These slides were presented to the IEEE Sai Sriram Engineering College webinar in collaboration with IEEE PES and IEEE WIE. For more information: [mehakazeem@ieee.org]

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Research Scientist – Opportunities and Benefits
Mehak Azeem
Biomedical Engineer
IEEE Region10 SAC Member
Sri Sairam Engineering College, India

2. Biomedical Engineering Student,
Undergraduate Researcher,
IEEE Region10 SAC Member,
IEEE Region10 Collabratec Coordinator,
SDGs Regional Advocate,
Co-Chair Data Science BootCamp 1.0,
IEEE YESIST12 Maker Fair 2020 Ambassador,
Microsoft Specialist.2

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4. What do you understand by word “Research”?
I think research scares most people. However, we have found that research is revelatory
and vital. Maybe debunking these six myths about research will help demystify the
process.
▸Research tells you the truth
▸Google have all the answers
▸I can throw together a quick survey
▸Whether or not I like it, “the research” holds all the answers
▸Research is too lofty
▸Anyone can do it
▸No need to research as undergraduate student
▸Research is only possible for brainy
▸I need laboratory help for research
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5. What is Research?
▸Research is the process of solving problems and finding facts in an organized way. The
systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish
facts and reach new conclusions.
▸Research is defined as the creation of new knowledge and/or the use of existing
knowledge in a new and creative way so as to generate new concepts, methodologies
and understandings.
▸This definition of research comprises pure and strategic basic research,
applied research and experimental development.
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6. Objective of Research
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The primary focus of your research project is usually expressed in terms of aims and objectives. Many
students find it difficult to understand the difference between aims and objectives. However, in the
academic context there is a clear distinction between these terms.
Aim = what you hope to achieve.
Objective = the action(s) you will take in order to achieve the aim.
Aim:
▸To investigate the relationship between tectonic-plate movement and the gravitational effect of the
alignment of the major planets.
Objectives:
Data sets will be extracted from the known historical record of tectonic-plate movement
▸Data sets will be extracted from astronomical tables detailing the various alignments of the major
planets covering the same period as data from the geological record.
▸The data from both sets will be synthesized to establish if correlation points exist between major
geological events and planetary alignments.

7. Objective of Research
Aim:
▸To investigate the relationship between tectonic-plate movement and the gravitational
effect of the alignment of the major planets.
Objectives:
Data sets will be extracted from the known historical record of tectonic-plate movement
▸Data sets will be extracted from astronomical tables detailing the various alignments of
the major planets covering the same period as data from the geological record.
▸The data from both sets will be synthesized to establish if correlation points exist
between major geological events and planetary alignments.
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Example of aim and objectives

8. Pattern of Research
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9. Types of Research
Basic Research
▸It is the research which is done for knowledge enhancement and for the welfare
of human, animal and plant kingdom not for commercial potential. The main
motivation is to expand man's knowledge, not to create or invent something.
There is no obvious commercial value to the discoveries that result from basic
research. Basic research lay down the foundation for the applied research.
Applied Research
▸It is designed to solve practical problem of the modern world. The goal of
applied research is to improve the human condition. It focus on analysis and
solving social and real life problems. It is conducted on large scale basis and is
expensive.
▸Example: improve agriculture crop production, treat or cure a specific disease,
improve the energy efficiency homes etc.
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Basic Research, Applied Research

10. Types of Research
Applied research can be further classified as:
i) Problem oriented research
▸Problem oriented research is done by industry apex body for sorting out problems faced by
all the companies.
▸Example: WTO does problem oriented research for developing countries, in India
agriculture and processed food export development authority (APEDA) conduct regular
research for the benefit of agri-industry.
ii) Problem solving research.
▸Problem solving Problem solving is type of research which is done by an individual
company for the problem faced by it.
▸Example: Videocon international conducts research to study customer satisfaction level, it
will be problem solving research.
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Applied Research

11. Types of Research
Qualitative Research
▸It presents non-qualitative type of analysis and is used for collecting, analyzing and
interpreting data by observing what people do and say. It is much more subjective and
uses very different methods of collecting information, mainly individual, in depth
interviews and focus groups. The nature of this type of research is exploratory and open
ended.
▸Qualitative research is description-based. Qualitative researchers observe and interview
people. They take observations of people or events and analyze it through qualitative
methods. They look for trends, just as quantitative researchers do with statistics, but
they don’t use numbers to find them.
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Qualitative Research

12. Types of Research
It can be further classified as:
i) Phenomenology
▸Phenomenology It is the type of research in which the researcher attempts to understand how
one or more individuals experience a phenomenon.
Example: We might interview 20 victims of bhopal tragedy.
ii) Ethnography
▸This type of research focuses on describing the culture of a group of people. A culture is the
shared attributes, values, norms, practices, language, and material things of a group of people.
Example: The researcher might decide to go and live with the tribal in Andaman island and study
the culture and the educational practices.
iii) Case study
▸It is the form of qualitative research that is focused on providing a detailed account of one or
more cases.
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Quantitative Research

13. Types of Research
Quantitative Research
▸This research aim to measure the quantity or amount and compares it with past records
and tries to project for future period. The process of measurement is central in it as it
provides fundamental connection between empirical observation and mathematical
expression of quantitative relationships. Statistics is most widely used in it.
▸Quantitative research is statistics-based. It involves questions that can best be
answered in numbers. To get the statistics, researchers often conduct experiments or
give surveys. They then analyze the numbers with statistical models to see what the
data tells them.
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Quantitative Research

14. Benefits of Engaging in Research as Undergraduate
Conducting research is an important part of the college experience, especially as an
undergraduate. It offers you many benefits that include:
▸Fostering critical thinking and analytical skills through hands-on learning
▸Defining academic, career and personal interests
▸Expanding knowledge and understanding of a chosen field outside of the classroom
▸Developing one-on-one connections with distinguished faculty in their field
▸Building community with peers, faculty and organizations on- and off-campus
▸Test your determination and perseverance
▸When students direct their research toward a capstone project that will be presented to
the public, they develop their written and oral communication skills, which 80% of
employers prefer more emphasis on in undergraduate recruits.
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15. Five Essential Skills for Every Undergraduate Researcher
Creativity
▸All researchers, not just undergraduates, require creative thinking and process development to
build upon today’s knowledge. Creativity is an essential trait that undergraduate researchers
should seek to develop and utilize within their research experience. The first step in research is
developing a topic or a plan for exploring a problem, and creativity is fundamental to this effort.
Ingenuity, uniqueness, and, most importantly, creativity are all skills that need to be applied in
creating that standout research concept.
Communication
▸The set of skills necessary to develop and maintain an effective relationship between an
undergraduate researcher. Initiating communication with a faculty mentor during the early
phases of the undergraduate research process can be an intimidating situation; students
sometimes begin the process with faculty members with whom they have little experience.
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16. Five Essential Skills for Every Undergraduate Researcher
Organization
▸Well-honed organizational skills facilitate effective research and good science, as well as allowing
students to balance classes, studying, research, socializing, hobbies, and maintaining a healthy
lifestyle much easier. Being able to keep to a schedule of research and other responsibilities, as
well as writing effective “to do” lists, will help greatly. Organization is a key part of avoiding being
overwhelmed and can help students avoid over-scheduling themselves, leading to more success
in all their commitments. Those who continue to do research will find this skill crucial to
balancing multiple or larger projects, as well as to having a healthy life outside of research.
Judgment
▸An undergraduate researcher should likewise evaluate and choose a mentor who will help the
researcher to grow in the best possible way. Additionally, students should spend ample time
learning about the ethical issues associated with their particular fields and strive to utilize their
own considered judgments to arrive at appropriate, safe, and ethical conclusions.
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17. Five Essential Skills for Every Undergraduate Researcher
Persistence
▸Persistence is the drive to never give up. But it is important to realize that persistence involves
facing failure. Failure could involve coming up with a bad research design, not anticipating future
roadblocks, or not knowing every detail of a proposed research project. Persistence is especially
useful for budding undergraduate researchers who do not have strong resumes or previous
experience. It’s a trait definitely noticed by most faculty mentors. Persistence becomes an
increasingly integral part of the research process as student researchers progress to graduate
school and future academic endeavors.
Motivation
▸The majority of researchers must write several grants in order to initiate their research. This
process inevitably involves rejection and, therefore, the motivation to rewrite and edit grant
applications is crucial to launching the research process and a productive research career.
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18. The Fringe Benefits of Working as a Scientist
▸During a research study your condition is usually monitored more closely so any changes can be
detected earlier. You may also have access to expert medical care that you otherwise would not.
▸Staff will keep you updated on your progress and how the study is doing. This allows you to learn
about your condition, and gives you more access to professionals and advice.
▸Research improves services and treatments not just for you but also for future generations. It
helps develop new tests for diagnosis, treatments and processes that could eventually help your
children, or even your grandchildren.
▸You may gain access to treatments that are not yet readily available to the general public.
▸Taking part in research can give you a more positive outlook on any diversified issues.
▸Some evidence has suggested that people who take part in research have better health outcomes
no matter what treatment they receive. This is known as the ‘trial effect’. Even if the research you
take part in is unsuccessful, many people feel they receive better care while the trial is running.
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19. Steps of the Research Process
Steps of the research process includes;
▸Formulate your question.
▸Get background information.
▸Refine your search topic.
▸Consider your resource options.
▸Select the appropriate tool.
▸Use the tool.
▸Locate your materials.
▸Analyze your materials.
▸Organize and write.
▸Compose your bibliography
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20. Criteria For Good Research
▸The aim of the research should be clearly mentioned, along with the use of common concepts.
▸The procedures used in the research should be adequately described, in order to permit another
researcher to repeat the research for further advancement, while maintaining the continuity of what
has already been done.
▸The research procedural design should be carefully planned to obtain results that are as objective as
possible.
▸The flaws in the procedural design should be sincerely reported by the researcher to correctly estimate
their effects upon the findings.
▸The data analysis should be adequate to reveal its significance.
▸The methods used during the analysis should be appropriate.
▸The reliability and validity of the concerned data should be checked carefully.
▸The conclusions are needed to be confined and limited to only those data, which are justified and
adequately provided by the research.
▸In case, the researcher is experienced and has a good reputation in the field of research, greater
confidence in research is warranted.
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21. Problems Encountered By Researchers
There are several problems encountered by researchers;
▸Lack of Scientific Training.
▸Lack of Confidence.
▸Insufficient Interaction.
▸Lack of Code of Conduct.
▸Inadequate Assistance.
▸Improper Library Management.
▸High Cost of Publishing.
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22. Use Case - Quality Improvement
Issue:
▸Providing high quality to our patient population is always a top priority.
Objective:
▸ To understand patients’ levels of satisfaction with the health center’s services and identify areas
for improvement within ABC.
Data collection approach:
▸Implemented a patient satisfaction survey to measure 4 key domains: ease of getting care, health
center facilities, waiting time, and staff (Patient Service Representatives, nurses/medical
assistants and providers). The survey was administered to patients in the waiting room prior to
their doctor’s visit.
Findings:
▸Data from the patient satisfaction surveys suggest that patients are generally highly satisfied with
their experiences at ABC and that ABC continues to make improvements on all measures.
Although waiting time has improved, almost half of the patients who responded to the survey
would like to see more improvement to the waiting time.
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23. Review and interpret the information to draw conclusions
▸Once you have gathered all the data, you can scan your information and interpret it to
draw conclusions and make informed decisions. You should review the data and then:
▸Identify the main trends and issues, opportunities, and problems you observe. Write a
sentence describing each one.
▸Keep track of the frequency with which each of the main findings appears.
▸Make a list of your findings from the most common to the least common.
▸Evaluate a list of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats that have been
identified in a SWOT Analysis.
▸Prepare conclusions and recommendations about your research.
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24. Benefits of Publications with IEEE
▸Optimized Visibility
▸IEEE Reputation
▸Trusted Content
▸Opportunities to Publish
▸Streamlined Publication
▸Editorial Development
▸Peer Review
▸Referencing and Searching
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25. Explore IEEE Benefits
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IEEE EMBC
IEEE HTC
IEEE CS
IEEE HAC
IEEE Rising Stars Conference

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Thank you! 