hi, I'm about to start my MSc in Computer Science studying "Combinatorial Optimization", which was already the theme of my undergraduation thesis. I like the field and the research, but I'd rather prefer working with numerical methods and techniques. The problem is my current university has a...
  37. Calaver

    Schools Feasibility of Research in High School

    Quick background: I'm currently a junior (grade 11) in high school who is intending to major in math and/or physics in college. Recently, I had a conversation with a college counselor that turned to my interests in math and physics, including my independent studying of the subjects. The...
  38. 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...
  39. 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?
  40. 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...
  41. 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...
  42. 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...
  43. 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...
  44. 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.
  45. 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
  46. 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 ?
  47. 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...
  48. 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...
  49. 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...
  50. 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...
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