Chapter 1-1
Chapter 1-1
Chapter 1-1
College of Engineering
School of Electrical & Computer
Engineering
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Necessity, types and levels of researches
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Cont’d…
Term Research
Research = ‘Re’ + ‘Search’
again and to find out
again something
Research :- to observe the phenomena again and again
from different dimensions
General Flow of Research
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Definitions of Research
Research is used to
establish or confirm facts,
reaffirm the results of previous work
solve new or existing problems
support theorems
develop new theories.
Advanced Learner’s Dictionary
“careful investigation through search for new facts in any branch of knowledge.”
• Magraz
“an instrument or means used to enrich knowledge, accelerate
development, and enable individuals and society solve problems in a
coordinated manner.
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Cont’d…
Hemstater :
“a structured and coordinated exploration/testing used to obtain
new findings the exploration methods of which are sufficiently
acceptable to experts in the profession.”
D. Slesinger and M. Stephenson
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Cont’d…
P.M. Cook:
“a honest exhaustive, intelligent searching for facts and their
meanings or implications with reference to a given problem.
characteristics of research in his definition:
honest and extensive process.
facts are studied with understanding.
facts are discovered in the light of problem.
problem-centered.
findings are valid and verifiable.
should contribute new knowledge in that field.
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General characteristics of Research
1. Theoretical objective
theoretically formulate new theories, principles or laws.
explanatory / contribute some basic knowledge to human/.
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Cont’d…
2. Factual objective
factual find out new facts.
3. Application objective
does not contribute a new knowledge in the trust of human
knowledge but suggests new applications.
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Classification of Research based on the Goal of the
research
2. Applied research
aims at finding an immediate solution to identify problems and/or their
sources and the means to obtain solutions on such practical areas
Engineering, health, education, socio economics, agriculture, etc.
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Classification of Research based on the Approach of the
research
1. Quantitative research
based on the measurement of quantity or amount.
applicable to phenomena that can be expressed in
terms of quantity.
2. Qualitative research
concerned with qualitative phenomenon, i.e.,
phenomena relating to or involving quality or kind.
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Classification of Research based
on the element of the Research to be studied
1. Analytic research
the system is given/ known but the problem may be to
determine/ understand
I.Either the outputs given a set of inputs or
II.possible inputs for a specified set of given outputs.
2. Synthetic research
set of inputs and a specified set of outputs are known.
The problem is to determine/model the system itself.
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Classification of Research based on the data types of the
Research
1. Primary research
Involves new/ noble ideas or methods in finding
solutions to problems.
Example: archeological research.
2. Secondary research
Bases itself on primary research in posing problems
for which it then seeks improved or new solutions.
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Research Methods versus Methodology
Research methods may be understood as all those methods/techniques that are
used for conduction of research. It refer to the methods the researchers use in
performing research operations.
we use in performing research operations such as making observations, recording
data, techniques of processing data and the like.
research methods can be put into three groups:
Collection of data
Statistical/analytical techniques:
Thus, when we talk of research methodology we not only talk of the research methods
but also
consider the logic behind the methods we use in the context of our research study and
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Cont’d…
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Sources of Problems
Personal experiences of the investigator / daily problems
extensive study of available literature-research abstracts,
journals, hand-books of research international abstracts
his field of investigation
recent trends, new innovations and technological changes
consulting supervisors, experts of the field and most
experienced person of the field.
Unexplored areas
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Steps in defining a problem
1. Identify a broad field or subject area of interest to
you
2. Dissect the broad area into sub areas
3. Select what is of most interest to you / delimiting the
elements of the problem.
4. Review the researches’ conducted in area to know
the recent trend and studies in the area
5. Raise research questions
6. Formulate objectives
7. Assess your objectives
8. Double check
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Criteria for Selection of the
Problem
Novelty and avoidance of unnecessary duplications.
Interest, intellectual curiosity, and drive
Magnitude
Measurement of concepts
Level of expertise
Relevance
Availability of data and method
Ethical issues
Special equipment and working conditions.
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Evaluating the Problem
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Cont’d…
Hildreth Hoke McAshan proposed an objective guide
for judging the merits of a problem. The following
questions may be raised for this purpose.
Is the problem really important?
Is the problem interesting to others?
Is the chosen problem a real problem?
Does the problem display originality and
creativeness?
Am I really concerned with finding the solution?
Am I able to state hypotheses from the problem in a
testable form?
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Problem formulation, modeling & experimentation
Statement of Problem
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Cont’d…
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Need of defining a problem
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Assumptions about the Problem
makes the research work feasible.
delimits the scope of the problem.
establishes the proper frame of reference.
aids in the development of testable hypotheses.
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Data collection/generation and processing
Reading assignment
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