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Research Branch
C1. Onboarding
2. Classifications
Unlike other unions, this branch of expertise can come with its own unique and sometimes difficult challenges. Here at the C-M-R-U, we expect those who are beginning to venture down this new path of discovery to ask questions to those above them, to learn how the system works and what you can do to better the environment around you.
Before you begin writing your proposal, you first need to understand and chose a process to follow for your research. These processes come in many forms, as listed in the table below. Look through this list and think carefully about how you want to conduct your project, taking your field of study into consideration.
| Purpose | Explanation | Purpose | Explanation | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic or fundamental research | Through understanding alone, new theories can be hypothesized, without direct practical applications | Applied Research | Through exploration, you focus on finding solutions to specific, practical or concrete problems | |
| Action Research | A focus on solving immediate problems | Quantitative Research | By using numerical data and statistical analysis, you can measure aspects of interest | |
| Qualitative research | Involves non-numeric data (e.g., text, video) to understand concepts, attitudes, or complex phenomena. | Mixed-Methods | Combines both qualitative and quantitative approaches. | |
| Exploratory Research | Investigates a topic with little existing information. | Descriptive Research | Describes characteristics of a population or phenomenon, such as surveys. | |
| Explanatory Research | Identifies cause-and-effect relationships and explains why events occur. | Correlational Research | Examines relationships between variables without implying causation | |
| Experimental Research | Uses controlled manipulation of variables to determine cause-and-effect. | Non-experimental/Observational Research | Focuses on observing phenomena in their natural environment | |
| Ethnographic Research | Studies cultures and behaviors in natural settings. | Longitudinal Research | Follows subjects over an extended period | |
| Cross-Sectional Research | Examines a snapshot of a population at a single point in time |
3. Dedicated Process
Now that you have decided on the research classification, you will need to identify an associated process tree that defines how you will conduct your project. These come in many forms and have their own acronyms, each one unique and dedicated to a strict path. Some allow for evaluations, whilst others take on a more direct approach, demanding physical interventions or alterations, before observing reactions and noting down results.
P-I-C-O
P- Patient, Problem or population - Who is being studied and for what purpose
I= Intervention - What action or treatment is being investigated?
C= Comparison or control - What is the alternative to the intervention?
O= Outcome - What is the desired effect or result?
Variations can include:
PICOT = Adds a time variable
PEO = Population, exposure, outcome
F-I-N-E-R
F = Feasible - Is there adequate time, money, expertise, and a sufficient number of subjects?
I = Interesting - Is the answer intriguing to the researcher and the scientific community?
N = Novel - Does the study confirm, extend, or refute previous findings?
E = Ethical - Does the topic of research pose ethical questions?
R = Relevant - Is it important for scientific knowledge, clinical practice, or policy?
Whilst many research studies demand ethical boundaries, the C-M-R-U may wave those policies in order to uncover truthful results or correct data. It is down to the researcher to decide on how they approach this methodology and apply their scientific knowledge
S-M-A-R-T
S = Specific - Identify a single, well-defined outcome rather than a broad ambition.
M = Measurable - Include a metric to track progress (e.g., "increase scores from 82% to 90%")
A = Achievable/Attainable - Ensure the goal is realistic given available resources and skills.
R = Relevance/Realism - Ensure the goal aligns with the broader mission and vision.
T = Time Bound - Set a clear start and finish date to create a sense of urgency
T-I-L-U-S-E
T = Task Definition - Define your assignment and identify information needed to complete it
I = Information seeking strategies - Make a list from possible sources and select the best ones
L = Location and access - Locate sources and find information within them
U = Use of information - Engage with the source. Study, note down, observe, listen to and summarize your findings
S = Synthesis - Chose a format to best illustrate your research for later review and observation
E = Evaluation - Judge your work. Was it effective/Efficient/accurate, did you meet your objectives
4. Fields of Study
The world is full of interesting phenomenon and artifacts of varying types to be discovered, analyzed and truly understood. With the arrival of xenian cultures, flora and a variety of species, we are not short on potential areas of study and discovery. When deciding to embark on your project, defining your area of study is important.
Natural Sciences
Physical Sciences: Physics (matter and energy), Chemistry (substances), Astronomy (celestial objects), and Earth Sciences (geology and meteorology).
Life Sciences (Biology): Zoology(Animal life studies), Botany(Plant life), Genetics(DNA &Genes), Ecology(Organisms), and Microbiology(Microscopic life).
Applied Sciences: Engineering, Medicine, and Biotechnology
Social Sciences
Psychology: The study of the human mind and behavior.
Sociology: The study of social structures and institutions.
Economics: The study of production, consumption, and wealth transfer.
Political Science: The study of systems of government and political activity.
Anthropology: The study of human cultures and evolutionary history
Formal Sciences
Mathematics: Algebra, Calculus, and Statistics.
Logic: The study of valid reasoning.
Computer Science: Algorithms, data structures, and artificial intelligence.
Systems Theory: The study of complex systems in nature and society
Humanities
History: The study of the past.
Philosophy: The study of fundamental questions about existence and ethics.
Literature & Linguistics: The study of written works and the structure of language.
Performing & Visual Arts: Research into music, theater, and art history
Interdisciplinary Fields
Neuroscience: A mix of Biology (Natural) and Psychology (Social).
Data Science: A mix of Mathematics (Formal) and various applied fields.
Environmental Studies: A mix of Ecology (Natural), Economics (Social), and Ethics (Humanities)
5. Identifying Principles
All projects should identify the above, outlining various intended research routes, areas of study and what hypothesized outcomes. To help better define your proposals, using the list below, outline various other details of importance and relevance to your project, explaining in detail how and why each is relevant to your own work.
S-O-P
A standard operating procedure gives written instructions on how to proceed with a given research task
P-I / C-I
Principle Investigator / Chief Investigator - The lead researcher on a given project
As-R
Associate Researcher - Secondary researcher/researchers involved with the project
Time
How long do you predict your project will last?
Cost
What costs are associated with your proposal?
Resources
What do you need to begin your project?
Unions
Do you require the involvement of other unions?
Protective equipment
Do you need protection whilst performing your studies?
Protection teams
Will you require assistance from protection team assets?
Condemned zone
Are you planning to conduct your studies in the condemned zone and why?
Outlands
Do you wish to conduct out of city research?
Explain in detail why this is required
Risk Factors
Detail any and all risks associated with the project proposal
6. Urban Center Restrictions
Our benefactors and the administration of city seventeen, recognize that certain types of research cannot be conducted within densely populated urban centers. Dangerous materials, highly toxic substances and radiated elements are forbidden, as to ensure the safe and well being of life. To clarify further, you are required to read through and understand the limitations below, whereby certain research branch types are classified as too dangerous for typical scientific study.
| Material Name | Hazards |
|---|---|
| Uranium | Radioactive |
| Thorium | Radioactive |
| Radon | Gas by product of Uranium |
| Plutonium | Radioactive |
| Nickel Carbonyl | High toxicity |
| Phosgene | High toxicity |
| Sodium Cyanide | High toxicity |
| Arsenic | High toxicity |
| Cadmium | High toxicity |
7. Proposal layout
When writing your proposal, the administration within the C-M-R-U urge you to follow the format:
- Your Name
- Current Rank
- Budget Requirements
- Describe your Project Proposal
- Define its Classification
- Define your Framework
- Define your Field of Study
- Elaborate on the principles
- Explain your Projected Outcome
- Any other notes
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