the basics of scientific research and its characteristics.

1. Basics of Scientific Research
By
Prof. Dr. Zeinab Abouelnaga
Faculty of Science – Mansoura University
4/24/2023 zenab_77@mans.edu.eg 1

2. Content layout
4/24/2023 zenab_77@mans.edu.eg 2
*Introduction
* Scientific
Research
vs.
Scientific
Knowledge
Step
1
* Characteristics
of SR
* Types of SR
step
2 * Steps of
the research
process
* SR ethics
Step
3
* conclusion
Step
4

3. Introduction
4/24/2023 zenab_77@mans.edu.eg 3

4. 4/24/2023 zenab_77@mans.edu.eg 4
G. V. Black
the father of operative dentistry.
“The professional (man) has no right to be
other than a continuous student”

5. 4/24/2023 zenab_77@mans.edu.eg 5

6. The Scientific research components
4/24/2023 zenab_77@mans.edu.eg 6

7.  Conducting scientific research, requires two sets of skills –
theoretical and methodological – needed to operate in the
theoretical and empirical levels respectively.
4/24/2023 zenab_77@mans.edu.eg 7
 Methodological skills (“know-how”)
 Theoretical skills (“know-what”)
 Methodological skills are needed to be an ordinary
researcher, but theoretical skills are needed to be an
extraordinary researcher!

8. Scientific research vs. Scientific knowledge
4/24/2023 zenab_77@mans.edu.eg 8
 Scientific research is a study that should be
systematically planned before performing them.
 scientific knowledge means knowledge obtained and
tested through use of the scientific method. Scientific
knowledge may also include the observation and
classification of facts with the goal of establishing
verifiable knowledge derived through induction and
hypothesis.

9. 4/24/2023 zenab_77@mans.edu.eg 9
 Scientific knowledge is what we learn from the scientific process,
which involves experimenting and collecting data. Scientific research
is the collecting of data to investigate and explain a phenomenon.

10. Scientific research
characteristics
4/24/2023 zenab_77@mans.edu.eg 10

11. Important Characteristics of Scientific Research
4/24/2023 zenab_77@mans.edu.eg 11
 Aim/Purpose
 Rigor
 Testability
 Reliability
 Accuracy and Confidence
 Objectivity
 Generalizability
 Thrift (cost-effective )

12. Characteristics of Scientific Research - Aim
4/24/2023 zenab_77@mans.edu.eg 12
•The aim/purpose of scientific research is clear for
example:
 to increase performance of a gas sensor?
 to reduce the interaction between the iron and oxygen?
 to characterize the dental properties of zirconium , cobalt
and/or titanium?

13. Characteristics of Scientific Research - Rigor
4/24/2023 zenab_77@mans.edu.eg 13
•Based on good theoretical base and sound methodology
•Careful /or Scrupulous
 e.g. all design parameters concerning the gain in
transformer power must be considered; geometrical length,
temperature, input signal power and wavelength.

14. Characteristics of Scientific Research-Testability
4/24/2023 zenab_77@mans.edu.eg 14
• Test theoretical model by Simulation or Experiment
• Analysis of performance parameter against the design parameter

15. Characteristics of Scientific Research- Reliability
4/24/2023 zenab_77@mans.edu.eg 15
• The same relationship stands repeatedly under the same
design parameters
• e.g. linear current-voltage relationship for electrical
resistivity of copper rods of different sizes.

16. Characteristics of Scientific Research- Accuracy & Confidence
4/24/2023 zenab_77@mans.edu.eg 16
• Accuracy refers to the closeness of the findings to reality. e.g. (g = 9.8 m/s2)
• Confidence refers to the probability that our estimations are correct.
• the accuracy improves with the confidence.

17. Characteristics of Scientific Research- Objectivity
4/24/2023 zenab_77@mans.edu.eg 17
• Conclusions drawn from the analysis of data must be objective.
• Also, Proven from development in data.
• Supported by theoretical model.

18. Characteristics of Scientific Research- Generalizability
4/24/2023 zenab_77@mans.edu.eg 18
• Generalizability is the degree to which you can apply the results of your study to a
broader context. Research results are considered generalizable when the findings
can be applied to most contexts, most people, most of the time..

19. Characteristics of Scientific Research- Thrift (cost-effective )
4/24/2023 zenab_77@mans.edu.eg
19
• Fact is straight-forward
• Simplicity in explaining the phenomena or problem.
• Assumptions are critical.
• Minimize the dependent variables .

20. Scientific research types
4/24/2023 zenab_77@mans.edu.eg 20

21. Scientific Research Process
4/24/2023 zenab_77@mans.edu.eg 21

22. 4/24/2023 zenab_77@mans.edu.eg 22

23. 4/24/2023 zenab_77@mans.edu.eg 23
Scientific Research Ethics

24. 4/24/2023 zenab_77@mans.edu.eg 24
Scientific Research Ethics

25. 4/24/2023 zenab_77@mans.edu.eg 25

26. 4/24/2023 zenab_77@mans.edu.eg 26
High Quality Research
 It is based on the work of others.
 It can be replicated (duplicated).
 It is generalizable to other settings.
 It is based on some logical rationale and tied to theory.
 It is achievable!
 It generates new questions or is cyclical in nature.
 It is an apolitical activity that should be undertaken for the
improvement of society.

27. 4/24/2023 zenab_77@mans.edu.eg 27
What is Bad Research?
 The opposites of what has been discussed.
 Looking for something when it simply is not to be found.
 Plagiarizing other people’s work.
 Falsifying data to prove a point.
 Built upon no ethical base.
 Misrepresenting information and misleading participants.

28. Questions ?
4/24/2023 zenab_77@mans.edu.eg 28

29. 4/24/2023 zenab_77@mans.edu.eg 29