Research Methodology for Engineers

[Link] M.K.

HOD
Department of Electronics and Communication
Sree Chitra Thirunal College of Engineering
Trivandrum

August 19 2015
Research
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 ?
Research

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The word ‘Research’ composed of two syllables:
‘Re’ means again and again and ‘Search’ means to find out something.
Research Defined

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An organized, systematic, data-based, critical, scientific inquiry or
investigation into a specific problem, undertaken with the objective of
finding answers or solutions to it.
According to Rusk

Research is a point of view, an attitude of inquiry or a frame of mind. It asks

questions which have hitherto not been asked, and it seeks to answer them
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 by following a fairly definite procedure. It is not a mere theorising, but
rather an attempt to elicit facts and to face them once they have been
assembled. Research is likewise not an attempt to bolster up pre-conceived
opinions, and it implies a readiness to accept the conclusions to which an
inquiry leads, no matter how unwelcome they may prove. When successful,
research adds to the scientific knowledge of the subject.
Research

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From different definitions the research has following properties:
⇒ It gathers new knowledge or data from primary or first-hand sources.
⇒ It places emphasis upon the discovery of general principles.
⇒ It is an exact systematic and accurate investigation.
⇒ It uses certain valid data gathering devices.
⇒ It is logical and objective.
⇒ The researcher resists the temptation to seek only the data that support
his hypotheses.
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Research Properties

The researcher eliminates personal feelings and preferences.

It endeavours to organise data in quantitative terms.

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 Research is patient and unhurried activity.
The researcher is willing to follow his procedures to the conclusions
that may be unpopular and bringsocial disapproval.
Research is carefully recorded and reported.
Conclusions and generalisations are arrived at carefully and
cautiously.
Objectives of Research

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Objectives fall into following categories:
% Theoretical Objective
% Factual Objective
% Application Objective
Types of Research

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 ! Exploratory vs. Conclusive
! Descriptive vs. Analytical
! Applied vs. Fundamental
! Quantitative vs. Qualitative
! Conceptual vs. Empirical
Exploratory Vs Conclusive Research

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 " Exploratory research uses a less formal approach.
" Exploratory research is not sure of its objective
" Exploratory research is designed to provide a background, to familiarise
and as the word implies, just ‘explore’ the general subject " Exploratory
research has the following three stages
# Literature survey
# The experience survey
" The analysis of insight stimulating examples.

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 " Conclusive research is used for testing the hypothesis generated by
exploratory research.
" Conclusive research can be classied as either descriptive or experimental
( analytical ).
Descriptive Vs Analytical Research

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 $ Descriptive research includes surveys and fact finding enquiries of
different kinds.
$ researcher has no control over the variables
$ analytical research, on the other hand, the researcher has to use facts or
information already available, and analyze these to make a critical
evaluation of the material.
Applied Vs Fundamental Research

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 & Applied research aims at finding a solution for an immediate problem
facing a society or an industrial/business organisation, whereas
fundamental research is mainly concerned with generalisations and
with the formulation of a theory.
& the central aim of applied research is to discover a solution for some
pressing practical problem, whereas basic research is directed towards
finding information that has a broad base of applications and thus,
adds to the already existing organized body of scientic knowledge.
Qualitative Vs Quantitative Research

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 ' Quantitative research is based on the measurement of quantity or
amount.
' Qualitative research, on the other hand, is concerned with qualitative
phenomenon, i.e.,phenomena relating to or involving quality or kind.
Conceptual Vs Empirical Research

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 ( Conceptual research is that related to some abstract idea(s) or theory.
( On the other hand, empirical research relies on experience or
observation alone, often without due regard for system and theory.
Motivation Towards Research

1 to get a research degree (Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)) along with its

benefits like better employment, promotion, increment in salary, etc.
2 to get a research degree and then to get a teaching position in a
college or university or become a scientist in a research institution
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 3 to get a research position in countries like U.S.A., Canada, Germany,
England, Japan, Australia, etc.
4 to acquire respectability
5 to get recognition
6 curiosity to find out the unknown facts of an event
7 curiosity to find new things
8 Desire to face the challenge in solving the unsolved problems, i.e.,
concern over practical problems initiates research
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 9 Desire to get intellectual joy of doing some creative work
10 Desire to be of service to society
Research Methods Vs Research Methodology

Research methods may be understood as all those methods/techniques that

are used for conduction of research. Research methods can be put into the
following three groups:

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 1 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;
2 The second group consists of those statistical techniques which are
used for establishing relationships between the data and the
unknowns;
3 The third group consists of those methods which are used to evaluate
the accuracy of the results obtained.

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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.
Research Formulation

) Research problem is a statement that wants to know what relation exist

among some variables.

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 ) A research problem, in general, refers to some difficulty which a
researcher experiences in the context of either a theoretical or
practical situation and wants to obtain a solution for the same.
) A research problem is one which requires a researcher to find out the
best solution for the given problem, i.e., to find out by which course of
action the objective can be attained optimally in the context of a given
environment. There are several factors which may result in making the
problem complicated.
Defining and formulating the research problem

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 * Defining a problem means: To pin-point the problem or defining a
problem to reach the core of the problem.
* “A problem clearly stated is a problem half solved”.
* Questions like: What data are to be collected? What characteristics of
data are relevant and need to be studied? What relations are to be
explored. What techniques are to be used for the purpose? and similar
other questions crop up in the mind of the researcher who can well
plan his strategy and find answers to all such questions only when the
research problem has been well defined.
Need for Defining a Problem
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The definition of a problem serves the following purposes:
1 The definition of a problem sets the direction of the study.
2 The definition reveals the methodology or procedure of the study.
3 The definition helps the researcher to control subjectivity or biases of
the researcher.
4 The definition of the problem suggests and specifies the variables to be
taken up into the investigation through a problem involved into so
many variables.

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 5 The-definition makes the research work practicable.

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Precautions are to be taken in identifying the problem

+ The research problem undertaken for study must be carefully selected. +

Help may be taken from a research guide in this connection.
+ A problem must spring from the researcher’s mind like a plant springing
from its own seed. If our eyes need glasses, it is not the optician alone
who decides about the number of the lens we require. We have to see
ourselves and enable him to prescribe for us the right number by

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 cooperating with him. Thus, a research guide can at the most only help
a researcher choose a subject.
The following precautions should be taken into consideration for identifying
problem.
1 The words used for defining a problem should have a single meaning.
2 The statement of the problem must be brief but comprehensive.
3 The assumptions are to be recognised for the study.
4 The problem should have practical importance in the field of
Education.
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 5 The definition or the statement of the problem should have certain
NELWIN [Link] N. R.
Steps in defining a problem

The following steps are to be followed in defining a problem:

1 Researcher should have to develop a conceptual framework of the
problem. The conceptual framework should be such that it can be
stated into verbal form.
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 2 Delimiting the elements of the problem.
3 Classifying the elements in the homogeneous group.
4 Locating the key-points in the conceptual framework.
5 Evaluating the theoretical security of the problem.
6 The final form of the statement can be given into verbal form to a
conceptual framework of the problem.
7 Deciding the practical difficulty in conducting the study.
Ways to Define the Problem
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The following are various ways of defining a problem:
1 Analyse the major problems or problems in terms of subordinate
problems.
2 Statement delimits the scope of the study.
3 Orientation of the problem in an unique direction:
1 A historical account, remote or recent.
2 A survey of previous study or related studies.
3 An analysis of previous studies or related subjects. 4 Preliminary survey.
4 Description of the general nature of the problem.
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 1 Type.
2 Source.
3 procedure.
5 Statement of limitations of the technique employed.
6 Recognitions of assumptions and Implications.
7 Importance-value or significance of the study of education.
8 Definition of terms.
Statement of Problem
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Kerlinger has identified three criteria of good Problem Statements.
1 A problem should be concerned with relation between two or more
variables.
2 It should be stated “clearly and unambiguously in question form.” 3
It should be amenable to empirical testing.
Characteristics of Problem

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A problem statement must have the following characteristics:
1 It should ask about a relationship between two or more variables.
2 It should be stated clearly and unambiguously, usually in question
form.
3 It should be possible to collect data or answer the questions asked.
4 It should not represent a moral or ethical position.

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Clarifying and Stating a Problem

It is essential for a researcher before he proceeds with his study that

he converts his tentative topic into a precise researchable problem.
Since a problem is broad infinite therefore it is wise for the researcher to
delimit or to narrow the range of the problem in terms of his interests
and skill.
For example, the problem can be stated in the following:

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Problem: “The relation of socio-economic status to creativity.” It is also
vague statement of a problem. It can be clarified and restated in the
following way:
Restatement: “A comparative study of the performance of student of
different socio-economic status on the items of the Baquer Mehdl creativity
test.”
Areas of the Research: Educational philosophy, Sociology, Educational
Curriculum development, Institutional material, Learning process, Teaching
methods, Teacher-education, Teachers behaviour, Educational
administration and supervision, Educational technology, etc.
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Delimiting a Problem

A study should be delimited by the following aspects:

1 A study should be delimited to certain variables that should be
mentioned clearly in the problem.
2 The study is delimited to the area or level as primary level, secondary
level, college or university level.
3 Again study is delimited to size of sample. Considering the time, energy
and money, but it should be a representative.
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 4 Method of Research: The best method should be used so that the
study should be delimited to the method only.
5 Measuring Instrument: There are lots of instruments are available but
all tools can not be used to measure. Thus the best available tool will
be used for measuring the variable.
6 Techniques of Research: A number of techniques can be used for
analysing data but most appropriate techniques should be used.
7 The other limitation should vary from problem to problem as every
problem has its own delimitations.
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Assumptions about the Problem

An assumption is the supposition that it is taken for granted to better

establish the scope, frame of reference and conditions under which the
study will be conducted. The following are the major purposes of
assumptions:
1 It makes the research work feasible.
2 It delimits the scope of the problem.
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 3 It establishes the proper frame of reference.
4 It sets forth certain conditions of the study.
5 It aids in the development of testable hypotheses.
6 It helps in establishing the population and extent of generalization.
7 It also determines the statistical limits for accepting and rejecting of
hypotheses.
Evaluation the Problem

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Before the proposed research problem can be considered appropriate,
several searching questions should be rasied.
1 Do the data exist upon which a solution may be based ?
2 Is the problem significant? Is an important principle involved ? Would
the solution make any difference as far as educational hero and
practice are concerned? If not, there are undoubtedly more significant
problems waiting to be investigated.
3 Is the problem a new one? Is the answer already available?
Evaluation of the Problem
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 1 Is the problem feasible? Will I be able to carry it through to a successful
conclusion? Some of the questions that should be raised are:
, Do I have the necessary competence to plan and carry out a study of this
type? Do I know enough about this field to understand its significant
aspects and to interpret my findings? Am I skilful enough to develop
administer, and interpret the necessary datagathering devices’ and
procedures? Am I well grounded in the necessary knowledge of
statistical techniques?
, Are pertinent data accessible? Are valid and reliable data gathering
devices and procedures available ? Will school authorities permit me to
contact the students to conduct necessary experiments or administer
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 necessary tests, interview teachers or have access to important
cumulative records? Will I be able to get the sponsorship necessary to
open doors that otherwise would be closed to me ?
Evaluation of the Problem

, Will I have the necessary financial resources to carry on this study? What
will be the expense involved in data-gathering equipment, printing,
test, materials, travel and clerical help? If the project is an expensive

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 one, what is the possibility of getting a grant from a philanthropic
foundations or agency?
, Will I have enough time to complete the project? Will there be time to
devise the procedures, select the data gathering devices, gather and
analyse the data, and complete the research report?
, Will I have the courage and determination to pursue the study inspite of
the difficulties and social hazards that may be involved ? Will I be
willing to work aggressively when data are difficult to gather and when
others are reluctant to co-operate? Will I be willing to risk the criticism,

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 suspicion, or even opposition that a delicate or controversial study may
raise?
The Research Proposal or Synopsis

The synopsis contains a clear and concise statement of the problem, the
hypothesis involved, a recognition of the significance of the problem,
definitions of the important terms, assumptions and limitations, a resume
of related literature, an analysis of proposed research producers, and a
time schedule. A research proposal includes. the following essential parts:

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 1 The Problem and statement of the problem.
2 The Review of literature or theoretical framework of the study.
3 The Hypotheses and objectives.
4 The Methodology and procedure of the study.
5 Educational implications or significance of the problem.
6 Definitions, assumptions and delimitations.
7 A tentative structure of the report.

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 8 Bibliography.
Criteria for Evaluating Proposal or Synopsis

The following are the some criteria which are commonly used for this
purpose:
1 Significance of the proposed research for Indian education, including:
1 Importance of the problem area from the standpoint of basic knowledge
of problems of Indian education.

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 2 Likely magnitude of the addition that will be made to knowledge if the
project is successful, including the generalizability of the results.

2 Quality of the proposed research project, including such

considerations as :
1 Extent to which the application exhibits through knowledge of pertinent
previous work and relates the proposed research to it.
2 Likelihood of success of the project.
3 Adequacy of design, methodology and tools, where appropriate.
Criteria for Evaluating Proposal or Synopsis
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 1 Qualifications of the investigator and professional personnel as
evidenced by :
1 Experiences and previous research productivity.
2 Quality of the discussion and analysis in the application.

2 Adequacy of the facilities and arrangements available to the

investigator to conduct the proposed study.
3 Reasonableness of the budget for the work to be done and the
anticipated results.

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