Scientific research refers to the rigorous pursuit of knowledge and discovery through investigating a specific field, collecting and analysing data. It stands at the frontline of human discovery - and experience with scientific research is given incredible value all around the world!

At MYResearchGuide, we’re here to support Malaysians in order to create that opportunity and become the next generation of changemakers.

100% of the content in this guide is written by human writers. Thus, writing styles may vary across the different sections of this guide.

Hereinafter, term ‘research’ is used in this guide to represent STEM-related research, unless stated otherwise.

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We believe all youth should feel empowered to start their scientific research journey, regardless of experience. The only skill you’ll need is the willingness to learn - thus, all guide content and advice is applicable to all levels of research expertise.

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• (PC users only)

The purpose of research is to advance current knowledge and make new discoveries. When these projects reach an end goal, this often results in the publication of their results and interpretations. The goal of a paper is to provide sufficient evidence for the claims, or ‘knowledge’ stated in it - exhibiting findings that are backed by your research.

Image taken from https://ori.hhs.gov/module-1-introduction-what-research

Claims/evidence can be provided by the following to support a hypothesis (assumption/expectation of the research results), which is what research projects try to search for. When providing evidence for a scientific discovery, your proofs should overlap to form a cohesive pattern that matches your claim.

Below are the kinds of proofs that can be used to back a discovery…

• Experimental proof exists ****where there are real numbers, data and patterns from specifically conducted experiments that prove and validate your hypothesis.
  • (e.g. scientists running experiments using the latest technology to prove a prediction.)
• Theoretical proof, where a conclusion is supported through reasoning based off established scientific principles.
  • (e.g. Einstein discovering that accelerating massive objects should create ripples in spacetime before the technology to detect gravitational waves.)
• Mathematical proof can come in the form of formal mathematical theorems that are proven in the patterns of your result.
  • (e.g. deriving the gas law to predict and prove particle motion)

Why Pursue Scientific Research?

Unlike academic competitions with predefined scores, no researcher is the same, and there is no basis for what is deemed more valuable than another.

A common misconception is that you’ll need a PhD to finally get started in scientific research -

During a PhD, a student engages in their selected research project 4 or more years (depending on place of study), and producing a doctoral thesis, which is an in-depth document, exhibiting all the work that they’ve done over their course of study. If their thesis gets past the PhD defense, they are subsequently awarded the esteemed title of “doctor”, often needed for access to lead research projects in academia.

Though this is a standard for most researchers, it’s not a necessary requirement.

Have no fear starting from scratch - everyone starts somewhere, and worry not about how early or late you’re starting. The point is in the passion and not the timing - if you’re reading this guide, you’ve already got it. :)

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If you’re still doubtful, have a look at the little table we’ve made below. Research that is conducted authentically is always valuable, and always worth it! If you’re committed to giving it a try, you can scroll past this section or read it to grasp further understanding of how it’ll help you.

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