One of the most important dynamics of our world is definitely the advancements in science and technology along with the research that goes with it. In fact, without the corresponding research, it would be next to impossible to advance civilization. Moreover, the demands of the modern world are growing day by day and this itself is putting more pressure on the scientists to do more innovative research. However, as stated by Griffiths, "There is no hope of doing perfect research" and this is deemed as an important issue that divides the scientific community. Naturally, there have been a lot of criticisms from the scientific community on this issue, as many scientists will immediately proclaim that their research methods are foolproof and that they have the perfect research methodology.
However, the fact of the matter is that the world's scientific history is filled with examples, in which a perfect scientific solution that was based on decades of scientific research, has been overturned with new theories due to new research methods. Naturally, the first example that comes to mind is the fact that Newton's theories were taught to be foolproof and they were used in all fields of science for motion calculations as well as for dynamic / static analysis of various systems. For centuries, thousands of scientists all across the world used Newton's Theories in tens of different branches of science to formulate other theories and there was not even one dissent among the various scientific communities. However, after nearly two centuries of use, Newton's Theories were found to be not as perfect as they were originally thought.
Through Einstein's publication on the General Theory of Relativity, it was found that Newton's laws were an imperfect fit to explaining all of the equations of motion that was taking place in our universe. Hence, various anomalies such as the anomaly of the orbit of Mercury were found to be corresponding more truthfully with Einstein's theories. Hence, after centuries of use, Newton's Laws were found to be imperfect under some conditions. Even though, Newton's laws are still used today to predict motion at low speeds, they can be supplemented well by using the full Einstein equations of the General Theory of Relativity for more precise results. Thus, this comes to show that what has been regarded as perfect research may not be as perfect as originally thought and in some cases, this may even become evident after centuries of acceptance. Even today, there are new theories which challenge even Einstein's findings, as leading edge fields such as Quantum Mechanics are paving the way for new research and new views on our universe.
Naturally, the above said examples can be diversified and similar contexts can be seen in other branches of science as well too. Whether it is engineering, pure theoretical science or even management research will not matter; as there will always be new methods in research that will come up which can make headway with new theories and new methodologies. For example, much research was done in social sciences and in management theory to create an average view on the basis of sampled data. However, most of these methodologies were improved after the advent of computers and internet. Now, new algorithms have been devised, which allow for much more efficient sampling techniques and as a result more accurate results can be obtained. In fact, these updated techniques and algorithms have been used extensively in political polling in the last decade.
Thus, as it can be seen from various examples, doing perfect research is only a myth. Of course, this does not mean that a scientist should simply give up and accept imperfection in his or her research efforts. It is to be understood and accepted that improvisation and changes in research techniques and methods are a natural part of evolution and it is each scientist's responsibility to take it forward as much as possible. While, the perfect research may not exist, competent research which paves the way for newer and better things is an important reality.
It is the responsibility of the scientist to do everything humanly possible to have a solid research which shows promise for the future with the understanding that no perfect result can be achieved. However, the ability to do high quality research will improve that particular scientist's ability and it will also create foundation for others as well in their possible future work. This can also reduce vanity and create a more collaborative scientific environment where scientists will be sharing their work in the hopes of improving for the future generations. While the ultimate answer to universe's questions may not be present, time will come that the number of questions will decrease significantly, as new answers are found and more improved research is being conducted by scientists all across the world.
Dr. Ugur GUVEN
Dr. Guven is an Aerospace Engineer as well as a Nuclear Engineer. He has worked as an academician, researcher and teacher in various academic institutions with over 15 years of experience. Moreover, he has worked in the aerospace and nuclear industry as a consultant for solving technical problems as well as for providing guidance and training to young engineers. His lectures and seminars are downloaded by students, teachers and industry professionals all across the world free of charge. In order to get more information you can visit his academic sites: http://www.aerospacelectures.co.cc or http://www.nuclearlectures.co.cc for further academic information. You can also contact me atdrguven@live.com for any questions on education, academic issues, research techniques, teaching techniques, industrial consultations, engineer training etc
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