Randall Brown’s scientific contributions

This paper considers assessment of research quality by focusing on definition and solution of research problems. We develop and discuss, across different classes of problems, a set of general problem solution criteria for evaluating research solutions. In academia, we frequently evaluate the quality of research by the journal in which a research article is published rather than by the content of the article itself. This paper develops basic guidelines and principles for identifying "good research" which are independent of journals in a particular field, and which can be applied to all fields. The research quality is considered by focusing on the definitions and solutions of research problems. In the area of problem definition, the following problem classes are discussed: definition, description, theory, data, methodology/technique, and construction. Certain classes of research problems are classified as "interclass" problems because of their interaction across different problem classes. Interclass problems discussed in this paper include: criteria, integration, extension, and comparison. In addition to "class", problems also have what might be called "order". This paper also explores research problems based on their "order" to determine the connectivity of a problem to a "major" problem area (broadest problem area possible). A set of general problem solution criteria for evaluating research solutions is developed. The criteria include innovation, generalization, verification, longevity, and usefulness. Using realistic examples, we discuss the solution criteria across different classes of problems and present a framework for assessing and rating research.