Primary Research
Primary research aims to acquire new facts (via observation or experimentation). It may involve the steps shown below.
Design and run the experiment
Typically, primary research is scientific research. This involves the use of quantitative observations and experimentation. Before an experiment starts an understanding of experimental methodology is required, along with the objectives of the experiment. This knowledge will influence the design and documentation of the experiment.
Questions:
What are quantitative observations?
What is the difference between quantitative observations and experimentation?
Why is an experimental design recommended before the experiment starts?
What are qualitative measurements, and what types of experiment may use these?
Which type of data is best for robust scientific conclusions: quantitative or qualitative data? Why?
Document the experimental methodology
The documentation of the experimental methodology should describe the aims and overall design of the experiment, along with the details of the equipment used, how it is used, and the step by step process. All details may be significant, and so it is important to include as many (potentially relevant) details as possible.
Questions:
Why is it recommended that you record the details during the actual experiment?
Record the results
When recording the measurements a scientist will also record the uncertainties / errors in the measurements.
Questions:
Why is it important to record the uncertainty / error?
Discuss the findings
In the documentation the results should be discussed. This may include the accuracy of the results, comparisons against relevant theories, and an explanation of what the results mean.
Draw conclusions and recommendations
Conclusions should be drawn from the experiment. For example, it may prove or disprove a theory.
In the light of the findings further work may be recommended, or a modified experimental approach may be recommended. The findings may have implications for future policies and applications.
Publish
Within the scientific community it is usual for the findings to be reported to a wider audience. Typically, the experiment will be reported in the form of a paper. Publication serves two purposes: the exchange of new knowledge; and a critical review of the experimental methodology and the findings (see peer review).
Peer review
Peer review often relies on experts in the same field to perform a critique of the experimental methodology and the findings. In science this process is important as it helps to ensure the integrity and robustness of scientific conclusions. It forms a key part of the process that regrades a theory as a proven scientific fact (or "law").
For a theory to become a scientific fact it also requires that the experiments that confirm the theory are repeatable (with the same results) by peers across the scientific community.
Revisions
Sometimes experiments, or the reporting, might lack scientific rigour and peer review will identify those weaknesses. For example: the experimental methodology may need to be redesigned and the whole processes repeated; or the interpretation of the results might lack rigour, and a paper might need revision.
Types of Primary Research
A comparison of some types of primary research might help to illustrate some of the concepts above.
Questions:
What are the implications if a type of research has a low quantitative rating?
When would you seek to obtain quantitative data; and when would you seek qualitative data?
