Experimental Research Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Welcoming remarks to students and research enthusiasts.
• Introduction of Dr. Glacier M. Alkiesa as the guest speaker, noted for her expertise in experimental research.
• Objectives of the session outlined:
  • Decide on a topic for experimental research
  • Follow steps to conceptualize the topic
  • Write problem statements
  • Identify testing methods for studies
  • Walkthrough sample experimental research

Importance of Research

• Quote from Albertson Georgie: "Research is to see what everybody else has seen and to think what nobody else has thought."
• Research is crucial for solving world problems, including:
  • Environmental issues (climate change, pollution, waste management)
  • Water supply and quality management
  • Multi-natural hazards
  • Industrial and chemical hazards
  • Human epidemics (like COVID-19)
  • Biotechnology (genetically modified crops, herbal medicine)
  • ICT advancements
• Research topics can be drawn from community needs, inspiring students to contribute solutions.

Conceptualizing a Research Topic

• Steps to conceptualize a topic for experimental research:
  1. Observation: Be aware of issues in your community.
  2. Identify Problems: Recognize specific problems that require solutions.
  3. Literature Search: Conduct thorough reading on the selected topic to inform the research.
  4. Formulate a Title: Create a clear and concise research title based on literature findings.

Writing a Research Problem

• Differences between community problems and research problems:
  • Community Problems: Issues affecting the community.
  • Research Problems: Questions that will be explored and addressed within the research.
• Techniques for formulating a research problem:
  • Maintain logical order (descriptive followed by inferential problems)
  • Avoid overlapping sub-problems
  • Ensure questions are answerable (not binary yes/no)
  • Ensure alignment with the research title.

Example Case: Rambutan Study

• Use of rambutan to explore antibacterial properties.
• Importance of literature in shaping research ideas and validating hypotheses.

Hypothesis and Testing

• Definition of hypotheses and their role in research.
• Types of statistical tools for hypothesis testing include ANOVA, Chi-square, and regression.

Example Testing Methods

• Example studies discussed:
  • Antibacterial properties of rambutan and other natural products (e.g., turmeric, basil).
  • Testing methods: laboratory tests for pH levels, bacterial elimination, and sensory evaluation of products.

Concluding Remarks

• Importance of thorough research, literature review, and ethical considerations in conducting experiments.
• Encouragement for students to engage actively in research projects and problem-solving.
• Appreciation expressed towards Dr. Alkiesa for her insights and knowledge shared during the session.