Lecture 1: Introduction

Question 1

What is research?

Answer 1

Creative and systematic work undertaken to increase the stock of knowledge, including knowledge of humans, culture and society, and the use of this stock of knowledge to devise new applications.

Question 2

What are the 4 aspects of research?

Answer 2

• increase knowledge
• disseminate knowledge
• systematic approach
• creative

Question 3

What are the key steps in research?

Answer 3

• Question (problem that requires attention)
• Observation (collecting infromation)
• Hypothesis
• Strategy to address the issue
• Data collection (from an experiment or observation)
• Data analysis
• Conclusion/answer to the question
• Cycles back with more questions

Question 4

What is the purpose of research?

Answer 4

• Review or synthesize existing knowledge
• Investigate existing situations or problems
• Provide solutions to problems
• Explore and analyse more general issues
• Construct or create new procedures or systems
• Explain new phenomenon
• Generate new knowledge
• Informed decision making
• Capacity building
• Broad economic or social impacts
• Confirm (or re-affirm facts)
• …or a combination of any of the above!

Question 5

How much does Canada spend on R&D; % of GDP total amount/year?

Answer 5

31.5 Billion (2%)
50% private sector
25% in QC