Lecture_1_-_Introduction_to_research_work.ppt

Introduction to research work Vladimir Ryabov, PhD Principal Lecturer in Information Technology Kemi-Tornio University of Applied Sciences Contents Basic information about research Research topic and questions Individual vs. group research Dimensions of research Research approaches and techniques About Bachelor’s thesis What is research? Research work and comparable development work refer to systematic activity to increase the level of knowledge and the use of the knowledge to find new applications. The essential criterion is whether the activity generates fundamental new knowledge. The definition (from ) accepted by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Research could be: basic, applied, and developmental. Basic research This refers to such activities to gain new knowledge which do not primarily aim to practical applications. Basic research includes, for example, analysis of qualities, structures and dependencies whose objectives are to form and test new hypotheses, theories and scientific regularities. Furthermore, basic research can be also directed, in which the results can be expected to result in significant applications; sometimes, however, only in the long run. Applied research This refers to such activities to gain new knowledge, which primarily aim to develop specific practical application. The purpose of applied research is to deal with questions of everyday life. Applied research includes, for example, seeking applications for findings of basic research, or creation of new methods and means to solve a specific problem . Developmental research Uses the knowledge gained from research and/or practical experience to create new materials, products, manufacturing processes, methods and systems or to improve existing ones significantly. It includes, for example, so-called action research which produces information directly in the situation in which it is also applied, and any research and development activities taking place during RD