Barkah’s Zeitgeist

During our first postgrad week, we had this so called ‘Research Methodology’ courses. The title to the show might be a bit dull for some. It is a traditional thing, throughout the world (or so they said), to start a postgraduate study with a session or two to welcome it’s newcomers to join the research community. More important than that, the session gives us vision to the true meaning of conducting this alleged ‘research’ thing.

I had to say, even with a label “Master by Research” attached to the program name (for PhD, AFAIK it is always ‘by research’), often I met with co-student here who did not realize what the phrase really means until he starts to find humps during the way. Me too was not an exception. I mean, I had an encounter with research. I’ve spent first 9-month after graduation, working for a research project, under the guidance of someone whom I consider a true researcher. He tough me the topsy-turvy road I will encounter during research. But still, I am encountering surprises here and there.

I mean, really, the activity of research, as I found it, really requires you to be able to manage your own agenda. Sets your own goal. Seeks your own questions. It is true that there will be associates to talk to. But in this state of exploration, sometimes you will find that you your self who knows your own problem and places to find the answers. Or sometimes the only person knows better than you live half way across the globe. Adding to the problem, your time will be limited. So this will sometimes become exceptionally depressing. I am not telling you about the so-called ‘pseudo-research’ where we can just follow definite instructions to come up with something already expected. Having to know this prospect beforehand really alleviates the shock (or at the very least ease it a bit).

The opening address by the program head went in breeze. The second session, “The Philosophy of Research”, was what arouses us. It was delivered with great enthusiasm by Prof. Mohd Halib, a 50 or so, hoary-Malaysian. He was, as he told us, a molecular biologist who turned in to a social scientist in his mid-career for a reason; he found that social science was more challenging as it deals with more parameters of human behavior. And he said that briskly in front of a room filled with students all majored in natural science or engineering. His style of pointing us in face and walked to and fro while, with a booming voice, emphasizing his points, really captivated us. Despite his enthusiastic upbringing, he was modest and down to earth. I have here a view quotes from him (with a slight adjustment, as my notes then weren’t pretty):

“…History has it that the inspiration to the laws of gravity was first struck a Malaysian. Alas, rather than an apple tree, the man was sitting under a durian tree. He didn’t survive to tell the world about the idea…”

“…Your duty here is not to dazzle the science community or the world. Your here to push the boundary of the body of knowledge you choose, just a tiny little bit. And when the time came, you get your degree and the world gets your contribution…”

“…The first problem you’ll encounter here is to find one…”

“…Someone’s authorship can never be freed from his ethical and moral standpoint…”

I can say that it was a fine start of our journey. And I am constantly hoping for the best here. While I am looking for some time to squeeze in a post or two, I am leaving with the professor’s slides attached, in hope that the wisdom will inspires me for days to come.