Summary of "Scientific Research (3) Scientific Research Options"

This lecture, delivered by Abdullah Al-Wakeel, is part of a course on the basics and keys of scientific research. It focuses on the different types of research projects a researcher can undertake, aiming to help learners understand the variety of research options available and how to contribute scientifically.

Main Ideas and Concepts

Course Context and Aim:
- The course is designed to build a solid foundational understanding of scientific research.
- Emphasis on following a sequential learning process to build awareness and comprehension.
- The goal is to empower learners to think critically and understand at least 60% of the research basics by the end.
Importance of Research Options:
- After understanding the importance of scientific research, the next step is to know what types of research one can conduct.
- Research options vary by specialization and available resources.
- Even if focusing on one type, awareness of others is important.

Types of Research Discussed

Original Research (Primary Research)
- Conducting a study or experiment that has not been done before.
- Making a novel scientific contribution.
- Often involves observation and establishing connections between phenomena (e.g., linking a disease to a cause).
Observational Research
- Collecting data from real-world settings without intervention.
- Example: Studying a group of people in a hospital to observe characteristics (e.g., smoking habits and health outcomes).
- Common in medical and epidemiological studies.
Correlational Research
- Investigating relationships between variables (e.g., exposure to factory gases and lung problems).
- Aims to find associations, not necessarily causation.
Case Studies and Group Studies
- Studying specific medical cases or groups to understand conditions or treatments.
- Larger sample sizes provide stronger evidence.
Experimental Research
- Based on a hypothesis tested through controlled experiments.
- Can be laboratory-based or clinical.
- Includes:
  - Laboratory work on cells or animals.
  - Testing new substances or treatments.
  - Using computational models or simulations to predict outcomes before physical testing.
Computational Research
- Using computer programs and simulations to predict or analyze scientific phenomena.
- Example: Using software to predict if a substance might be effective against cancer cells before lab testing.
Applied Research
- Practical experiments aimed at solving specific problems.
- Could involve developing new industrial materials or medical treatments.
Clinical Trials
- Testing treatments or substances on human subjects after successful lab and animal testing.
- Important for validating the safety and efficacy of new therapies.
Research Based on Literature Review (Secondary Research)
- Not conducting new experiments but analyzing existing research.
- Collecting and synthesizing results from multiple studies to draw broader conclusions.
- Types include:
  - Narrative Review: Summarizing and discussing findings from various studies.
  - Systematic Review: Following a structured methodology to answer specific research questions.
  - Meta-Analysis: Using statistical methods to combine data from multiple studies for quantitative conclusions.

Additional Points

Research Feasibility:
- Not all researchers have access to labs or resources.
- Good ideas can still be published through literature-based research or theoretical studies.
Publication and Contribution:
- Research should aim to be authentic and contribute new knowledge or insights.
- Publishing can take different forms depending on the research type.
Upcoming Lectures:
- Will delve deeper into the components, methodologies, and differences between types of research papers.
- Will provide guidance on how to distinguish and work with various research formats.

Methodology / Instructions Outlined

Understand the type of research you want to conduct based on your resources and specialization.
If conducting Original Research:
- Identify a novel idea or observation.
- Design a study or experiment to test it.
- Collect and analyze data.
- Publish findings.
If unable to conduct experiments:
- Perform comprehensive literature reviews.
- Use narrative, systematic, or meta-analytic approaches to synthesize existing knowledge.
Consider computational tools as preliminary steps before experimental work.
Follow a sequential learning approach to build research skills progressively.

Speakers / Sources Featured

Abdullah Al-Wakeel (Lecturer and presenter of the course)

This summary captures the essence of the lecture on scientific research options, highlighting the different types of research methodologies and practical advice for aspiring researchers.