Research Methodology

Prelude Research: – Should be about some problem that encourages enthusiasm (for you) and interest (for others) – Is often generated from the thought “what we’ve got now/from the past isn’t quite right/good enough – we can do better…” – Consists of work that leads to a meaningful contribution – Generates, in some way, a better solution to the problem

Definition The word research is composed of two syllables, re and search. re is a prefix meaning again, anew or over again search is a verb meaning to examine closely and carefully, to test and try, or to probe. Together they form a noun describing a careful, systematic study and investigation in some field of knowledge, undertaken to establish facts or principles.

What Is Research? Merriam-Webster’s definition: 1 : careful or diligent search 2 : studious inquiry or examination; especially : investigation or experimentation aimed at the discovery and interpretation of facts, revision of accepted theories or laws in the light of new facts, or practical application of such new or revised theories or laws 3 : the collecting of information about a particular subject

What Is Research? (2) “A combination of investigation of past work and effort in the present that will help others in the future” A set of opposites – Fun and frustration – Small steps and large insights – Building on others’ work and contributing your own work Finding or developing something new that changes the world….

What is Research? (3) Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research – Quantitative – use of statistical, formulaic or numerical analysis to generate results Main approach: analysis; causal determination, prediction, generalization of findings Results: “This solution is N% better” – Qualitative – not quantitative; use of non-numeric techniques Main approach: discovery; illumination, understanding, extrapolation to similar circumstances Results: “This is a new way of solving our problem”

Scope of Research Varies by level of work – Ph.D. students – contribution expected at world level; e.g. background investigation on all past work make meaningful addition to world knowledge – Undergraduate students – contribution can be at local to national to world level; e.g. background investigation at university up to world level make meaningful addition to university up to world level of knowledge

What Isn’t Research Playing with technology Book report Programming project Doing what others have already done However, each of these can be done as part of research

Who Does Research? Graduate Students – Masters Degree (lower standard) – Ph.D. Degree (higher standard) Researchers at universities – Post-Doctoral students – Faculty members Researchers in industry – Research scientists – Many other technical workers Undergraduate students (like you)

THE RESEARCH PROCESS The research process is similar to undertaking a journey. For a research journey there are two important decisions to make: – What you want to find out about or what research questions (problems) you want to find answers to; – How to go about finding their answers.

THE RESEARCH PROCESS There are practical steps through which you must pass in your research journey in order to find answers to your research questions. The path to finding answers to your research questions constitutes research methodology. At each operational step in the research process you are required to choose from a multiplicity of methods, procedures and models of research methodology which will help you to best achieve your objectives. This is where your knowledge base of research methodology plays a crucial role.

Typical Steps in Research Process Formulating the Research Problem Extensive Literature Review Developing the objectives Preparing the Research Design including Sample Design Collecting the Data Analysis of Data Generalization and Interpretation Preparation of the Report or Presentation of Results- Formal write ups of conclusions reached.

Research Process – Formulating the research problem It is the first and most crucial step in the research process Main function is to decide what you want to find out about. The way you formulate a problem determines almost every step that follows. Given an initial idea, need to determine: – Has this work been done previously? – What similar work has been done leading up to this point? – How is any previous work distinguished from what I’m planning to do? – What group of people will be positively impacted by the research? Tools – Literature Review using library resources (e.g. online databases such as ASCE and SCOPUS, popular magazines)

Reviewing the literature Essential preliminary task in order to acquaint yourself with the available body of knowledge in your area of interest. Literature review is integral part of entire research process and makes valuable contribution to every operational step. Reviewing literature can be time-consuming, daunting and frustrating, but is also rewarding. Its functions are: – Bring clarity and focus to your research problem; – Improve your methodology; – Broaden your knowledge; – Contextualise your findings.

The formulation of objectives Objectives are the goals you set out to attain in your study. They inform a reader what you want to attain through the study. It is extremely important to word them clearly and specifically. Objectives should be listed under two headings: – main objectives ( aims); – sub-objectives.

The main objective is an overall statement of the thrust of your study. It is also a statement of the main associations and relationships that you seek to discover or establish. The sub-objectives are the specific aspects of the topic that you want to investigate within the main framework of your study. – They should be numerically listed. – Wording should clearly, completely and specifically – Communicate to your readers your intention. – Each objective should contain only one aspect of the Study. – Use action oriented words or verbs when writing objectives.

The objectives should start with words such as – ‘to determine’, – ‘to find out’, – ‘to ascertain’, – ‘to measure’, – ‘to explore’ etc.

PREPARING THE RESEARCH DESIGN Research design is the conceptual structure within which research would be conducted. The function of research design is to provide for the collection of relevant information with minimal expenditure of effort, time and money. The preparation of research design, appropriate for a particular research problem, involves the consideration of the following : – Objectives of the research study – Method of Data Collection to be adopted – Source of information—Sample Design – Tool for Data collection – Data Analysis-- qualitative and quantitative

COLLECTING DATA Having formulated the research problem,, developed a study design, constructed a research instrument and selected a sample, you then collect the data from which you will draw inferences and conclusions for your study. Depending upon your plans, you might commence interviews, mail out a questionnaire, conduct experiments and/or make observations.

PROCESSING AND ANALYSING DATA Processing and analysing data involves a number of closely related operations which are performed with the purpose of summarizing the collected data and organizing these in a manner that they answer the research questions (objectives).

REPORTING THE FINDINGS Writing the report is the last, and for many, the most difficult step of the research process. The report informs the world what you have done, what you have discovered and what conclusions you have drawn from your findings. The report should be written in an academic style.

Table of Contents In this section is listed the contents of the report, either in chapters or in subheadings e.g. Contents Chapter I Introduction Chapter II Review of Related Literature Chapter III Research Design or Methodology Chapter IV Results and Discussion Chapter V Conclusions and Recommendations for Future Research References/ Bibliography Appendices

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