Research Is the Key
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Research is the key Introduction Good scientists use a process to study what For the first time in its 57-year history, the Exhibition will be going Research is the answer virtual in January 2021 and will be broadcast across the world. Research is the process by which people accumulate new they see in the world. This will be a unique occasion, driven by the current restrictions knowledge about the world in which they live, in order to As a scientist you should learn to be sceptical about all imposed by the coronavirus pandemic. However, the demands answer a question or solve a problem. When choosing research results, especially your own. on those students who are competing remain as before and these your topic, give careful thought to how your research might requirements must be adhered to. Each of the elements in the above list will require research in order enhance the world and its inhabitants. BT is one of the world’s leading providers of communications services to be carried out effectively, including the one titled ‘Carry out the In this lesson we discuss the Questioning is probably the most important part of and solutions, serving customers in 180 countries. central importance of research, research’. Some of the research may be straightforward and easy Innovation what it means and how it is best scientific creativity and is often followed by an “if..., then...” to carry out but it should not be ignored. For example, perhaps you statement. feel that you can design and construct a Visual Display without BT can trace its roots back to the very first communications company, applied to a BTYSTE project. the Electric Telegraph Company, founded in 1846. carrying out some research? Ask the same question about the Project Questioning usually leads to observations or experiments. Diary and the Project Report! A very useful exercise is to consider In 1984 the BT research team perfected the use of single mode optical What is research? fibre, which plays a role in all global networks, including BT’s – which The word research is derived from the French “recherche”, which every single one of the project elements shown above and ask spans more than 180 countries. BT has over 14,000 scientists and means ‘seeking’. In general, there are three steps involved – Initial research yourself or your project team the following questions. technologists and has invested €2.8 million in research and collecting, organising and analysing information. There are many development in the past five years. Visit your local library or use the internet to learn • What do we need to know? more detailed definitions including, for example, the following BT is proud of its sponsorship of the Young Scientist & Technology everything you can about your chosen subject. • How do we find out? Exhibition for 20 years. The exhibition promotes youth engagement in statement from the OECD: • What do we do with this knowledge? science and technology, and gives them a platform to showcase their ‘Any creative systematic activity undertaken in order to increase innovative ideas nationally and internationally. Every one of the above applies to the stock of knowledge, including knowledge of man, culture and your project. If you examine the Kinds of research BT in Ireland society, and the use of this knowledge to devise new applications.’ BTYSTE Virtual Exhibition When considering the above, it would be very useful to distinguish the Every day, BT processes millions of transactions through state-of-the- following three kinds of research. art data centres, develops agile contact centres, pre-empts and solves OECD Glossary of Statistical Terms – Research and Development Factfile 2021 you will also find emerging cyber threats, builds networks for other communications UNESCO Definition advice on topics related to the • Exploratory research: used to identify and define a problem companies and more. It also serves major public sector organisations, elements listed in the above operating the 999/112 emergency call answering service on behalf of As shown in the panel ‘Research is the answer,’ the BTYSTE Virtual model. For example, there is • Constructive research: which tests and proposes solutions the Irish state. Exhibition Factfile 2021 (available at https://btyoungscientist.com) valuable information on data • Empirical research: which checks the feasibility of a solution. offers a clear definition which should be noted by all competitors. Sustainability in BT collection and guidelines on There are two kinds of empirical research qualitative research, Research is the process that leads to new knowledge that was sought BT’s purpose is to use the power of communications to make a better sampling and statistics. that deals with human behaviour, and quantitative research that world, by connecting people and society, protecting the environment, in order to answer questions or solve problems. The advice is deals with measurable numerical data. maintaining a healthy, progressive workplace and by using its skills specifically aimed at the challenges of choosing a meaningful topic Four ways of collecting data are and resources to benefit good causes. for your project, learning as much as possible about that topic and listed and their application is Everybody wins Last year, BT Ireland employees spent more than 12,700 hours asking the right questions. However, it is important to recognise that described. Five ways of All BTYSTE project participants enjoy a powerful experience and volunteering across the island of Ireland. The annual BT Shop for your research adventure is not necessarily over when you feel that sampling are presented, along Change campaign raised over €610,000 for the Irish Cancer Society learn a valuable set of skills. This is beyond doubt and is supported by you have chosen a project topic. The need for continuing research with advice on how to use them. in the last six years. In November 2018, BT Ireland was awarded the many previous competitors. To win a prize is a wonderful experience is built into the project at all stages. This is best illustrated by attention Three statistical techniques Business Working Responsibly Mark, the official standard of but it should be recognised that the very act of taking part is in itself excellence for sustainability and corporate social responsibility. It is to the elements of what is called the ‘research process’. There are that can be used to analyse the a prize. The benefits of engaging are well recognised at this stage. committed to supporting the local communities, through education, many scientific models of this process. One of these models includes data, are also outlined. The comment by Professor Pat Guiry, shown in the panel tells us that digital inclusion, charity fundraising and volunteering. BT Ireland has the following elements of research. also been recognised as one of Ireland’s Healthiest Places to Work. Apply research to your BTYSTE project the skill set developed by participants will be valued at third level and • Identification of the research problem beyond. The ability to carry out confident research of any kind and to Northern Ireland As mentioned previously, research is not confined to the start of • Literature review base opinion and choice on the findings of such research will be vital BT is one of the largest private sector employers in Northern Ireland, your project but is arguably involved in every aspect of it. Consider in addressing social and economic issues that are likely to arise in leading the way with new services - including TV, high speed fibre • Specifying the purpose of research the following elements in the process of starting and concluding the future. Innovation, critical thinking and creativity will win. broadband and IT services. • Determining specific research questions a project: Find out more at: • Choice of a methodology for data collection • Decide the project idea “ Taking part in the BT Young Scientist & Technology btireland.com and btyoungscientist.com • Data collection • Carry out the research Exhibition offers students the chance to express their • Verifying data • Produce a timetable creativity and innovation. It encourages the development BT, Grand Canal Plaza, Upper Grand Canal Street, Dublin 4, Ireland. Tel: 1800 924 362 Email: [email protected] • Analysing and interpreting the data • Produce the one-page proposal of ideas, thorough research, and critical thinking – all vital BT, Riverside Tower, 5 Lanyon Place, Belfast BT1 3BT, Northern • Reporting and evaluating research • Maintain the project diary skills that they will need at third level and beyond.” Ireland. Tel: 0800 917 1297 Email: [email protected] • Communicating the research findings or recommendations. • Produce the project report Professor Pat Guiry, Director of the Centre for Synthesis and Chemical Biology, UCD; and Head Judge of the Chemical, (From Creswell, J.W. (2008). Educational research: Planning, • Design/construct the Visual Display Find this and other lessons on www.sta.ie Physical & Mathematical category at BTYSTE conducting, and evaluating quantitative and qualitative research) • Present to the judges. Research is the key The awards TheMain awards awards Category awards Main awards Category awards Syllabus References Main awards CategoryThere are 36 prizes awards for individuals and 36 Chooseprizes for group the right Category The benefits of competing MainBT awards Young Scientist & Technologist(s) Thereprojects.Category are The36 prizes awards fortake individuals the form ofand 1st, 36