Research!! What is it, and how does it get done??
As a prospective PhD candidate, i would be supposed to know the exact answer to this question. But i dont. Not yet. So then what am i writing here then..., i will try to point what is NOT research, and hence arrive at the classical meaning of it (proof by contradiction!!)
Research is not about publications alone. They are an addendum at the culmination of the work, not the goal for which it started. Sadly, i see that most work gets done with a publication in mind most of the times. However, there is quality that is preserved through some esteemed groups doing cutting edge work.
Research is not about knowing all the answers. It is knowing most answers of a small focussed area though. It is about living the concepts, and designing or redesigning things to fit better in the larger scheme.
Research is first and foremost about finding a problem. A problem which is of importance to someone (a valuable customer say), which has not yet been solved to satisfaction. And once the problem is identified, it is about thrashing it out, and providing a complete and unambigous solution.
There is a perception that the enjoyment in research depends on the advisor that one has. True.., but then if a student is not committed enough, what can the advisor do.. So its also about dedication and committment on the part of the student.
And then there is a perception that a PhD candidate is doing slave labour for the Professor. PhDComics.org and others are a byproduct of this popular flow of thought. The reason for this frustration lies in the unsuitability of the candidate to the degree in the first place. If one enjoys his work, where is the slavery, and how does the professor become the beneficiary. I am doing it because i like it.
Research is not everyone's cup of tea. But is definitely one of the sweetest...
Research is not about publications alone. They are an addendum at the culmination of the work, not the goal for which it started. Sadly, i see that most work gets done with a publication in mind most of the times. However, there is quality that is preserved through some esteemed groups doing cutting edge work.
Research is not about knowing all the answers. It is knowing most answers of a small focussed area though. It is about living the concepts, and designing or redesigning things to fit better in the larger scheme.
Research is first and foremost about finding a problem. A problem which is of importance to someone (a valuable customer say), which has not yet been solved to satisfaction. And once the problem is identified, it is about thrashing it out, and providing a complete and unambigous solution.
There is a perception that the enjoyment in research depends on the advisor that one has. True.., but then if a student is not committed enough, what can the advisor do.. So its also about dedication and committment on the part of the student.
And then there is a perception that a PhD candidate is doing slave labour for the Professor. PhDComics.org and others are a byproduct of this popular flow of thought. The reason for this frustration lies in the unsuitability of the candidate to the degree in the first place. If one enjoys his work, where is the slavery, and how does the professor become the beneficiary. I am doing it because i like it.
Research is not everyone's cup of tea. But is definitely one of the sweetest...
posted by Vineet at
12:31 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home