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Chem – 4105 (Research Methodology)

Assignment

1. (a) Explain research and scientific method.

Research can be termed as “an inquiry into the nature of the reason for and the consequences of any
particular set of circumstances, whether these circumstances are experimentally controlled or recorded
just as they occur. Further, research implies the researcher in interested in more than particular results; he
is interested in the repeatability of the results and in their extension to more complicated and general
situations”. On the other hand, the philosophy common to all research methods and techniques, although
they may vary considerably from one science to another, is usually given the name of scientific method.
Scientific method is the pursuit of truth as determined by logical attempts to achieve “this ideal by
experimentation, observation, logical arguments from accepted postulates and a combination of these
three in varying proportions. In scientific method, logic aids in formulating propositions explicitly and
accurately so that their possible alternatives become clear. Further, logic develops the consequences of
such alternatives and when these are compared with observable phenomena, it becomes possible for the
researcher or the scientist to state which alternative is most in harmony with the observed facts. All this is
done through experimentation and survey investigations which constitute the integral parts of scientific
method.

(b) Distinguish between “Research Methods” and “Research Methodology”.

All the methods which are used by researcher during the course of studying his research problem are
termed as research methods. Research methods can be put into the following three groups.

(i) In the first group we include those methods which are concerned with the collection of data. These
methods will be used where the data already available are not sufficient to arrive at the required solution.

(ii) The second group consists of those statistical techniques which are used for establishing relationships
between the data and the unknowns.

(iii) The third group consists of those methods which are used to evaluate the accuracy of the results
obtained.

Research methodology is a way to systematically solve the research problem. It may be understood as a
science of studying how research is done scientifically.

2. (a) (i) How does literature survey help you? (Mention only three points)

(ii) Mention guide-lines for review of literature.

(i) Literature survey helps you to become more knowledgeable about the subject of inquiry.
The review provides you with information leading to new knowledge in your area of study.
 The literature review helps you evaluate the problem.

(ii) Guide line for Review of literature

It must be selective but not necessarily exhaustive.

Making many number references and cite all in year research.

It helps you to delimit the size and scope of your research problem.

It is important and useful to organize literature review under suitable headings.

(b) State a Sample Design and explain about types of Samples.

A sample design is a definite plan determined before any data are actually collected for obtaining a
sample from a given population. Thus, a plan to select 12 of a city’s 200 drug stores in a certain way
constitutes a sample design.

Types of Samples

(i) Probability samples

Simple random sample: Every member of the population has a known and equal chance of being selected.

Stratified random sample: Population is divided into mutually exclusive groups such as age groups and
random samples are drawn from each group.

Cluster (area) sample: the population is divided into mutually exclusive groups such as blocks, and
researcher draws a sample of the group to interview.

(ii) nonprobability samples

Convenience sample: The researcher selects the easiest population members from which to obtain
information.

Judgment sample: The researcher uses his/ her judgment to select population members who are good
prospects for accurate information.

Quota sample: The researcher finds and interviews a prescribed number of people in each of several
categories.

1. (a) Discuss correct interpretation.

Correct interpretation

In order to understand misinterpretation, the correct way to interpret data must be understood. Date
interpretation must be approached without personal bias or preconceived opinions. A researcher forms an
initial opinion, called the hypothesis. He runs an experiment based on the hypothesis. For example, a
researcher states that the sky is blue because of nitrogen. He runs and experiment, and the data collected
reveal a high concentration of ozone. In his conclusion, he states the original hypothesis was wrong, and
the facts collected indicate ozone is the colorant gas. By interpreting data objectively, the correct
conclusion is reached. Unfortunately, having a 100 percent bias-free and objective frame of mind is
difficult.

1. (b) What do you know about the qualitative data?

Characteristics of Qualitative Data

Qualitative data consist of narrative description. The data obtained in qualitative inquiry is detailed and
rich and include information about personal experiences, beliefs, perspectives, or situations. Qualitative
data provides a high level of information to assist in decision making. If need be, one can almost “paint a
picture” with words. The information needed by decision makers is often very specific, very detail and
very unique and qualitative data techniques can be customized to meet their needs.

Qualitative data, however are not routinely collected by agencies or health care providers and can require
additional resources. Because of the level of detail characteristic of qualitative data, data collection and
analysis can be time consuming and costly to collect and analyze. Many agencies already have
quantitative data collection systems in place, so those tend to be used more frequently, even when
qualitative information would be more informative.

2. (a) Briefly explain what the Report Writing is?

Report writing is one of the most important tasks of the researcher. The material he could collect, the
labour which he has put in, the field which he and his colleagues have covered and immense money and
human resources which have been put in a research project, are bound to go waste, if the report is not
lucidly written.

In fact, the society is more concerned with the finished product than anything else. Accordingly the report
should be very carefully worded and made clearly understandable. Though prima facie the task of a report
writer might appear a simple and easy affair yet undoubtedly that is an uphill task.

A really good report will present knowledge and wisdom of the report writer on the one hand, his drafting
capacity on the other. Real report writing means effective and purposeful communication with the society.
The form, content and style of reporting will determine how the process of diffusing our research
experience to the community at large will be set in motion.

2. (b) Discuss on the following qualities of Good Research Report

(i) Clarity of Report (ii) Method of presentation

(i) Clarity of Report

The report must have sufficient clarity of both thought as well as languages. As far as possible the
sentences should be simple without entangled clauses and sub clauses. There should be no long
paragraphs, and each paragraph should be divided into small paragraphs, so that important points are
sufficiently highlighted. Both the though as well as the languages should be so clear that the reader must
easily grasp what the report writer wants to say. Thought technical terms might be used, where necessary,
yet these should be clarified, particularly when the target group is the layman.

(ii) Method of Presentation

The most difficult part of the report is the way in which it is to be presented. It is essential that the
researcher must follow a middle course, making the report acceptable, both to the social scientists as well
as the layman.

1. How does research help you in your daily life?

In your daily life, you always engage in trying to find explanations, answers or solutions to problems
either personal or societal. When you find solution to any problem, you are glad because if similar
problem occurs again you would know what to do. Finding out cause for an event or what happen,
enables you to overcome problems and improve upon the situation of life. As you engage in finding out
something you are involved in research. Hence research helps you answer questions about several aspects
of society and helps in understanding the social better.

2. What do you mean by research? Explain its significance in modern times.

Research is a scientific method of inquiry involving a formal process of verifying knowledge.

Research is the formal, systematic application of scientific method to study specific problem.

Research is a scientific process of investigation and or experimentation that involves the systematic
collection, analysis and interpretation of data to answer a certain question or solve a problem.

Research is conducted with the purpose of finding answers to question through the application of
scientific procedure. Research always starts from a question or a problem of some sort.

Research is a process of enquiry and investigation; it is systematic, methodical and ethical; research can
help solve practical problems and increase knowledge.

3. Write a short note on “Motivation in Research”.

1. Desire to get a research degree along with its consequential benefits.

2. Desire to face the challenge in solving the unsolved problems, i.e., concern over practical problems
initiates research.

3. Desire to get intellectual joy doing some creative work.

4. Desire to be service to society.

5. Desire to get respectability.

1(a) Define nanostructures. Write down the zero, one and two dimensional nanoscale
systems.

Nanostructure are structures with sizes between molecular and micrometer structures. These may be
nanoparticles, nanowires and nanotubes according to the dimensions. Nanostructured materials may be
large organic molecules, inorganic cluster compounds and metallic or semiconductor particles.

Zero, One and Two Dimensional Nanoscale Systems

A zero dimensional structure is one in which all three dimensions are in the nanoscale e.g nanoparticles.

A one dimensional nanostructure is one in which two dimensions are in the nanoscale and is extended in
the third dimension eg. Nanowires and nanorods.

A two dimensional nanostructure is one in which one dimension is in the nanoscale and extended in the
other two dimensions eg. Thin films.

1. (b) What are the major principles that need to be taken into consideration when one is
thinking of self-assembly of a targeted structure?

Major principles that need to be taken into consideration when one is thinking of self assembly of a
targeted structure are

(i) Building blocks, scale, shape, surface structure.

(ii) Attractive and repulsive interactions between building blocks, equilibrium separation.

(iii) Reversible association-dissociation and/or adaptable motion of building blocks in assembly, lowest
energy structure.

(iv) Building block interaction with solvents, interfaces, templates

(v) Building blocks dynamics, mass transport and agitation

2. (a) Discuss about the gold nanoparticles.

Gold nanoparticles

Generally, gold nanoparticles are produced in a liquid (liquid chemical methods) by reduction of
hydrogen terachloroaurate (HAuCl4). After dissolving HAuCl4, the solution is rapidly stirred while a
reducing agent is added. This causes Au3+ ion to reduce un-ionized gold atoms. As more and more of
these gold atoms form, the solution becomes supersaturated and gold gradually starts to precipitate in the
form of sub-nanometer particles. To prevent the particles from aggregating stabilizing agent that sticks to
the nanoparticle surface is usually added.
2.(b) Electrostatic stabilization is limited by some facts. Explain these facts.

Electrostatic stabilization is limited by the following facts;

(i) Electrostatic stabilization is a kinetic stabilization method.

(ii) It is only applicable to dilute systems.

(iii) It is not applicable to electrolyte sensitive systems.

(iv) It is almost not possible to redisperse the agglomerated particles.

(v) It is difficult to apply to multiple phase systems, since in a given condition, different solids develop
different surface charge and electric potential.

1. (a) Define (i) good solvent (ii) poor solvent

(i) Good solvent

When polymer in a solvent tends to expand to reduce the overall Gibbs free energy of the system, such
solvent is called a “good solvent”.

(ii) Poor solvent

When polymer in a solvent tends to coil up or collapse to reduce the Gibbs free energy, the solvent is
considerable to be a “poor” solvent.

1. (b) Write down the important assumptions in the DLVO theory used in the electrostatic
stabilization of particles.

The important assumptions in the DLVO theory used in the stabilization of particles are

(i) Infinite flat solid surface,

(ii) Uniform surface charge density,

(iii) No redistribution of surface charge, i.e. the surface electric potential remains constant,

(iv) No charge of concentration profiles of both counter ions and surface charge determining ions, i.e the
electric potential remains unchanged and

(v) Solvent exerts influences via dielectric constant only, i.e. no chemical reactions between the particles
and solvent.

2. (a) Briefly explain nanoscal electronic devices.

Many nanoscale electronic devices have been demonstrated tunneling junctions, devices with negative
differential resistance, electrically configurable switches, carbon nanotubes transistors and single
molecular transistors. Devices have also been connected together to form circuits capable of performing
single functions such as basic memory and logic functions. Ultrahigh density nanowires lattices and
circuits with metal and semiconductor nanowires have also been demonstrated. Computer architecture
based on nanoelectronics (also known as nanocomputers) has also been studies, through very limited.
Various processing techniques have been applied in the fabrication of nanoelectronics such as focused ion
beam (FIB), electron beam lithography, and imprint lithography. Major obstacles preventing the
development of such devices include addressing nanometer sized objects such as nanoparticles and
molecules, molecular vibrations, robustness and the poor electrical conductivity.

2. (b) Discuss about the nanobots would not take the conventional approach of macroscopic
robots.

The nanobots would not take the conventional approach of macroscopic robots. Example includes:

(i) Targeting mechanisms to guide the nanobots to the desired site of action: The most likely
mechanisms to be employed are based on antigen or antibody interactions or binding of target molecules
to membrane bound receptors. The navigation system for nanobots would be most likely to use the same
method that the human body uses, going with the flow and “dropping anchor” when the nanobots reached
its target.

(ii) Retrieve of nanobots from human body: Retrieve of nanobots from human body would be
another challenge in the development of nanobots. Most nanodevices could be eliminated from the body
through natural mechanisms of metabolism and excretion. Nanodevices made of biodegradable or
naturally occurring substances, such as calcium phosphate, would be another favorable approach.
“Homing” nanobots would be ideal, which can be collected and removed after performing the desire
function. The possible negative impacts of nanobots include the pollution and clog of systems in human
body and the nanobots may become “out of control” when some functions are lost or nanobots
malfunction.
2015 Old Question

1. What are the Attributes of a Good Research Worker?

Imaginative

Observant

Honest

Patient

Dedicated

Persistent

Industrious

Wise

Ethical

2. Information can be classified into three kinds. What are these and give some examples?

Primary information (first hand information)

Eg. Experimentation (research journal articles)

Secondary information (second hand information)

Eg. Summraries, reviews, tables, bibliographies etc.,

Tertiary information (third hand information)

Eg. Textbooks are well known examples of third hand information.

3. Describe any five of the components of a Research Design.

1. What to observe?

2. Whom to observe?

3. How to observe?

4. Why to observe?

5. How to record the observation?

(i) Hypothesis

Hypotheses are defined as intelligent guesses or speculations or suggestions made in an attempt to

(ii) Working Hypothesis

Working hypothesis is tentative assumption made in order to draw out and test its logical or empirical
consequences.

(iii) Research Design

The conceptual structure within which research would be conducted.

(iv) Reference Materials

The reference materials for every thesis consist of bibliography, an appendix (if needed) and an index (if
publish)

5. Write the sources of primary data in data collection and analysis.

1. Individual person or things.

2. Groups or organizations, institutions such as government, family, school, business firms tribe, church
etc.

3. Established practices such as marriage, legal system, religious rites, economic system, customs, etc

4. Documents in their original forms such as letters, records, orders, treatises, contracts, etc.

5. Man made material things such as buildings, machines, artifacts, appliances, weapons etc.

6. Natural objects and phenomena such as rain, wind, earth-quake, mountain snow etc.

7. Living things such as animals, organisms, insects, etc.

6. Discuss about the correct interpretation.

7. There are ten general rules for Writing Report and Thesis. Mention five of them.

1. In research report or thesis writing, the writer must be as objective as possible in reporting the study.

2. Personal pronouns such as “I, my, we, and our” should be avoided, instead impersonal pronouns and
the passive voice should be used.

3. Research report should be written in a clear, simple, concise and straightforward style.
4. Correct spelling, grammatical construction and punctuation should be observed.

5. Use of abbreviations contractions in the text is generally discouraged. However, tables, footnotes,
figures, and references may include abbreviations.

8. How many types of techniques can be used for synthesizing nanoparticles? Explain with
a block diagram.

Several techniques are used for synthesizing nanoparticles, some based on physical and some based on
chemical principles.

Preparation of nanoparticles

Physical methods Wet chemical methods

Sol-gel aerosol microemulsion Co-precipitation

There are two approaches to the synthesis of nanomaterials and the fabrication of nanostructures: top-
down and bottom up. Top down method starts from the micron scale and go down in size using different
techniques such as ball milling. Bottom up approach starts from individual atoms and build up to a
nanostructures.

9. Why the surface energy can be reduced in the preparation of nanoparticles.

All nanostructured materials posses a huge surface energy due to the vast surface area and are
thermodynamically unstable or metastable. Therefore a variety of mechanisms to reduce the overall
surface energy.

Due to the vast surface area, all nanostructured materials possess a huge surface energy and thus, are
thermodynamically unstable or metastable. One of the great challenges in fabrication and processing of
nanomaterials is to overcome the surface energy, and to prevent the nanostructures or nanomaterials form
growth in size, driven by the reduction of overall surface energy.

10. Draw the schematic representation of electrosteric stabilization. (i) charged particles
with nonionic polymers and (ii) polyelectrolysis attached to uncharged particles.

P 40 Fig 2.12
11. Define the following terms.

(i) Bottom up approaches

Bottom up approach starts from individual atoms and build up to a nanosturctures.

(ii) top down approaches

Topdown method starts from the micron scale and go down in size using different techniques such as ball
milling.

(iii) Aggromeration

Agglomeration is another way to reduce the overall surface energy. In agglomerates, many nanostructures
are associated with one another through chemical and physical attraction forces at interfaces.

(iv) Sintering

Sintering is a process that must be prevented in the fabrication and processing of nanomaterials.

12. Write down the important assumption in the DLVO theory use in the electrostatic
stabilization of particles.

13. Why are the nanostructure advantageous for photoelectrochemical cell devices?

Nanostructure are advantageous for photoelectrochemical cell devices for high efficient conversion of
light to electrical power due to its large surface area at which photoelectrochemical proceses take place.
Many techniques have been investigated to synthesize TiO2 electrodes to improve the structure for more
efficient electron transport and good stability. Although various techniques have been utilized and
explored to synthesize a more efficient structure of TiO2 film to enhance the electrical and photovoltaic
properties of solar cell devices, the capability of these devices to surpass the 10 % light conversion
efficiency have been hindered.

14. How to nanobot serve in the particle of nanomedicine?

One of the attractive applications in nanomedicine has been the creation of nanoscale devices for
improved therapy and diagnostics. Nanobots have the potential to serve as vehicles for delivery of the
therapeutic agent, detectors or guardians against early disease and perhaps repair of metabolic or genatic
defects. Similar to the conventional or microscopic robots, nanobots would be programmed to perform
specific functions and be remotely controlled, but possess a much smaller size, so that they can travel and
perform desired functions inside the human body.
2016 Old Question

1. An evaluating the information materials, what are the point to be checked?

1. Accuracy and dependability

2. Up to dateness

3. Suitability for specific requirements

4. Authority

5. Scope

6. Treatment and style

7. Arrangement

8. Illustrations, tables, data and diagrams

9. Author

10. Publisher and year of publication

2. Mention the aspects in evaluation of a Research Design.

1. How precise are the observations?

2. Can other investigators repeat the observations?

3. How explicit are the hypothesis?

4. Have the problems and hypothesis stated scientifically?

5. Has the research plan presented in detail?

6. Do the data actually satisfy the demands of the problem?

7. Does the research design ensure a comparison that is not subject to the alternative interpretations?

3. What is a research design?

A research design is the description, which indicates the basis structure of the study. A research design is
the framework or plan for the study that is used as a guide in collection and analyzing the data. A research
design is the plan, structure and strategy of investigation conceived as to obtain answers to research
questions and control variance. It can also be said as the planned sequence of the entire process involved
on conducting a research study. Research design is a catalogue of the various phases and facts relating to
the formation of a research effort. It is an arrangement of the essential condition and analysis of data in a
form that aims to combine relevance to research purpose with economy in the research procedure.
4. Describe the characteristics of Good research design.

The good characteristics of good research design are

(a) Objectivity

(b) Reliability

(c) Validity

(d) Generalisation

5. Define the following terms

(a) Gazetteer

A gazetteer is a dictionary of geographical places. It is also gives historical, statistical, cultural and other
relevant information about these places.

(b) Causal Research

The causal research is that research in which the researcher attempts to determine the cause, or reason for
existing differences in the vehavior or status of groups of individual.

(c) Checklist

A checklist is a list of behaviors, characteristics or other entities that the researcher is looking for.

(d) Approval sheet

The sheet follows the title page and is usually composed of a certificate or signatures of approval of the
department faculty, board of examiners or other appropriate authorities. Sometimes provision is made on
this page for signatures of approval of such members as external examiner or examiners, charman of the
board of examiners and supervisors.

6. Briefly explain characteristics of quantitative data.

Generally quantitative data and data reports are in the form of numbers. Facts and figures are fairly
concise, and consequently quantitative data reports can be brief and to the point. In addition, an
organization’s information system often contains a good deal of quantitative information that can be used
for performance measurement; for example, service utilization and cost information may already be
collected. Conclusions drawn from quantitative data are limited by parameters of the data.

7. Research purpose may be grouped into four categories. What are these?

Research purpose may be grouped into four categories (i) Exploration (ii) description (iii) diagnosis and
(iv) experimentation.

8. What are the four aspects of data collecting that must be considered?
First, it is necessary to obtain primary data from either survey or experiment.

Second, we have to familiarize ourselves with relevant secondary data that exist in books, periodicals,
journals and other publications.

Third, we prepare a design of the survey or experiment that provides repeatability, reproducibility,
verifiability and clarity to the data collection process.

Fourth, we develop an apparatus or instrument design that considers calibration and standard
measurement and control of disturbing factors.

9. Describe the other criteria that need to be kept in mind in preparing the thesis.

Completeness : does it provide all the information the reader needs in a language he understands?

Accuracy : I the reasoning logical and information correct?

Clarity : Is the phrasing precise?

Conciseness : is the writing crisp and direct?

10. Explain the basic concept of Ostwald ripening.

Oswald ripening, in which relatively large structures grow at the expense of smaller ones. Oswald
ripening occurs at a wide range of temperatures, and proceeds at relatively low temperatures when
nanostructures are dispersed and have an appreciable solubility in a solvent.

Oswald ripening is to merge smaller particles into a large particle. Both processes reduce the solid – gas
surface area of agglomerates showing be prevented.

11. How does the total surface energy reduce for the following?

(i) Liquid and amorphous solid

For liquid and amorphous solids, they have isotropic microstructure an thus isotropic surface energy.

(ii) Crystalline

For crystalline solid, different crystal facets possess different surface energy.

12. What is P.Z.C? In oxides systems, decide the determining ions based on the pH and
P.Z.C.

The concentration of charge determining ions corresponding to a neutral or zero charged surface is
defined as a point of zero charge (P.Z.C).

At pH > P.Z.C, the oxide surface is negatively charged, since the surface is covered with hydroxyl
groups, OH-, which is electrical determining ion.
At pH < P.Z.C, H+ is the charge determining ions and the surface is positively charge.

13. Deduce the relationship between chemical potential and surface curvature in the
transferring from an infinite flat surface to spherical solid surface.

14. Define the following terms.

(i) Nanochemistry

The defining feature of nanochemistry is the utilization of synthetic chemistry to make nanoscale building
blocks of different size and shape, composition and surface structure, charge and functionality.

(ii) Nanobots

One of the attractive applications in nanomedicine has been the creation of nanoscale devices for
improved therapy and diagnostics. Such nanoscale devices are known as nanorobots or more simply as
nanobots.